Like every new mom, I’m sure โฆ I have a hate love hate relationship with my body. Ok, there are those moms that bounced back right away or those moms that just LOVE their tiger stripes but I do feel like many of us, bounce between โI am proud of my body and WHAT IN THE SAM HELL IS THIS ROLL!?!?โ Lol. I am lucky โฆ Iโm naturally tiny with some curves and I do knowโฆ that I am NOT fat … but does that mean I LOVE my post baby at37-year-old body?? Not all the time โฆ sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t … which I think is pretty normal for the most part.
After having Leo and I thought I would be going to the gym like CRAZY to try and get my pre-baby body back and the truth is, I haven’t been. I know Iโve written a few “get fit” blogs in the last year โฆ but I feel like I have to admit to you guys โฆ Iโm yo-yoing and I just can’t get into the groove!!! Lately, I’ve been eating like crap and indulging in Rosรฉ and I honestly … don’t care! LOL, I have been so focused on my state of mind and renewing a sense of “quality of life” โฆ that I just have put “working out” on the back burner.
Some days I’m like “Damn I look good” and other days I look in the mirror and think to myself “WTF!! What happened to my body and where did this flabby tummy come from?!” … but do you want to know the best part about this?? This is the FIRST time in a LONG TIME that I have been able to just take it easy and not really care and oddly enough I’m BEYOND happy about it. I’m happy and proud of my body and what it’s been through over the last couple of years … our bodies are pretty freakin amazing and I think we’re too hard on ourselves!!
It’s funny how your mindset and confidence change when you just accept how you look in the mirror … the only person who truly cares about your body and the way it looks and feels is YOU! And if you’re at peace with how things are, it’ll feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders (even though there might be a lil more under them … LOL!!) … you’ll laugh a little more, you’ll cannonball into that pool like nobody’s business and you’ll eat those chips with your fourth glass of rosรฉ!!! Sometimes it’s important to just “let go” … and allow yourself to enjoy the little things. Sure, balance is key and you don’t want to OVER indulge all of the time but I think it’s incredible to let your crazy expectations go once in a while and just be YOU.
So hey, while my body isn’t what I feel like is “perfect” or the way it “should be” I’m pretty damn happy about it and I’m letting go of any and ALL pressure over it this summer. I’m going to kick back and allow myself to get some quality R&R, spend as much time outside with Leo, Justin and Nacho and not give a damn about what I look like doing it.
And that’s why I’m not going to the gym right now. Bottoms up, ladies and gents. LOL!
xo
Jilly
amen to that sister!
God bless you, Jillian! You should look in the mirror and say “I love me!” I have hated my fat thighs, flabby arms, … blah blah blah for so long. I’ve had 3 kids. I quit working out to help care for granddaughters. I have been through breast cancer and now I just love me no matter what I look like. I enjoy every day (or try my best) I am caregiver for my 96 year old (going concern) dad. You are on the right page! Just love your family and enjoy each day. We will never be perfect.
Way to go. Wish there was someone like you 38 yrs ago to listen to.
Bravo lady!! ????
I relate to this so much! My daughter was born August 20. 2016 and I just started to work out 4 days ago LOL I told myself 100 times I was going to work out when she was napping but then I just wanted to nap too.
I love all your posts! You always make me laugh.. thanks for being real xo
My Daughter has the same birthday! Saw that and just had to say so ๐ Happy (almost) 1st bday to your little one!
I needed this post right now. I’ve been struggling with accepted a little weight gain after getting married last summer. Last summer I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off and nothing about last summer was normal. Of course I’ve gained some weight back and some days it bothers me more then others. Over all though, I am happy and I just need to get to that state where I know it’s OK to be happy. Sure I’d love to lose that 10 pounds but hopefully over time I’ll get my butt back into gear and do it.
Thank you for this post, I’ll be sharing it with a few friends who I know could use this read!
Enjoy your summer, we all know it’s short lived here in Canada.
Thank you for allowing me to love your confidence and feel the same why about my body. Jillianbharris you are my muse and a great person. Thank you for remembering the love you have for yourself and to be confident in your self inside and outโก
I am so with you on this. Thanks for posting! We just moved to Kelowna from Vancouver and I have a 1.5 year old son. I want to have more kids so part of me just wants to wait til I’m done having kids to really focus on losing the baby weight! Also enjoy my wine too much for the gym to make much of a difference these days. When in the okanagan! ๐ right?
