You’ve heard of the “Freshman 15.”
You’ve heard of the “Spare Tire.”
But have you heard of “Bloggers Butt?”
Well, I am here today to tell you it does exist. And I have the blown out pants to prove it.
Many bloggers out there have been able to work hard at fighting this phenomenon while sadly I have not. I hope to change that though, with hopefully your help.
So first off I want to tell you my Story
I used to be skinny. Oh yes, back in high school. I was one of the kids that could eat ANYTHING and stay the same weight. I could eat junk food, no problem. Fries, hamburgers…the more the merrier. Life was good. (Note: I wasn’t super skinny or anything…I have always been average – I was 5.5 inches and weighed around 125-130. I was in good shape though and did all kinds of sports so some of that was muscle).
Then came marriage, and after a few years pregnancy occurred. Something changed in me during that 9 months…my metabolism stopped working. I ate the same foods I always ate but gained 70 lbs when I delivered at 32 weeks (I had twins who came early. ) The sad thing is that the twins together didn’t even weigh 8 lbs…so, yeah I was a gainer. It took a good 6 months, but I was back to where I was before weight wise. However as anyone that’s had a baby knows…your body is never quite the same as before. Hello stretch marks, extra tummy skin and saggy boobs!!
Then 5 years later (yes…having twins scared me to have more kids) we decided to have another baby. This time I knew what my body does to me when I am pregnant with my metabolism, however I still didn’t control what I ate. So I gained 50 lbs this time with just one baby inside. It took another 6 months, but got almost back down to my weight – just 5 lbs over. Then a few years later I had my 4th baby – and another 5lbs decided to stick around on my body.
I then decided to work at it a bit to lose those pounds, and so I tried some diets including Body for Life, and exercising at the gym. The exercise did change my body shape which made me really happy. But as for the diet…I tried and failed. I did 2.5 weeks on the Body For Life diet (without cheating). When I stepped on the scale after that 17 days and saw that I hadn’t lost one pound I was so irritated!! I gave up, went out and had me some fast food and the next day I had lost 3 lbs! I tell you…its all mental for me or something. I am fairly sure dieting makes my body release something that causes me to hold onto the weight – or that is what I tell myself. So anyways, whenever I work out my body shape does change, but since I don’t last long on diets it would also come right back when I stopped working out.
Fast forward to then starting my blog around 3 years ago. I was looking GOOOOD people…good!!
I mean look at me – here I am when my son turned 1 – pre-blog days. I look at me wearing my favorite jeans that I grew too fat for. *Sigh* By the way, I still have those jeans hanging in my closet – even though its been like 3 years now that I haven’t fit into them. But I hold onto them thinking and hoping that my body will magically lose weight and I will fit them again. The dream is still alive….
Then I began blogging. I slowly added more and more time online. 1 hour a day to 2 -3 hours. And as my blog has grown I find I spend more hours than that even sometimes. Not to mention I LOVE to EAT! Ack. Long story short – I have allowed my body to gain 15-20 lbs in the past 3 years! And at least 5lbs have gone to my butt for sure…..thus the jeans with the torn out bum.
After the first year of blogging I did try to fight my weight gain – and for about 4 months I trained to do a 5k race. I hated running, but I loved the feeling when I was done. I lost probably 5-9 lbs and felt like I had a lot of energy.
Me finishing up my first and only 5k.
After that race I felt really accomplished, however I pretty much never ran again. Or exercised for that matter. I think I just reached a “level of maturity” where I don’t really care what anyone thinks about my body – and I like me for me, no matter what size. But the problem is that I never seem to FEEL good, and when I exercise I remember feeling good. And when I eat healthy I FEEL good as well, instead of all the bad stuff. I would like to fit into those jeans as well.
So…my dear lovely readers – here is where I am hoping you can offer your advice to me. I know there have got to be some of you out there that have successfully lost weight. I need your HELP deciding what would be a great way for me to lose weight and melt away my bloggers butt.
I am letting you all decide what I should do!
Please help me!! I am going to compile your responses here and on facebook and the #1 talked about thing I should do I am going to do it and keep you all posted with any or all results.
Here are some of the popular ideas I have been thinking about:
- Start running 3x a week and training for a race again
- Start Jillians 30 day shred
- Go Vegan (Vegetarian)
- Hire a personal trainer
- Advocare
- Do P90X
- Join a Gym and do Zumba or other classes
- Do nothing * I have been leaning a lot towards this one…ha ha…
- Drink protein shakes 2x a day and eat a healthy small dinner
- Weight Watchers
- Other diets – just anything but that lemonade cleanse diet (shudder).. I can’t stand cayenne pepper and gagged it down for a few days before quitting. Please don’t make me do this one..
