The 5 issues with America Today

November 5, 2013

maria kang husband

I’m alive! After the onslaught of last week’s media blitz and feeling like a punching bag from commenters, emailers and news/talk show hosts (won’t say who) I feel like I can still smile knowing that the many who got my message, truly received it. I do have to admit though. I have looked at this man to my right and asked “what is going on?” a few times. (thanks hunny for your support) Here’s what I believe is going on:

#1 There’s an accountability issue. There’s a lot of people with a lot of excuses – not only did McDonald’s make people fat, apparently I did also!

#2 There’s an entitlement issue – people believing that I can achieve something without doing anything (genetics). People don’t want to hear that it takes discipline, consistency and hard work to achieve a goal anymore.

#3 There’s a body shaming issue (my body). Apparently we have forgotten how different kinds of health looks like (since being overweight has become normalized).

#4 There’s a bullying issue. I think this word is so overused that we forgot that a bully attacks others? I posted my picture on MY fitness-oriented page. (I still feel the cyber punches from those who continuously attack me- ouch!)

#5 There’s a motherhood issue. We wear many hats as caretakers and often providers for our family. The stress to balance everything is great right now – but my point as a busy working mom of three is to make yourself a priority. You are a better mom when you take a little bit of time to be healthy. However your body physically manifests in the process of exercising and eating healthy is beautiful. (and it doesn’t have to look like mine)

 

48 Comments

  • Reply Magali November 5, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Don’t you think it can be a little more complicated? Obviously it takes a healthy lifestyle and discipline to lose weight and maintain a fit shape, but eating disorders are pretty hart to fight, especially when the food industry puts more and more addictive crap in processed food. Even if you eat vegetable, you can’t really be safe because of the pesticides. Shaming people will not help them getting rid of the bad habbit but will more likely rush them towards comfort food. That picture was bullying in a passive agressive way, like it is sooo easy to get fit and people who don’t are lazy bastards; Never forget that other people might not have had the same advantages such as education, good habits, free time to work out, support of relatives… You’ve been successful and that’s great, but don’t go and think anyone can do it, because life is lot more complicated. Instead of “what’s your excuse”, you should have tried “you can do to it too”, much more respectful and motivating, less judgemental. The worst is you dare talking about haters while you are one in a more subtle way.
    Anyway, THAT was my excuse… Now i’m gonna have a huge mc donald’s and a pizza with lots of cheese on it, and maybe a pie and chocolate because that’s what i do!

    • Reply shannon November 27, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      It was on HER website!

    • Reply Angel December 16, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      I twas not bullying. As a person who was bullied a lot in school, I am offended that you think this is bullying. People put worse things on the internet all the time. Maria’s pic was insensitive, that’s it.

  • Reply Jasmyn November 5, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Hi Maria! I am currently overweight and when several friends showed me the now infamous photo, they were expecting me to join them in ridiculing its message. That was not the case. In my eyes, this image, caption and all was very motivating. I don’t have any kids or nearly as much responsibility as you do, and yet by not taking better care of myself, my health has suffered. Therefore, I have since begun taking the steps necessary to take control of my health and well-being; I’m already seeing the results of these positive changes and I am so thrilled. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that, for me, you served as a brilliant motivation and I thank you for putting yourself out there. Don’t change a thing, haha!

  • Reply Alex November 5, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Maria!

    I think you really shouldn’t care about bad comments (I know it’s hard) because there are MANY people to whom you are a HUGE motivation (including me) and I really want to be like you someday. And I really think you should do what you do – people will always blame others for their mistakes and you can’t do anything about it. Even if you can get to those 1% of the people who know what you mean – it’s still worth it! Good job, I’m 100% with you, don’t give up! I’m sending you my good energy:)

  • Reply Elaine November 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    Hi Maria,

    That’s awesome that you are standing up to your beliefs and not letting negative people who love to make excuses for themselves and blame the whole world about their crappy lives get to you.

