I Work For It

A few weeks ago after church I was chatting it up with some friends…a girlfriend I grew up with and the wife of a family friend.  As we were chatting, out of the blue, the wife said I used to have a cute little figure like this (pointing to me)….but after the last baby I can’t shake the weight. The wife has had 5 beautiful kids – the last one she was one bed rest for almost a month and a half. But the baby is 2 years old now.

I remember thinking…I work for this cute little figure. But a few moments later, someone else joined our group and started a new discussion topic. Distracted, we never returned back to the conversation. But, her comment got me thinking….

Once upon a time, I might have believed that some people were blessed with better genes. The genes that let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want, however much they want. The kind of genes that allow them to relax on the couch or take leisurely strolls while others tirelessly toil away in a gym .

But, now I know that those people are few and far between. Many of seemingly easy slim people do the things to stay slim consciously or unconsciously – in their food selections and/or activity levels. If they do not, then for most, its only a matter of time before unhealthy food and exercise choices catches up with them – in terms of extra weight, lackluster hair, nails, skin; higher blood pressure; unruly blood sugar; and/or a myriad of other health issues.

I WORK FOR IT.

I realize that more than ever that healthy, strong bodies aren’t made with a 6 or 8 week six program or 7 easy steps to fabulous abs, 3 moves for toned arms, and 5 exercises to a great put. But, week after week and month after month and year after year.  I don’t expect my body to be in bombshell shape by walking a few miles a few times a week. Fit, yes. Little Black Dress – Summer Shorts – Heck, Bikini - Ready, no. Bombshell shape happens to those who work consistently for it and really challenge themselves.  So, I walk, run, squat, lunge, pushup, sit-up, lift weights, and a hundred other things to get my healthy, strong body. A body that can run miles at a time, teach aerobics classes, and lift pounds & pounds of weights comes from hard work.

I WORK FOR IT.

I realize now more than ever that what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat it matters. Cute little figures aren’t well maintained by only eating salads, drinking diet cokes, and skipping the bread baskets. Healthy, strong bodies aren’t created by eliminating a food group or a food item for a week or two (no carrots, or potatoes, or corn) or majoring on a certain food group for a week (eating nothing but cabbage soup). I say no to indulgent foods on a regular basis treating myself with healthy choices – yogurts, fruits, hummus & pitas. But, I occasionally I indulge – so that I don’t feel deprived. I challenge myself day after day to get varied, balanced meals of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy.

 I WORK FOR IT.

It took years for me to understand this concept fully. Even as I type this now, I feel like I still learning it. I have a good deal of say in my cute little shape - whether I fully realize it or not. I am just like so many others who work hard day in and day out to get the results they want. 


I WORK FOR IT.