You are awesome Jillian….just a down to earth person. Enjoy reading what u have to say ๐
Love this!!!! โค๏ธ Always love reading your blog and seeing your posts! Have a great rest of the summer and cheers to the rosรฉ and sweet time with our babes ??
Its so nice to see someone who is totally normal and honest! I adore you!
Woot! Woot! You look great and with a mindset like that you look like you are in love with life!! Keep it up! I am sure Justin can’t keep his hands off you and enjoys having a glass of wine and pizza with you from time to time vs having a neurotic can’t eat that, gym crazed “I feel fat” fiancรฉ. I often have to give myself a talking to about hating my body and what my priorities are. We seem to forget about moderation in life these days. Keep up the great work and for keeping it real!
Jillian, you are just the BEST!!!
I think your perspective is something we all need to hear and I admire your courage for saying so! You’re beauty! You go girl!!
Love this!โค๏ธ You just inspired me to have a glass of Rose’ tonight? Random question, where are your pajamas from in the pic of you sipping the champagne?
They’re from Nordstrom!! http://rstyle.me/n/crumqyzb96 XOXO
Well I’m very happy you are feeling great. Enjoy life with your loved ones. Make the most of life as it passes too quickly.
Great post!!!!! It’s a cinstantbstruggle for all of us!!!!!
This! This is exactly what I needed to read. My little guy turns 1 in a month and Im feeling the same way.
Thank you for writing this. I have been the queen of yoyo-ing with the gym, and Ive had crazy guilt about neglecting the yoga studio because I just want to spend the summer chilling with my little guy.
This year has been the best and worst of my life and Im starting to learn that I deserve some downtime. This might be the only summer I have off with my family so Im going to soak it up!
Jill=Major INSPO!
You look wonderful, just be happy
I hear ya sister! Do your thing!! I am having my own after baby body dilemmas. It is so much better to sit with a glass of wine, relax, and watch my little guy grow. It goes so fast. It doesn’t help that getting back into shape at 36 is much harder than 25 or 30….eek! Leo is precious and I have a feeling based on your instastories that if he and Pearse, my 12 month old met, they would be fast little friends.
Awesome article Jill!
xo
I really love this? I’m hard on myself after having my two littles , Thank you for this reminder!! Your posts make me happy lol
You have a lot to be proud of.. time passes quickly, enjoy every moment..
Please remember that you maybe tiny And blessed, but women come in all sizes and shapes.. your clothing line nerds to reflect this as so every size can enjoy
Your great line!
I absolutely loved this. Thank you for reminding me. โค๏ธ
I was just having a conversation with my one of my friends about post-baby weight! My youngest is 16 months and it’s been tougher to lose the weight after this one. It doesn’t help that my husband and relatives comment on my weight; that is, they say I am fat. Thank you for always keeping it real. You so deserve the break to enjoy yourself and enjoy time with your family.
You look so great!!!
I have always wondered what you secret was. I just had a baby in November and it has been so hard to lose the weight! When I was pregnant I only gained 15 pounds because I was so sick and now since having my lo I have gained 25 pounds ? It’s been so hard and all I do is work out Monday to Friday! But reading this blog has really helped me with just loving myself! My body created a human and I am pretty damn proud of that! Thanks Jill for being so real! Now can you please tell me how do you keep your house so clean! I have a dog, baby and husband and I feel like I am cleaning up after them every 20 mins! Darn dog hair lol!
Good for you Jill! Isn’t it the best feeling to just stop caring and live in the moment. I used to let a missed workout ruin my entire day. Now I skip workouts on purpose to maximize my time spent at the lake with my favourite people. I encourage everyone to find this same sense of peace.
Sarah x
Awesome post Jill! After having my second baby 7 month ago, I’ve been feeling guilty about not doing some kind of workout even though I fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes (but differently than before for sure with extra rolls, lol!) Your post is a good reminder that it’s ok to stop and enjoy life. Our littles are little for such a short time, we should enjoy it while it lasts ๐
Good for you! Love your honesty. ๐
Thank you, thank you, thank you… I have struggled with my weight since having my second child 10 years ago… and I have days where I think WTF as well, but being able to let go is very hard… I go through phases of exercise and not, but being happy with oneself is something I need to work on… so thank you for being honest and being so real with all us women ๐ I will continue to work on being content.
Jillian, THANK YOU for being so real! As always, xoxo
Good for you Jillian. Enjoy Leo and the break from your crazy schedule. I am a fan and think you and your little family are amazing! I completely agree about the yo-to feelings about our bodies. You are gorgeous inside and out!