    I’m a working mom of two who is now working towards losing weight and becoming healthy. I’ve let myself go for a long time and now for the first time I am going to finish what I had started. I’m 4′ 11″ and 181 pounds. I have lost 17 pounds already and still working at it. Suprisingly, I have reached a plateau. I wasn’t expecting to reach this so soon. Do you have any tips on how I can shake this off? Currently I am watching my calorie intake and logging in my food. Thanks

  • Reply Sonja November 6, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    I just read your response to the haters on Yahoo! Shine and I think you’re amazing. You can’t make everyone happy especially with the increase of self-haters. You’re right, they’re not made at you, they’re mad at themselves. Whatever the case, you have inspired me! Have a wonderful life πŸ™‚

    • Reply Jackie November 30, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Yup , after all if they’re mad at themselves, then Maria has no responsibility in angering them.

  • Reply Lucie November 7, 2013 at 10:02 am

    I totally agree with you!
    You’re an awesome mom and you’re an inspiration to many moms out there!

  • Reply Yolande November 8, 2013 at 5:40 am

    Number two makes for the strongest argument. My firm buttocks might be an envy to some, but I have to walk up a pretty daunting hill up to three times daily to maintain a fit body. Start by parking the car and eating kale and some plain rice and beans, ladies. You will be surprised by the result. When I saw that picture of you with the little ones, the first thought that went through my head was “Rock on!” The Force is strong in you, m’lady!

  • Reply Dave November 9, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I don’t agree with everything you say but you’re an inspiration to many so please disregard the haters. I lost 90 pounds and 10 inches off my waist this summer and it takes hard work and discipline to maintain and not stuff my face with unhealthy choices again. You were not the inspiration for my weight loss but I need you to keep reminding me it takes hard work, because it does!!! You go Girl!!!!

  • Reply matt cruz November 10, 2013 at 9:10 am

    Maria,
    Don’t change a thing. You are sooo hot and everyone that writes something negative is just plain jealous. Nothing is wrong with you but everything is wrong with the world and the obesity normalization throughout the modern world.

    Matt

  • Reply Kelly November 11, 2013 at 12:14 am

    I agree with everything you said on this post. I was turned on to your suite because of seeing you’re picture on Yahoo. I thought the caption was thought provoking and showed you wetter Moyer than just a fitness guru. I used to workout a lot and walk everywhere. I’be been trying to get back into the saying of things. It was a real bow when I realized how out of shape I’d gotten. I couldn’t just jump right in where I left off. I then realized it had been abou six years since my dad died and that was arOund the time I stated getting lazy. I’ve been told, that I’ve had three kids so it’s ok. I had to let that person know, that when my kids were little I was in much better shape! My baby is ten now! Lol. That’s no excuse! I decided to start waffling give from work no matter what, after I realized I had to start slow because I’d gotten so out of shape. Been a few months and I started lifting weights again and my walk has gotten a lot easier, so I push a little more. Cutting out sugar has been the main thing diet wise. I work at a school, where sweets are always available sadly. I noticed when I’ve given in, it doesn’t taste as good and I feel like crap after wards. I’ve list done weight, but I’m not l weighing so I don’t know how much. Thanks for the inspiration. Feel like you reinforce what I know but having been living out. I’ll check in from time to time to nudge myself. πŸ™‚

    • Reply Kelly November 11, 2013 at 12:18 am

      Sorry about all those typos! On my phone and didn’t notice until after it was posted.

  • Reply Brandi Hawthorne November 11, 2013 at 12:56 am

    Hey! I saw the pic and thought, “Dang. You has 3 kids and looks that good. I have no excuse.” So, thanks for that! If someone felt shame for seeing your pic, then they probably felt ashamed before seeing it. No one’s getting mad at commercials that promote unhealthy food so why get mad at you for saying, “You can do it.” Keep motivating people to be their best self. : )

  • Reply Lora November 11, 2013 at 6:34 am

    Maria, you are awesome, don’t worry about the haters, they are jealous as anyone would want your bod! You have inspired me to try eating five meals of about 300 cals. God loves you! Try for some endorsements and magazine covers!!