So….let me know what you think I should do! Please leave a comment below or on my facebook page and I will compile the results in the next couple of days and let you know your most popular choice for me.
If you share your vote as to what I should do…I might just share my “before” picture with you. And I cannot think of anything worse than sharing a before picture. Your eyes…your poor poor eyes. The picture may or may not cause some damage. 😉
About Karrie
Food is my love language. But so is saving money. So I like to combine the two a lot and make thrifty make ahead and freeze meals to save time. Because life is busy, and freezer meals can come to the rescue for all of us. And yes, they actually CAN taste good. Read more...
Comments & Reviews
Jess says
I have been using the myfitnesspal ap and it is so awesome. It keeps track of my calories each day and if I work out I get to eat more. Very rewarding. I say use this to count calories and excersize as well.
Alissa says
I’ll vouch for the 30 day shred–I started doing it about when my 3 year old was 6 months–I’ve done it off and on since–I’ve tried other videos as well but keep going back to that one. I only do it 2-3 times a week (when I’m on a good schedule). I’m sure doing it 5 days a week you’d see results faster. I like it because it gives me what I need but doesn’t take all of my time (I’ve got 4 kids too so I don’t feel like I have the time to spend an hour or more)–it’s only 25 minutes and done.
Karrie says
Thanks, I have been wondering about the 30day shred..and have heard really great things about it.
Stephanie says
I say join a gym (classes)/ run as well as change your daily eating habits. I started this about 8mths ago and have lost about 22lbs. Nothing astonishing to some, but for me it has been amazing! I will admit its harder to eat lighter and exercise in the winter, but I like getting to the gym for some “me” time. I track my eating on livestrongs my plate so I know what I am taking in. Its all about small changes. I think if you try to change your whole life at once you are bound to fail. Diets never last, but a lifestyle change will.
Good luck! I look forward to reading about your progress!
Karrie says
Stephanie – 22 lbs is amazing!! I do love going to the gym..its inspiring looking at others around you working out plus once youre in the class it would be hard to leave if you got tired…lol
Marissa says
No fad diets, books, or specially purchased foods or supplements here! I am the mother of 5 boys ages 14, 12, 9, 7, & 1. When boy number 4 was about 3.5 years old & I was 30, I found myself weighing in at 179 lbs. (In high school I weighed 135 lbs at 5’6″.) It was at this point, in July of 2008, that my parents, sibs, all our spouses, and I did a biggest loser type contest. I ended up coming in 2nd, weighing just 142 lbs. in late October of that year. So I had lost 37 lbs. in about 4 months. I did this by eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. I pretty much eliminated pre-packaged & fast food, drank mostly water & nonfat milk with juice occasionally, and seasoned my foods with garlic, herbs, and regular salt & pepper. I did away with bottled sauces or marinades for my meats, butter on rolls (which I still do not use much & don’t miss it), and mayo on sandwiches (mustard instead). I used the spray dressing on my salads most of the time, or watched my ranch amounts more carefully. I began doing a short exercise routine each day, which consisted of 10 sit ups, 10 crunches, 5-10 push ups, 10 squats, 10 lunges, and various stretches. After a bit, I increased to 20 of each. This all took maybe 10 mins. a day, 5 days per week. I would also ride my bike for a few blocks a couple times per week. And here comes the crucial part, I made sure to eat a small treat almost daily. Usually it was about half a cookie, probably 4 or 5 days per week. This kept me from experiencing the deprivation that often pushes people off the wagon. Portion control, eating whole foods, and a small increase in physical activity helped me shed the pounds! That and the biggest loser incentive. (We had each pitched in a little money as a prize, which my sister won!) It is my experience that “diets” are not as effective as readjusting ones food & exercise outlook & lifestyle when it comes to longevity. Also, maybe try starting up a biggest loser type challenge amongst your family, friends, church group, or even your blog followers to give a little more motivation! Worked for me. Now, post-baby #5, I need to get at it again!
Karrie says
I love the idea of the biggest loser challenge…it could be fun! Wow you lost 47 lbs in 4 months..what an inspiration. I dont know how you could only eat 1/2 cookie each day…I would look at the other half longingly and feel sorry for it sitting there all half eaten..LOL But no, really I do think it is smart to have just a little bit of something thats a treat, very smart. Thanks for your story..l am feeling quite motivated!
