Shop the Love Your Body Post:
Dress: Cupcakes and Cashmere | Jacket: Blank Denim | Scarf: Free People | Boots: Dolce Vita | Bag: Tory Burch | Lip: MAC ‘Rebel’
Full disclaimer: I took these photos back in November, hence the no tights life (P.S. — I miss that life).
My boyfriend and I went on a crazy series of trips at the end of last year: we did a week-long road trip in North Carolina, then immediately went to Richmond for a press trip, then picked up and flew to New Orleans and San Diego 2.5 weeks later. Then I had a slew of holiday campaigns to work on in December, so we had to halt all the editing on our travel photos from the end of the year.
Anyway. There’s another reason why I’m also not loving the idea of posting recent photos of myself, and I’m going to get candid here. Really candid. If you guys have been following along, you know I sustained a knee injury back in September, and I had to stop working out, and at the moment I’m not able to walk more than 0.5-1 mile a day. From someone who would easily walk 3-5 miles a day without even trying, this took a toll on my body.
I’ve always had a fast metabolism, and quite frankly was able to eat whatever I wanted. I never dieted, yet I was that jerk in your friend group who remained a size 2/4 despite how much McDonald’s I consumed.
Welp. It turns out that if you can’t even walk off all the food you ate, you’re going to see the pounds put on. I weighed myself after New Years this year, and I’ve put on almost 20 pounds in the last four months. None of my pants fit, at all (I have to unbutton the top button when I’m sitting down). I’ve invested in Spanx. And to be honest, I’ve had a hard time finding the motivation to get up and take outfit photos with this new body — especially since I’ve been the same height and weight since the 7th grade.
I’m modifying my diet in the meantime because let’s face it: I ate like garbage anyway. Do I need to have McDonalds 1-2 times a week? Absolutely not. Should I start cooking for myself more? Yes. But a modified diet most likely won’t override the fact that walking is difficult for me right now, and I’m not able to even move my body enough to burn a sufficient amount of calories.
Anyway. I’m trying my hardest to love this new skin that I’m in and continue on as normal. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s my #1 priority at the moment.
How about you? How do you love your body after gaining weight? Do you have any tips and advice?
giiirrrrrlllll this post is amazing…and much needed for me right now.
xx,
Lauren
Lauren Elyce
<3 <3 <3 you inspire me so much — you ooze confidence pretty lady! xx
I can totally relate! I feel like no one really prepares you for the nosedive your metabolism begins to take in your 20s! But honestly, you look great and I love that outfit!
Ugh, it’s so rough! I wish I still looked like this (these photos are 2 months old), but hopefully I’ll get back to it!
I love how candid you are, this is totally something all of us are thinking. Love it!
xx
Madeline
http://www.wearweroam.com
Thank you so much Madeline!
I can totally relate. It’s the worst!!! You look amazing.
Isn’t it terrible? These photos are 2 months old and I so wish I still looked like that haha, but thank you!
I am in the same boat. I broke my ankle in October and haven’t been able to walk or do yoga, which are my go-to exercises of choice. I haven’t gotten on the scale (it’s hard enough standing for long periods with my walker), but I know it ain’t pretty. I bought a mini-bicycle to go under my desk. I just got it and I have done 20 minutes at the most, but I will build up to more. Bicycling is supposed to be really good for your ankles.
Ouch, that sounds so painful! The mini-bicycle sounds amazing though, hopefully that will help your ankles get some strength again. Wishing you the best in your recovery!
I totally gained weight after graduating college and not being as active as I used to and its been difficult to get off. I am working to make that a reality this year though.
It’s so tough shedding those extra pounds! You look fabulous no matter what, though!
I sustained a hip injury that has prevented me from running. I am struggling to find new exercises that bring me the same high and endurance. Looking forward to hearing your diet tips!
Oh no — my mom just had a hip surgery and I know those are so tough to recover from! Maybe a trainer can help you find you some good exercises that will give you a good workout?
You look amazing! I stopped eating fast food (which I used to eat A LOT) and it’s made a huge change in my energy levels! But, you look great and that dress is perfect for you!
Thanks Morgan! Unfortunately these photos are 2 months old and aren’t the best representation of what I look like currently đ But I agree, I’ve ditched the fast food for a couple weeks now, and I already feel like I have way more energy!
I absolutely love that you shared this with your readers. It takes away the myth that everything is perfect behind the camera. For me, I slowly put on more weight but I found that it’s my body and I need to love it no matter what size it is. When I stopped feeling sorry for myself, that’s when I felt back into my gym routine and it’s coming off đ
Thanks Lauren — it’s crazy how people don’t realize you’re a real person behind a blog! That’s awesome to be confident at any size, and I can’t wait to get back into my normal gym routine like you have!
I mean, it wasn’t the best feeling in the world when I stopped fitting in my favorite clothes. But it was when I realized I don’t need to be bashing myself for gaining some weight! But yes, being back in a gym routine again does make me feel a lot better!
I know how you feel! I’m halfway through my pregnancy and I’ve gained over 30 pounds so far. I’ve had a hard time motivating myself so take style photos as well, even though everyone has been requesting more baby bump photos. Unfortunately it’s not just the bump that gets bigger, the weight shows in your face, arms, legs, etc. lol
I’m not a mom yet, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be to see your body change through pregnancy! Hang in there girl, it’s all for a precious little one!
Honey!!! This post is amazing. I definitely feel how you feel.
<3 Thank you for stopping by!
Fashion is something I really wanted to incorporate into my blog when I started because I love clothes, the textures, the way they can be mixed and matched to create something fabulous, etc … but after gaining 25 pounds, I lost a good bit of self confidence and simply hated the way I looked in things. The funny thing is, I wasn’t completely happy with my body before I gained the weight either and came to the conclusion I’ve got a bit of body dysmorphia and likely don’t look as big as I seem to see when I look in the mirror. Realizing that, and keeping in mind I have a daughter who I want to feel happy and confident with her body, has helped snap me into loving myself mode tremendously.
I think you look absolutely amazing, but I understand what you mean! Hormones can do the same thing to you and it’s really not fun!
xx,
Lacey// theglittergospelblog.com