  • Reply Marie November 16, 2013 at 3:27 am

    Maria, you look amazing!!! Haters will always be there!! Don’t mind them!! I love your pic with your 3 adorable baby boys!! Keep posting!! I am more motivated to keep going of what I have started! Lost 25lbs already for almost a year now!! And you inspire me!!

  • Reply Shay Jordan November 17, 2013 at 4:01 am

    I love this! This is truth and I find that when people hear truth (that they don’t like) they attack it. I have a bunch of excuses and I need to just kick my ass in gear and just do it.

    I know I feel like a different person when I eat and take care of my body (and my kids moods improve because my mood does too).

  • Reply mom to be November 17, 2013 at 9:10 am

    Maria, you do a super duper awesome job with your body!! Obviously it takes discipline, consistency and hard work to achieve that shape (with 3 children) for god sake!!
    And obviously, the haters just ENVY you (with big capital). Don’t hear them. You know, women….they envy each other xD and actually so am I. Lol. But I don’t hate you, you’re inspiring me πŸ™‚ Good luck!!!

  • Reply Connie November 19, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    You have been an inspiration to me. I have 5 kids and I have let myself go. I joined the Y in August and was just slogging though my workouts until I discovered your website. Now I have an exercise schedule that I follow everyday and I am enjoying it completely. I feel better myself and I know I am a better mom – I can certainly play more with the kids instead of being on the sidelines. Thanks so much!

  • Reply Anne November 22, 2013 at 6:04 am

    Maria, I just really don’t think you’re getting it. I would dare say that 98% of who you are calling “haters” are not HATING, okay? It’s the context of the SAYING “What’s Your Excuse” is at the crux of all of this. It was offensive. Could you maybe have said something like, “Mom’s, Let’s Get Healthy!” THAT IS POSITIVE, not what you said. I admire that you are healthy and fit with 3 kids under age three. I also know that your husband stays home all day and takes care of your household and your children. It was in an interview with you. I can’t remember the interviewer off the top of my head but it was through FOX. I almost wonder if you like the negative attention so you can elevate yourself even more. I don’t know you personally but you come off as a diva and when you speak, you don’t think first. Just tone it down a little and give us break…..if I had a husband that took care of everything, I’d look exactly like you too. But I’m not so vain that I have to have a six pack or be a size 2. It’s about HEALTH, not LOOKS and I’m sorry but you came off as bragging about your looks. You need to choose your words wisely, something you will learn when you grow up.

    • Reply Anne November 22, 2013 at 6:10 am

      Just a side note….the most annoying thing on my facebook is a couple of girls/women that CONSTANTLY put “selfies” up. It’s annoying. I don’t care what someone is wearing, what earrings they need advice on, or look at 1000 pictures of almost all the same poses. I’m glad you’re happy but enough with all the pics already! God forbid anything ever goes horribly wrong for you, like cancer or something. I had cancer at age 39 and again four years later, both hormonal cancers which has been a HUGE struggle for me. I lost 60 pounds and want to lose more. It’s not about looks, it’s about health. Don’t exploit yourself by telling everyone all about your life, your relationship, etc. There are some things better left to yourself.

      • Reply Deadra November 23, 2013 at 4:08 pm

        @Anne She said “what’s your excuse?” not what’s your defense? LOL
        Get over your self hate, and your jealousy(hating) is spewing all over the place!
        Your cancer can actually heal, if you start loving yourself, and others. Then you can attract whole healing to yourself. Oh, but that takes work also.

        Anyway, putting more water into my body has been my problem. Getting my body out of a acidic/dehydration stage and into an alkaline stage, is what I’m working on now. I want the body like Maria’s, but so far as me exercising, I just keep putting it off, that’s my excuse!