Emily says
Hey Karrie, I feel your pain, and hang onto some skinny pre-baby clothes myself 🙂 I have never been big on diets because I don’t feel like they work….in fact they talked about it on the Today show the other morning and they basically said that diets eventually sabotage your body and screw up your metabolism. It was interesting, so here’s the link for that story.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041426/#45884133
I think just eating more sensibly and keeping in mind your total calories will always help in the battle of the bulge. As far as exercise goes- find something you like to do! Group fitness classes, running, videos, whatever YOU will enjoy and be able to stick with will bring you results. It is all about what will work for your lifestyle, so if it isn’t something you like and can see yourself doing long term, then it won’t work for you long term. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear what you decide, and I think you are already off to a great start by making your goals super public. I know the accountability factor always motivates me.
Kelly C says
As a group fitness instructor and personal trainer I ahbe to say join a gym and try classes. Hiring a trainer would be great too! Classes are far more cost effective and are great at motivating people to work hard! At least my classes are 🙂 just make sure yu take a variety of classes. Don’t let your body get used to just one thing. Bootcamp, cycle, step, Zumba,etc. all great classes!
You can do it!!!!!
Brittany (Loyalcouponer.com) says
I have vowed to document every stretch mark and extra roll of fat to rant about to my kids when they’re teens. I will echo your *sigh* here.
I was extremely successful with Weigh Watchers a few years back. My problem is I have a hard time getting away from the house (kiddos, job, blogging, etc.) so the meetings just wouldn’t work for me right now.
If you have good will power I think that the Weight Watchers online program is ideal. I like that you have lots of freedom to eat what you want but they encourage moderation. Plus, I don’t know if you’ve tried their Smart Ones meals, but they’re quite good!
I feel your pain but am excited to hear about what method you choose. Send some motivation my way please! 😉
Heidi says
I am now trying the 17 Day Diet. I am in the first phase yet and haven’t lost anything yet. Probably because I have snuck some carbs in. I am a carb junkie! I go on the treadmill 3 times a week. And I also am doing Chalene Johnson’s–Chalene Extreme exercise program. It is some cardio, but mostly weight training with dumbells. MUSCLE BURNS FAT! So whatever you do, lift some weights too. Something else I learned is that being dehydrated hinders weight loss. So I am drinking more water now. Green tea is supposed to rev up your metabolism too. So I am drinking it and taking the pills too. If I had the time and money, I would get a personal trainer. Then you are held accountable so to speak. It is easy to just say, “oh that’s good enough. I’ll stop at 10 reps” etc.
Niki says
I am a true believer that your body is 85% diet and 15% activity. So I say to do 2 protein drinks a day with your 3 meals being appropriate with protein/carbs/fat proportions and maybe even a snack in the mix. There are VERY tastey protein drink recipes out there so those are nothing to be afraid of. Of course I would then also recommend some type of physical activity in there as well but I say at least start with this meal plan for 2-4 weeks then we can talk physical activity. I am back to my pre-baby shape after twins and it really only took me about 4-5 months but of course mine came early too but none the less the body did change but now is back.
Erin J. says
one of the keys i found to losing weight or not losing it is your water intake. we have been told to drink 64oz of water a day. this is actually an average. we technically should be drinking half our body weight in ounces. So say you weigh 150lbs you should be drinking 75oz of water. Also our bodies tend to trick us into thinking we are hungry but actually we are thirsty. whenever you feel hungry try drinking a glass of water and waiting a half hour. if you are still hungry then eat something then. I have found this does curb my hunger and i dont snack near as much.
Stacy says
Go Vegan !!! I am a stay at home Mom with three kids. I dont have time to worry about following a diet plan, or kill myself exersizing. I have been Vegan for two years now and have lost and kept off 22lbs, with no effort. The weight just melted off. My skin and hair has never looked better.
My husband who is a tough as nails Logger has also gone Vegan 🙂 This is my favorite blog for everyday meals.
http://www.peasandthankyou.com.
Miss Jay says
My suggestion if you want to make a change that is lasting (and not just lose a quick few pounds that you will gain back) is to make a change that you can continue for the rest of your life. Because if you do something drastic, once you hit your goal, you have no picture for what ‘normal’ living is supposed to look like, and chances are really good you will fall into old habits.
