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Yes, I Exercise Regularly and Eat Well, But I’m Still Not ‘Thin’
I’ve been labeled with a plethora of terms throughout my life (trust me, the comment sections can get interesting), but “dainty” has never been one of them. Let’s just say I’m not exactly built like a ballerina, and according to those BMI charts, I might be carrying a tad more weight than what’s deemed acceptable. I proudly rock a pear shape, my arms jiggle when I’m seasoning my food (okay, maybe I overdo it a bit), and let’s not forget the lovely rolls that make an appearance whenever I sit down. Oh, and there’s a “flap” that I have to tuck into my jeans – bonus points for that!
Now, this would all make perfect sense if I were just lounging on the couch while devouring ice cream nightly. But that’s far from the case. In fact, I’m the polar opposite. I work as a group fitness instructor at two gyms, and even on days when I’m not leading classes, I make sure to squeeze in at least 30 minutes of exercise at home. If I go more than a day or two without moving, I start to feel as sluggish as a sloth on a lazy day.
I’ve even managed to combine my “day job” — writing (you know, the desk-bound kind) — with movement; thanks to an app on my phone, I can jot down my articles while strolling around my house. This little hack nets me an extra 5,000 steps daily. On average, I strut around with 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day (thanks to my trusty Fitbit), which is like walking 7 to 10 miles. My blood pressure is remarkably low, my resting heart rate screams athlete, and I often astonish people with my agility and cat-like reflexes (fine, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit). I strive to ensure that at least 80% of my meals consist of nutritious foods to fuel all this activity.
Physically and metabolically, I’m the epitome of health. But my thighs? They still resemble cottage cheese in a casing. There’s still some junk in my trunk, and honestly, I think it’s here to stay. And you know what? I’m totally fine with that.
I haven’t always embraced this healthy lifestyle. There was a time when I tipped the scales at nearly 300 pounds after having my third child, and my idea of exercise was getting up occasionally to chase after my kids. I felt awful, both physically and emotionally, but the thought of making a change felt like trying to climb Mount Everest without any gear.
The wake-up call came when my son accidentally recorded a video of me rummaging through the fridge, with my belly spilling out of a tank top that was clearly too tight. It was a moment of revelation, and I knew I had to act. It took two years, but I shed over a hundred pounds and discovered a newfound passion for physical activity that I never thought I’d have.
Fast forward seven years, and I’ve been working out regularly and making healthier food choices ever since. Despite my weight loss, “thin” is still not a word I’d use to describe myself. My body stubbornly clings to those extra pounds like a lifeguard clings to their whistle. For instance, during my fourth pregnancy, I was at the peak of my fitness game — teaching eight hours a week in my first trimester and six hours right up until my due date — and I still managed to gain 50 pounds. Not 15. Fifty. But my doctor reassured me that both the baby and I were thriving. “Some people,” he said, “just naturally hold onto more weight than others.” Spoiler alert: I am one of those people.
However, I’ve learned to embrace my body as it is, wobbliness and all. Sure, there are days when I feel bloated and uncomfortable, but overall, I feel good in my clothes (and my husband seems to agree, often complimenting me with a cheeky “nice pants” and a wink). It’s time to shift our perspective that fitness equates to being thin. You can absolutely be fit without being svelte. Trust me, I’m living proof.
I take pride in my body for all that it can do. I’m healthy and strong, even if I’m still missing those coveted Jillian Michaels abs and Michelle Obama arms. I mean, they’re probably hiding beneath a layer of fluff somewhere!
If you’re curious about more tips and resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent piece on intracervical insemination. And for those looking for reliable information, the CDC offers a great resource on infertility and pregnancy. Plus, if you’re interested in at-home options, Make a Mom has a fantastic selection of home insemination kits.
In summary, embracing health and fitness doesn’t always mean conforming to societal standards of thinness. It’s about being active, making healthier choices, and loving your body for what it can achieve.