        Keep up the great work, Maria Kang. You are owning it! And the fruits of your labor are paying off, and you deserve every bit of it. You have a Beautiful Family & Life. Keep on inspiring! I’m inspired. πŸ™‚

    • Reply Jess November 26, 2013 at 10:33 pm

      No Anne, I think it is you who is missing the point. Offence can only be taken NOT given.

      “What’s your excuse” was targeted at complacency towards what is an increasing epidemic of unhealthy choices & lifestyles.

      There are LOADS of Mums of multiple kids who do all they can to look after themselves – 70% of good weight is through diet, something that as a mother you have NO right to do anything BUT give your kids good food. That’s what good parents do.

      She has said nothing about how everyone has to be super tight with 8 pack of abs, she is talking about everyone dropping the excuses & making sure they are eating well & exercising regularly.

      Your offence & that of those like you is your issue no one else’s; to say “I don’t know you personally but” makes you judgmental & ignorant.

      You claim Maria is able to look after herself – as a full time working Mum, because her husband is at home looking after the kids & that if you were in her shoes you would be able to do the same. Not true. If you were a working Mum no doubt you would make the same excuses to keeping making the same unhealthy choices that you are now.

    • Reply Eva November 30, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      No Anne, you are not getting the point and you are not thinking when you speak and need to choose your words wisely. Don’t you see that “if I had a husband that took care of everything ….” is just another excuse?? So you don’t have a husband that takes care of everything, me neither, I’m a divorced working mom so nobody but me takes care of anything. Still, I get that what stands between me and a healthier body is not my lack of a husband/time/money or whatever might ocurr to me; it is just my lack of motivation.
      By the way, I’m happy you are winning the struggle against cancer and I think that something like cancer is not an excuse but a real reason for not working out or looking at your best or whatever. Still, everybody needs to get started where they can, regarding the health situation they are in right now.
      What I just don’t get is why anybody (thin, fat, obese or whatever bodyshape you might have) gets offended over the pic and it’s caption. Just don’t get it. What on earth is offensive about it? I’m sorry but I would really like some (rational not emotional) explanation of it. English is not my native language and I do not live in an english speaking country so maybe I just get it wrong, however I’m pretty sure I don’t. Please explain.

  • Reply delores November 23, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    β€œThe individuals who say it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” You are awesome and it proves to moms like us we can have a fit body ,it just take some discipline sometimes and eating healthy is what count most everyone can do that even if you cant workout everyday you will succeed…..thanks for your motivation….

  • Reply paul November 26, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    You’re right on Maria. People want to justify eating crap and not exercising. It is that simple. Keep up the inspirational work.

  • Reply shannon November 27, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    Thank you Maria! I work out daily and sometimes hate it. While people with diabetes II behave like victims, when it is TOTALLY REVERSIBLE! Thank you for speaking the truth!

  • Reply Jenna November 30, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Maria- I have been following you ever since your whole “story” was plastered all over the internet. I just want you to know that I fully support your side of the story. I completely agree with everything you have said! In my support of you, I even posted a picture similar to yours on my FB page and got my own share of rude comments. I have a mission to help end the trend of obesity as well, so know that there are other people like you and me out there no matter how much negativity we get along the way. Keep on speaking the truth because you never know who needs it!

  • Reply Jackie November 30, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Only someone with a victim complex and delusional mindset would suggest that being fat is normalized. Fat people are constantly faced with prejudice and discrimination. If being fat were normalized this would mean fat people would be seen as more attractive, and more healthy than thin people. You would have to be from another planet to think that having a fat body doesn’t make you a target of others hate. Then again, it seems only you and those like you are capable of suffering from discrimination, while fat people supposedly only suffer from ill health. Since when you blame fat people for their problems, you don’t have to admit to contributing to them.

