Its normal…

to gain a few pounds from time to time.  I don’t know about you, but when I gain a few extra pounds my negative self talk increases tremendously.

Well guess what?  Its completely normal for your weight to fluctuate. When we are under more stress than normal something has to give.  That something is usually the thing that is best for us.

However, this week I am taking solace in two different articles featuring two fiercely strong and talented women.  First a fitness hero of mine confessed to gaining weight during busy times in the July issue of Self Magazine.  Then today in The New York Times a celebrity foodie, who is notoriously fit, also confessed that she too gains weight during stressful times.

The first article features, my fitness hero, Jillian Michaels.

The article is somewhat surprising.  Her usual tough trainer image is no where to be found.  She opens up about her own struggle to maintain her weight while working on the set of the Biggest Loser.

• “I try to start the season in the best shape possible.”
• “Then, during the season, I’m so exhausted that it’s hard for me to work out, so my body will change on the show.  I get 8 to 10 pounds heavier.”

The second person that inspired today’s topic is Padma Lakshmi of the infamous show Top Chef.  Her job requires her to taste food and yet she looks amazing!  The article posted in today’s New York Times states the following:

• “Each season, Ms. Lakshmi, 38, keeps two dress sizes on the set for when the weight starts to pile on: she is 5-foot-9 and typically she puts on 10 to 15 pounds a season.”

In the article she is quoted as saying “I just try to cut myself a break — I know I’m going to gain weight,” she said. “In my job, I eat the most when I’m working the most.”

Ladies, lets cut our self a break!  If Jillian Michaels and Padman Lakshmi gain a few pounds during their busy season then we can too… without guilt.  The key is to stop beating yourself up and get back to business.  These women also say that when the filming of the show is complete, they get back on track by eating healthy and working hard in the gym.