This is such a great post! I feel like I have “let myself go” over the last few years, for different reasons, lifestyle changes, depression etc.
I have learned to just accept it for now atleast and go on living life. Thanks for being so real, you are so gorgeous and a great role model!
Hope your having a great summer <3
Yay! You look good. Nay, great! Lol! When I realized that comparing myself to anyone else was nutso, my mantra became, “I am the best version of myself”! Cheers from Calgary ?
Best feeling ever! Thanks for honest post ๐
Yay! Love it! That is currently my philosophy as well. I am 8 months post pardem and went to a pool party last weekend in my bikini. Life’s too short to wait until you look perfect to participate!
Favourite post! Congrats and enjoy, it’s short lived.
Thank you for sharing this Jillian! Though I’m not a mother is do struggle with body image and finding a happy balance in my life! I am a much happier and healthier person when I’m working out but sometimes life gets in the way of ideal and you just gotta be real!
Have you yet found out when your show will be available in the states?
This is a great perspective. Thank you!
Rose allllll damn day!!!?
Good for you!! I think you look great! Enjoy that rose girlfriend <3
Moderation in moderation…that’s my motto. CHEERS!
Awesome and refreshing frankness.
Hi Jill, first off….love your show(s), love your style and designing, and your energy!!! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I too went through a stage after pregnancy….but went the opposite direction. You see, I owned a personal training studio in Pemberton for ten years and guess I felt that because I was a trainer I should be this fit, strong warrior as a positive role model to others. So I had an unplanned caesarian, waited my 6 weeks (which wasn’t long enough), and then just gave’r. Went back to work after six weeks as I had to pay the bills in the studio and was pretty much super lean, fit and stoked to be a mom…..then, it happened! After about two years I just crashed mentally and physically (wondering the heck was going on with me) and realized I was slightly depressed but had everything. Needless to say, I scaled back my work, and just took it easy on myself and got to be a mom! My daughter Lula is now 4 1/2 and I’m finally feeling like myself (after a 12 month sebatical), strong, fit, active and now stoked to be jumping back into my career and opening a new studio. My reason for sharing is because I can now (as a fitness pro) give women advice to enjoy post pardum, take care of themselves, learn to love their bodies and know that they will be back to their pre baby weight one day, just take things in moderation and be happy – don’t rush it. You’ve made such a great choice about taking it easy, enjoying motherhood, loving your body and creating a healthy balance in life. I can only imagine what it’s like to be in the spotlight as there are many people to criticize so huge f$@kin kudos to you girl! for being honest and sharing your story: a true warrior!!!
What a refreshing and truthful blog from someone that so many women look up to and admire! The whole world thinks you look fabulous all the time! Leo loves you because you are his whole world, and from what we saw on the episodes of “Jillian and Justin”…Justin does too! Enjoy your summer, you deserve it
Thank you for this heartfelt and honest post! I never comment on blogs but felt I had to say something about this because I also had my first baby (at 40!!!) in July 2016 and I’ve been in the exact same mindset as you. I’ve always worked out and I’m lucky to be naturally on the slim side, but I look at my tummy and wonder if it will ever be the same — sometimes I panic but more recently, I shrug it off, hug my little boy and feel my heart burst with happiness. Cheers to you Jillian! And I’m enjoying a glass of wine as I type this ๐
Lol that’s how I felt after my first child. After my second I definitely didn’t. So I worked out more. Still enjoy my wine!!!
Jillian, you are absolutely beautiful. Don’t sweat the small things. You’re happy and healthy. Don’t believe the Hollywood snatch back. They go have surgery, not natural.
What a great post! 8 weeks post the birth of my second little boy I am totally embracing the spirit of this blog. I don’t want to say no to ice cream on a hot day with my 4 year old and am enjoying long walks with my boys in my tanks/shorts even though they are not flattering… because who wants to be uncomfortable in this heat?! I had a VBAC with this birth and although I am carrying baby weight I am thinking my body is pretty darn amazing! Thanks for sharing- you really spoke to me with this one!
PS what is your go to Rose?!
You are a breath of fresh air! Side note, where’d ya get those white bauble earrings?? I need those for my bro’s upcoming wedding in Oliver!!
Yes!! Here’s the link http://rstyle.me/n/crjkidzb96 XOXO
Jill, totally. This is exactly how I’ve been feeling (my son is a few weeks older than Leo). I’m so happy and that’s all the truly matters xo
Good for you!