  • Reply Chris Medvigy November 30, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Love the controversy. Love that it draws out our reasoning process. I know heavy fit people and unfit skinny people. But put it to the test, take a VO2 maximal oxygen uptake test or run up a few flights of steps, get a heart and artery calcium and plaque scan, fat measurements, blood pressure and resting heart rate check. Then tell me you are fit with the results. Numbers don’t lie and can’t be rationalized away. There is a percentage who will never be convinced to better themselves or care to and are happy where they are. That’s a choice. Only those who realize that the body is a gift that we can change not only externally but internally for the better will be open to any beneficial change. The best one can do is give options, show results, offer help and let individuals decide, that’s their right. To me fitness is down right attractive in every flavor, but that’s me. Just my two cents.

  • Reply Tracy November 30, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    At first, I saw your pic, I’m not gonna lie, I was jealous. But After reading you story here on your website, I saw you in a different way, I related to you. Then, I asked myself, “what’s my excuse?” Then I realized I had A LOT of excuses!!! Thanks for inspiring me to change, especially for my 3 boys, so I can be healthy for them.

    One thing I do know, people are always gonna criticize you whether you are doing positive or negative things. But we should never (not even for a second) believe what other people say about us is really true.
    “You are who you choose to be”

  • Reply Patrick M December 1, 2013 at 3:25 am

    Maria Kang is a role model for our nation in so many ways.
    What an amazing woman.
    Wow, what a grotesque over reach by Facebook.
    This hyper walking on eggshells silencing political correctness is one of the factors hurting American society.

  • Reply GOING GOING gone December 1, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Maria,

    I really want to understand what problems you have with overweight women? As a white woman whom is overweight I think you and your husband have some deep seeded issues to have to dictate how others live their lives. I am really torn because you need to understand why your comments are very hurtful to people with weight issues. This type of attitude continues in Our Country and when I say our Country yes lol I’m a part of it too. It also seems that you like to divide social standards on what is exceptable beauty. Ok your Asian Female married to a white man. Ok so he’s alpha …. Do you two go out and pick up vibes about oh what is she? doing with him. or why is she eating that? Life is precious and not to make fun of certain women that are labeled and picked on. Now I must admit was pretty effin pissed off at you because

    I feel you are looking for some male attention AND FEMALE attention. Your words provoke and uncaring message to overweight people. It used to be that I hung around a chick for a while who liked to demean me as a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN because eh hemm she was an ANOREXIC WHITE WOMAN AND the asian and blonde (fake at that) likes to bash Brunette women with brown eyes. It’s a form of diversity that is harbored by whom gets the brass ring.

    Your little boys are cute but however it seems you can’t stand confrontation as you delete any “negative” comments from your FACEBOOK. I CAN’T STAND FACEBOOK AND IT DESTROYS AMERICAN VALUES and also conforms to what you expect as beautiful and convince other women to go with your propaganda or bandwagon.

    Your very ignorant Maria and I hope you can explain to me why you do this to so many women whom can’t help that I am 40 lbs overweight. Also I receive medicaid and go to the psychiatrist and my FAMILY GENETICS MAKES ME BIGGER IN THE WAIST AND UP TOP. I HAVE A GROWTH HORMONE and I have compassion for others whom struggle with whatever towards emotions and food.

    by the way…. I was still treated horribly when in my early 30’s when my size zero friend and average friends liked to pick on me when I did continue to loose weight and be happy no matter WHAT I LOOK LIKE. IT’S UNFAIR AND YOU SHOULDN’T have to front for millions of people
    about beauty standards. I just want to tell you make women feel bad especially women and younger girls whom have body issues because of a harsh world.

    – Now last – if you want to stand up for society and problems in the world then maybe you should look into educating people and drugs and alcohol abuse mixed in society. And stop being so damn manipulative and mean.

    you can contact me and ok with any of your friends wanting bitch attack me because I do my life alone and happy. And love my fat stomach and big growth boobs because you will no longer have an effect on me or my beauty throughout the day. And yes I’ve been told I’m beautiful by white (attractive) guys just like you.

