I’m fat.
Okay, I mean…if you want to fluff it up a bit, I’m plus sized. Curvy. Thick. Got love handles. Call it what you want but when it comes down to it, I weigh over 200 lbs at 5’7. I’m overweight.
I’m fat.
I’ve been fat for awhile. I was fat before my children and struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. My being fat hasn’t prevented me from living life. I’m healthy. I’ve run races. I’ll rock a two piece. I feel beautiful most of the time. I’m conscious of what I put in my mouth. Sometimes I lose weight. Sometimes I gain weight. My health is important to me and always has been.
And then there’s 4-year old EB.
Recently we launched an online presence for our dynamic little gymnast. EB is good, y’all. People tell us this all the time. Her coaches comment on how limber she is. How strong she is. She eats and breathes gymnastics. She doesn’t watch cartoons like regular kids. EB watches gymnastics videos religiously. Gymnastics is her entire world and she spends her evenings and weekends on the mat.
She’s a fit kid whose body is developing into a slim athletic build. I’m not sure what this child of mine will do a year or two from now. Maybe she’ll quit gymnastics. But for now…she’s all in. I am raising a kid who spends hours each day practicing – because she wants to. Because she asks to.
How can I raise a fit kid when I’m fat?
Easy.
I don’t have to look like my child to instill healthy eating and fitness in her life. Nor do I have to play Coach Mama and have her run laps while I yell at her. I don’t have to force her to eat fruits and vegetables while the rest of the family orders pizza for dinner every other night.
No.
I will run laps with her. I’ll encourage her to eat healthily and our entire home will eat the same way she does. We do planks together. We do morning stretches and yoga. When she’s tired and frustrated and irritated at not getting a skill, it’s up to me to show her what strength looks like.
I can do this in Size 16 pants.
I can be an example to her without looking like her. I can show her that Yep, mama is fat but mama is strong. Mama can be fit. Mama can lift weights, plank and do attempt push ups right along with you. I can walk with confidence. I can watch what I say about my body and her body because I know she’s listening to everything.
I can get down there with her and DO workout videos with her. REGULARLY! In fact, I did a cameo in her first workout vid!
I can be honest with her and tell her Mommy is working very hard to be healthy. Plant-based meals have always been a focus in our home – and they always will be. We set this standard before Esposo and I started raising a gymnast.
And so…here we are.
Maybe I’ll always be fat. I hope not. I hope that I can continue working hard to be in a healthy body. My weight may fluctuate but what won’t change is my diligence and dedication to raising a confident fit kid who works hard, eats well and doesn’t judge the different bodies of others.
With EB entering a much more competitive level of gymnastics, I think we’re going to be just fine.
She can d0 this.
We can do this.
If you want to follow EB’s adventures, we’d LOVE your support!
Little Brown Gymnast
LBG Instagram
LBG YouTube
I’ve lurked here for years now, but I really feel this post, mama! With three very big ones & one teeny-weenie, I can safely say, keep doing what y’all are doing! Modeling healthy eating and moving with her are gifts you’re giving her, giving her a positive foundation that can stand against the body-image cruelty the world will throw at our children, daughters especially. And because parents don’t hear it often enough: y’all are doing a Good Job!
Thank you so much. Your comments mean SO much to me. I really appreciate it. <3
LOOOOVE this. You are rocking it momma.
Thank girl!