Chasing after Leo, walks with Nacho, swimming in your pool & quality time will Justin is a better workout than going to the gym anyways?
Keep enjoying life! You look fantastic!
Could not agree with you more ? Enjoy this wonder time in your life.
I am glad I read his because I am getting frustrated I exercise 3 ot 4 times a week but i dont think my muffin top is getting smaller I love to eat lol. ?
Amen Sista ? Having that extra roll makes it all worth it for the little gems we create โค๏ธ
Thanks for putting this out there; I’m working on internalizing this philosophy and letting go. It’s easier said than done however it’s inspiring to see it in-action. Cheers!!
Much better for little Leo to have a happy relaxed Mom than a cranky hungry one. If you’re entertaining all summer and feeding people constantly and you were trying to diet, you wouldn’t enjoy yourself at all. And as for getting up early to exercise, you have your whole life for that. Morning cuddles in bed with Leo won’t last forever so enjoy every precious moment! I love how you cut your workout and ran home cause Leo woke up that one morning, lol. Also, if your planning on having another baby soon, why bother. Just wait till you’re done having babies.
I am 66 and like most women am never “quite” happy with my body weight. It have been like this all my life. I have given birth to 3 lovely children and I too carry the resulting scars of that. But looking back now on “old”…lol photos, I am so shocked at how good I looked, even though I can distinctly recall how I was feeling when that photo was taken i.e too fat, stomach sticking out etc.etc. So good luck to you Jillian, love yourself and enjoy those extra glasses of vino with no guilt. I think you look great , in fact I love your style. Cheers to a great summer.
LOVE your spirit! And you look GREAT mama!
Such a refreshing post since there seems to be a trend of having the quickest post natal comeback that is possible when in reality as a regular person it’s a crap load of work when you don’t have help. I delivered healthy twins earlier this year who have just turn 6 months and I’m only now feeling like I can take on working out weekly. My stomach is so different from before and at (47 !!!!) I have to accept it will take much longer and more work to get back into a “new” shape. Thanks for the reminder that we all need to be a bit more gentle with ourselves!
Thank you so much for this Post! I relate to you so Much! I had my second baby last July and am 37 Too! I just want to spend as much time as possible with my little Ones! I am naturally small too but like you I am like “where did this roll come From!?” I love you posts so Much! You Are amazing!
I just love you ?
I just love u Girl!!? Because your so real ! Your beautiful inside & out.And you have your sweet family.That’s all that matters!!When your ready to work out u will.We all go through seasons in our life.Enjoy!! ?
Awesome Jillian, thanks for inspiring the rest of us to just be ok with ourselves!!!
Jillian the way that I look at is this: if I eat healthy and exercise when I can or at least keep busy (I try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle!) then I am happy! Why add more unnecessary stress to your life? Enjoy your baby while he’s a little guy! After you’re done having kids then maybe you will feel the urge to work out but have fun and enjoy life with the family right now!
I don’t know about anyone else, but all I heard from friends with babies while I was pregnant was, “don’t worry, you’ll lose so much weight breastfeeding”. And I know lots of people who have. HOWEVER, my body was like “ummm, I’m feeding another human…I’m going to hang on to every ounce of chub on these hips and make sure I survive”. I’m now just weaning my 11 month old and it is a nightmare. I’m so bloated and feel like I’m going through menopause (I think!) Why doesn’t anyone tell you about this part of being a Mama? It’s a huge adjustment becoming a Mom and body image is just one more thing to add to the list of daily struggles. I’m hoping now that I’m finally no longer breastfeeding, my body will understand it’s okay to drop a few pounds. Until then, I’ll enjoy my little 11 month old darling boy and know my miraculous body is what created him and all this joy.
Loves this!!! I’m 7 weeks postpartum with my 4th and have been enjoying summer and indulging A LOT!!! I got in the pool for the first time last week and the joy on my kids faces was so worth it!! #ishouldntcarewhatilooklikeinabathingsuit โบ๏ธ
Thank you for this post Jillian. It’s just what I needed to hear as I am entering motherhood. I feel like I’ve been to harsh on myself lately. This is a nice reminder to enjoy life.