    I will show this to my psychiatrist and see if I was in the right vs. wrong…. in how YOU AND YOUR SNARKY FRIENDS , AND CATTY HUBBY SEE THE WORLD.

    • Reply Mowwy December 28, 2013 at 11:05 am

      It’s not her fault you’re fat and unhealthy. Go yell at yourself in the mirror if you want to yell at someone!! It’s not her that needs convincing that you’re happy with yourself – it’s YOU.

  • Reply Darlene December 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    As a fellow Filipina, I know how our culture and genetics imprint a certain mark on us. I’ve been skinny, I’ve been fat, I’ve also been VERY fat and all the pork and delicious fried Filipino food had everything to do with that. But I am in the process of rebuilding my health. I’ve dropped 26 pounds by SIMPLY CUTTING OUT RED MEAT AND PROCESSED FOOD and by walking. Imagine what I can do when I hit the gym regularly! I adore you and your point of view. People just need to commit to loving themselves and their health. Yeah, it’s hard to unlearn a lifetime of bad eating and not making time to exercise, but YOU CAN DO IT! Keep your chin up and keep inspiring others!

    • Reply ithoughtweweregettingbetterwtf? December 2, 2013 at 9:00 pm

      just like Maria forcing a word she never usess and your Culture represents the hatred for the single white females individualism. I’m sorry but you all gang up on peoples civilites. had enough your dominance doesn’t seed me.

  • Reply Kevin December 2, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    You are obviously a very attractive and healthy person, so you are probably bound to pick up a few haters along the way. I do think you are a little off with your thinking though. I don’t think fat people have become normalized in any way. I have seen all kinds of mean things said about fat people. And sure, there are some who say it is no big deal to be fat and they are just BBW, but the truth is most of society does make fun of people who are fat. If you are fat, you are definitely subject to ridicule and shame. And in fact, our society places great value on looking good and beautiful, as you do, so, I suppose, when you come and say there are no excuses for being fat, it can kind of be viewed as going after a group of people who are already looked down upon. Just keep doing what you are doing. I don’t think you need to offer any apologies for anything. But I am not sure it is correct to say that fat is accepted as normal. I haven’t seen that in my life and I’ve been all of the USA. If anything, we idolize beauty and youth.

  • Reply Renzy December 3, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Maria,

    I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head with your first point. Nobody wants to be accountable for anything anymore. Instead we sue McDonalds, ban large soft drinks, etc. Anything to “free” people from having to take responsibility for their own lives and their own health.

    The reason you’re getting so much blowback, is that in our new age of political correctness, feelings override the truth if the truth makes someone feel bad. You’d think at a time when over one third of adults in the US are clinically obese things would be different, but apparently making people feel good about themselves irregardless of the decisions that they make is more important.

  • Reply Phoebe December 4, 2013 at 5:43 am

    Hi Maria, I just want you to know I’m 100% on YOUR side and I think you have become “unhealthy” peoples punching bag. They want to blame EVERYONE except themselves for not being motivated in their own lives and taking accountability for what they put in their mouths. I’m from Carmichael Sacramento and now live in The Bay Area and sooooo many people have brought your name up and they too ARE 100% ON YOUR SIDE! I love your work, you are the apitome of health and keep doing what you doing gurrrrl!!! XOXO Phoebe

  • Reply Meagan December 4, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    Hello Maria,

    I just read today in the news about the whole shenanigans with the facebook picture and what happened on the air. I chuckled when I saw it, because practically the entire time they were twisting your words saying you were bullying and using hate speech. I cannot believe that! You were very clearly promoting a healthy lifestyle, with working out and eating well. When someone expresses that people do need to change, everyone goes in an uproar saying that you are bullying and evil! But it is true that if you are obese you should change if you want to be healthier/ feel healthier. Don’t get angry at someone who already is healthy and fit!