Deb Timm says
Exercise at least five times a week (first thing in the am if possible) for an hour mixing cardio (walking, running zumba, etc.) weight training and core (yoga, pilates). Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seafood, and chicken. Get rid of processed foods for the most part and eat only small amounts of red meat. Drink plenty of water and get rid of soda period. Don’t completely cut out any food that you love…moderation is the trick. Also, try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Tricky with small kids, but necessary for weight loss. Don’t think of it as a diet…just a positive life style change. 🙂
Michele Docy says
I’ve had success with MRC (Metabolic Research Center), but it’s really expensive. I found an alternative at http://www.dietdirect.com. You can buy 4, 8, and 12 week kits along with stuff individually. 1000-1200 calories a day and I’m walking on the treadmill around 3.5 mph a day for 30 minutes. So far so good! Since the beginning of the month I’m down 12.5 llbs (although I think I have more to lose than you!). http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-womens-diet-plan.aspx Since I’m a single mom and work full-time this program is super easy for me! No real food planning involved!
Almondy Roque says
Wouldnt it be fun to have a biggest looser contest with your readers? I know I would love the challenge.
Karrie says
That would be awesome!!
Leslie Konshuk says
I applaud all you hard workers that I see posted above me. I too have some pounds to shed…the spare tire, the saggy boobs and bloggers butt! I didn’t break 100lbs until I went to college, and today after two babies, broken ankle (4months bed rest), daily dealings with my moms Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia and chronic 24/7 migraines…I am the luckiest 185lb woman! I have a hubby of 25 years that loves me, 2 fab. boys that keeps me laughing, and lots of siblings and family on my side and my hubbies side that keeps me going! We lost my mom a few days before Christmas, but me and my sisters were by her side, and I know she is dancing with my dad in heaven! But what all does this have to do with you getting rid of those pesty pounds?
I tried Positive Changes, diets, watching what I ate…but nothing worked. I threw up my hands and gave up! I let it all go! I quit stressing about the weight and yesterday I realized my pants were baggy. I’ve lost 12 pounds doing nothing but taking time to play with my family and friends. I went shopping with my sister, took a beading class with a friend, went bowling with my hubby and boys. I’ve chased after several great nieces and nephews, and danced to Richard Simmons DVD’s! When I’m with friends I find I order salads more when we go out to eat, and now tonight I’ve got some friends coming over to play cards…that will keep me from after dinner snacking.
So my advice is just to enjoy your life. When the weather is good…go for a run or run after your kids and play a game! Take a dancing class with a friend….diets don’t work and forcing yourself to exercise is setting your self up for failure! I love your site and your humor. I can tell by your writing that you have enough spark to melt that bloggers butt away! The saggy boobs? Try the new Ahh Bra!
Karrie says
Oh my goodness…you have me laughing SO hard over here. The new Ahh Bra.. I will be googling that..lol.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment. It’s SO true! I find when I am busy having fun, or playing with my kids and enjoying life I lose weight because I am not sitting around bored and eating all day long just because.
The problem is this blog of mine is a big passion and a business for me. I can easily spend like 4-5 hours or more on my butt… just doing stuff. Plus I get obsessive/compulsive and have a hard time walking away when there is a smokin hot deal to post. I have totally felt like quitting so many times just so I would want to go and play all day doing things I used to do, but I LOVE this blog so much. So I must keep it going and find ways to move more after I am offline. I have older kids doing sports so at night I am the driver (still sitting on my butt). But I am going to think on your comment alot…ponder on it for awhile. Its really got me thinking…
Oh and how funny about ordering salads when you go out with friends. SO true…always tryin to be the cool healthy one..LOL. When deep down we really want those fries…okay – maybe that’s just me..ha
Rachel says
homesteadmom2many – I just read your story and have some questions for you as I have been going through some similar health issues. Would you mind e mailing me @ rachelbankhead@aol.com?
Eva says
Ideal Protein!!! I’m doing it right now, the garantie loosing 3-5 pounds per week for women. It works, someone i know lost 120 lbs in 6 months, i have been on it for 6 days now and have lost 7 lbs (first week is always the most). The food they give you, mainly protein, make you body only burn fat, no muscle. The first 4 days was horible, I was SO hungry, but now that my body has shifted over from burning muscle to only burning fat i’m not hungry, i sure do crave good foods, but i’m not hungry, and it makes it easier to stay on track. Its a bit spendy, $300 joining fee. that includes you first months vitamins, all you weigh ins and coaching as well as breakfat, lunch and a snack for the first week. you only have to make your own dinner, all other food is provided, after that it runs about $70-$85 per week. Do this for a month and you’ll fit into your old jeans again 🙂
homesteadmom2many says
Hi Karrie…
Let me tell you a lil story as well… to back up another’s input as well as to help you set “realistic” goals.