I 100% needed this today, thank you! Now I’m going to go pour myself a glass of wine ๐
I totally agree with you I’m 38 and just had my second baby November 2016 with my first I bounced back but now I’m feeling the exact same as you but still so happy but a few more rolls this time around, and I figure we’ll have time for the gym and more activity when our kids are older for now I’m happy to run around after kids and to have a glass of prosseco and eat some chips lol , I still oddly love my body even if it’s a little flabbier then normal post baby thanks for posting love your blog!
I have a 3 mo old, 3 yr old & 6 yr old. This blog couldnt resonate with me more. My hubby is on parental leave (I’m a stay at home mom) through summer and we’ve decided to spend it with no plans, lots of R&R and really allowing the whole family to have a fun, spontaneous summer together. I had originally thought I’d use the time that we were both home to get my body back (from 6 yr ago, lol). BUT I have since decided to be kind to myself and be realistic that it took 9 mo to grow to here, and will likely take 9 or more to shrink back….probably more since I didn’t quite get back to pre baby weight between the other two pregnancies (plus 2 miscarriages). I also know that the “extra energy stores” that my body is holding right now are reserves that help with the breastfeeding, lack of sleep and overall zap that being a mom of 3 has. Role modeling a healthy balance, body image, enjoyment of life and love for self is way more important then modeling my bikini body at this stage of my life. My kids, relationship and personal sanity thank me for it!
I am 44 and I have 2 beautifull kids age 4 and 5 ( son’s name is Leo as well). I am thin, thanks for mother nature , and fit but with all the efforts I have put in I still have a potty belly… If I do a plank you will sure see my flabby belly hanging down… After All those years trying I have decided that I was looking very good for a mother in her forthies and that flabby belly is just a souvenir left by 2 beautifull kids . Take your time to go back on working out! You look amazing!
I can’t believe people who bash public figures for the way they dress or the size of their waist. Celebrate just being alive and enjoying your life. I survived stage 3 cancer and the one lesson i learned is that what other people think is not important ,it is how you live your life and the support and love you give to other people that you touch.
You have provided loads of entertainment and are giving enough to the public. Have loads of fun with your family and the best to your next project whatever that may be
Thank you for this timely post, Jillian! Two months ago I had surgery and have had terrible nerve pain in my abdomen so I haven’t been able to get back to working out yet like I thought I would. I gained a little weight which hasn’t entirely dropped off yet (hello being over 40!). I’ve felt bad about having to buy some new clothes that are a size larger this summer but your blog helps to put it in perspective. My plan is to get back to my usual size and in the meantime, just enjoy life and not beat myself up over 5 lousy pounds. And what better reason to finally get on the overalls bandwagon? Loose fitting and stylish is the name of the game for me right now. ๐
YES!! All of this! I worked out obsessively before I had my 18-month old daughter. Afterwards, I just didn’t have the time or the energy. Eventually I signed up for a 10 mile race to raise money for charity (even though I’d never run more than 4 miles in my life, ha!) and that made me get back in shape. The funny part was, even before I started running, I was smaller AFTER baby than before and I honestly think it was a combination of not having time to eat junk food and not putting so much pressure on myself to be a certain size. My priorities shifted and being a good mom was more important than looking amazing.
I just literally heart you soo much!!! Mwah!
I needed to read this post today! I’ve haven’t been working out and I’ve been hard on myself about my post baby body. Did my hair today though and that felt great! ๐
LOVE THIS!!!! <3
Whole heartedly agree with everything you said in this post. Thank-you for sharing xo
LOVE this! Great blog post
Hey Jillian and all others super ladies out there ! Check out a way to have amazing results in just 13-18 minutes a day. I’ve been looking for a new way to do it and this is it T-Tapp !
And also u can take a look at my favorite trainer of all time Jessica Smith on youtube ,such a nice trainer
Taking care of ourselves mean so much more than training , it’s also mean ENJOYING no matter what u do
have a great summer everyone and thank u for your sharing Jillian so generous of you ๐
I love this! Thank you for being so refreshingly honest, and giving other women the boost they need to say they don’t care, either. Life is too short to stress out about things like this. Enjoy your vino, and time with your family! ๐
You go girl! Keep being a boss ass babe!
Such a great time to be reading this, as I drink my beer and eat dill pickle chips lol
Thanks ๐ and you look beautiful mama!
You are so inspiring and refreshing. Thanks for being so real, Jillian!
I love love love this!! Well said ๐ xo
i love this, i am at the what the sam hill point today …4 months pp and im like what happened to my body people?
Thank you for this beautiful, honest, and refreshing message. I love you even more for being relatable and focusing on whatโs truly important in life โฅ๏ธ