    I appreciate your honesty and your stance, and I agree. I had a baby 9 months ago, and I work out 30 minutes, 5 days a week. It is not crazy, but I eat well and I take care of myself. Sadly, many people will not ever listen to this side, because they are hung up on the idea that they don’t need to change ,even though their own body is screaming for change.

  • Reply Melina December 5, 2013 at 1:27 am

    This country has serious issues if they can’t see that she was trying to inspire people not shame them. I’m a bit overweight myself and I found her photo to be motivating. It wasn’t offensive. It wasn’t shaming. It was inspiring. It dared me to ask myself what my excuse was. I looked at that and thought that if she can do it with three young kids, I can do it(and I don’t have any kids!). People are becoming too sensitive. She is right. America is in the midst of an obesity crisis. We all make the time for everything else but our health. Exercise isn’t viewed as a necessity(as is medication or going to the doctor), it’s viewed as something that is only feasible if one had the time. I think the point is we need to make the time. Of course there are always other issues(hypothyroidism-got it, bad genetics-got it…) but we need to still try to be as healthy as we can be. Thank you Maria for having the courage to say what a lot of people are thinking.

  • Reply Paulette December 5, 2013 at 2:56 am

    I think you are right on the money with your thoughts. Keep on keeping it real Maria!

  • Reply Chanel December 6, 2013 at 2:23 am

    Hi Maria! I loved seeing your picture actually. I think its awesome you can remain in such great shape. I HATE the gym. Every time I go past one I shiver but… I LOVE being outside. So, what I did to loose weight was buy a bike. I do 100 miles a week (on average). That has worked wonders for me and I find it fun. I’ve never been overweight but it has helped me become more fit. I do believe not every form of exercise will work for everybody but the only way to truly do it and keep it off is the old fashioned way.. with diet and exercise. I can understand how some people may feel being overweight as some of my family members are but what should happen is use pictures like yours as motivation. Heck, even ask for advice! Truthfully, if I were overweight and I saw your picture I would be at your doorstep ready girl! Keep up the good work. You look amazing!!!

  • Reply Linda L. December 7, 2013 at 11:57 am

    Just one little thing to add, I do think you were probably a little more blessed in the genetics area. I run about 20 miles a week and do weights but had twins and a single baby and my stomach has never been close to yours. But, I’m not jealous, just lucky you! I’ve never built muscle easily but I’m happy with how I look and I think your message is great!

  • Reply Krystle December 7, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Hello Maria,

    I think you have a great message about being healthy.
    Women need to come together applaud each other and motivate.
    It’s hard, work and dedication to loose weight. I have 2 boys years old and
    1 years. I workout days a week with my husband at 7am in the morning
    4-5days a week. It is hard but we do it to show our boys to be healthy.
    I am not naturally skinny either. I have to work. So women come together and
    don’t let the green monster if jealously come out. Be positive!
    Thanks
    Krystle

  • Reply Lisa December 9, 2013 at 7:27 am

    Maria,
    I started following your FB page after I saw the story about your photo with your boys. No doubt I was envious!lol I looked at your photo and recalled that I was in fabulous shape, like you, just a short 5 years ago. In the last 5 years I got married (2nd time), went back to school (got my AA last year and working on my Bachelor’s now), and have garnered a ridiculously crazy schedule (thanks to a blog and a blog-based magazine that I work on in addition to volunteering for various community events). I know that I am responsible for the 24 pound weight-gain I’ve taken on in five years. I’m responsible-not the food, not the schedule, and not any other person-just lil’ ole me. I know that I need to set my schedule better because, as I saw you post in another area on your site, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So I thank you for inspiring me to try, try again! Keep up the great work and great posts! You and your family are beautiful!

  • Reply Katie December 17, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Thank you for speaking the truth Maria! It takes courage and persistence to push through all the hate from others when you’re saying truth that others don’t want to hear because it holds them accountable for themselves. Keep doing what you do! Just had my second baby 7 weeks ago and your feelings are mine.

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