In 2004 I gave birth to our “miracle” child. reversal baby #1… baby #2, bringing our blended family to 5. In 2005 I had some cosmetic surgery done to help along those sags… I felt wonderful I thought… and like you had had no problems in getting my petite weight back. The typical suburban mom as a den leader is scouting, sitting on two school boards, helping in coaching little league, soccer and basketball. I worked full time for ReMax doing property mgmt and office manager, and then opened my own business once I had my own license…
In 2006 I began to get really really tired and NOT FEEL GOOD… and I hit a wall of emotional despair when my grandpa passed on. And I had changed careers and was pretty overwhelmed and hoped a vacation would help… by 2007 I had been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia… and a slew of “anxiety” disorders that pretty much put a wrench in my life goals… as I was told I would never work again because my short term memory is shot and too much stress puts me in bed.
In
. 2007 we decided after much traditional medicine not working for my sensitivity to EVERYTHING I reached out to the homeopathic world for insight. All I kept finding was organic blah blah blah… I ALSO WATCHED FOOD INC! As our finances dwindled with one income waiting to win my disability claim that took 22 months… we did the unthinkable…
We moved out of our coastal home in hopes to sell it and moved inland and purchased 3 small acres and have began our new life homesteading… Being sick in bed gave me lots of time to research online what I needed to do to get my health back as much as I will ever have it. I learned to coupon immediately to save money… as we had none! ( A two fold blessing, putting food on the table and keeping my mind busy with mathmatics and researching deals) We had always dabbled in gardening but we now all these years later have taken gardening to an extreme level. (Hubby is finishing a cold house as we speak) We grow our own meats as well, so we have a large chicken coop that houses poultry of many kinds. We keep rabbits for manure and yes food too as its better than chicken for people with heart conditions… We have two cows that take up the front 1.5 acres… and they will feed our family now of 6 (two years ago I gave birth to reversal baby #2) for years to come…occasionally we have pigs and sheep.
It has all taken time but keeps me “active”… I am not a gym goer (boring) and I have all the equipment in the shop if I was really interested…lol
Having critters and the large garden forces me out of bed… the calves need their bottles, the ducklings we discovered a few days ago need attention as its not quite spring yet… I taught myself to can.. an old art that needs revived… so I know exactly whats in my tomato sauce… because I grew them, picked them and processed them. All very invigorating physical activities… that keep my arthritis at bay as long as I am moving!
although we took an extreme route for our lives… I am asking you to look at the root of what you are trying to accomplish. To FEEL good and GET HEALTHY!
As with me… I will never be 112 lbs again (and I am currently trying to lose 10 lbs too)… but I wanted to FEEL healthy. I have achieved this mostly through SMALL LIFE CHANGES MADE EVERY DAY! Diets don’t work because diets are temporary.
Start small… change your oil. Check into Rice Oil. Canola oil is made from the rapeseed and is a step above industrial oil used to lube big rigs… and its in everything! Between that and olive oil you will feel better…
after you have everything in a couple of weeks eliminated and replaced at home with healthier “oils”… start in with dyes… take a good month or more to really eliminate and replace with healthier versions of “jello” made with red40 and yellow! Find products colored with beets and mangos… its possible.
research and replace a weeks menu with quinoa and whole grains instead of white rice and white bread… I could go on and on, but you can email privately if you really want nutritional info… and yes… there are lots of organic healthy coupons out there!
Walk… Walk… Walk… running was fun, but walking briskly can accomplish cardio just as well and is not as demanding on you… and you will stick with it longer…
Just my 2 cents… I am a perfectionist at heart and hate to fail… so fibromyalgia no longer has me… I have my Fibro. Being realistic and taking small steady steps will help you in the long run.
Love your blog… I am eager to watch your progress with this…
Chelle in SW OR
ps.. I have my skinny jeans hanging in the closet too… maybe one day! maybe!
Karrie says
Wow – I am speechless…that is amazing what you have been through and the path your family has taken. Actually I was planning on trying some fun homesteading things this year myself – and cannot wait! Thanks for all your advice, I am sure I will be contacting you for more info on some things… thank you!
Bianca says
After baby number 5 I did the South Beach diet really strict for a month. I lost about 12 pounds. Then I decided to do the 30 day shred with Jillian and I lost the rest of the weight. I LOVE Jillian Michael’s video’s. I honestly feel like I push my body to the limit every morning and it only takes 30 minutes. My thing is, if I am going to take the time, I want to see results and feel better and with her video’s I do. And I can do them as early or as late as I want and not leave my home. By the way, Costco in Kennewick has several of them right now for 7.99. Good luck!!!