Muffin Top

Today I looked in the mirror and said to myself, I look like crap. I was ready to spiral down the woe is me path, but stopped myself in my tracks. However, not before I thought, I’m not that same young lady I was in my 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s. In good shape, great hair, firm skin, full of energy.  This morning, in my mid-50’s, my joints ache, my skin looks old, crepey and wrinkly. And I was especially focused on my mid-section, or, in other words, my muffin top. I’m feeling my age today!  Do you feel that way some days? 

Prefer to listen to Muffin Top? Click the play button below.

The Definition of Muffin Top

What causes the dreaded or loveable (depending on your relationship with it) muffin top?  First let’s define “Muffin Top” or MP for short and the ever recognizable “Love Handles”.  MP is the extra build up of fat all squished in that little area around the waistline, above the hips, causing that area to look like a banana nut muffin top. Hmmm, not quite the hourglass shape we envision ourselves to have or are hoping for.

Are you sporting a Muffin top? Is it more like a spare tire?

I am so proud of my muffin top (not really, I’m being facetious) that I’ve decided to name it Bertha. And I worked hard to get it – years of….well, you fill in the blank – menopause, bad eating habits, sitting behind a desk all day, yada, yada, yada. 

Also, I find it especially fun to sit down and have Bertha spill over my jeans.  I have to make sure to wear a loose fitting top that I can pull out of the crevices formed as I sit.  And, not to mention, undo the top button of my pants just to breathe.

Sometimes I try sucking in my gut….sorry, I mean Bertha… and when I start turning red in the face, I just have to let go and let it all hang out.  Ahhh, deep breaths! 

Some days, I am tempted to flick off my reflection as I take a side view glance in the mirror because I don’t like what I see. My side view, quite frankly, looks like I’m pregnant. And believe me ladies, I am not!  It surely would be a miracle at my age!  I’ll just blame it on the salty pretzels that I binged on!

Aging really sucks some days.

Positive Message

Now, I know, I know.  I usually like to share positive messages with you, but not one human being on this earth can be positive 100% of the time.

Everyone has their blah days. But it’s how long you allow yourself to wallow in self pity that matters.

So, now that I’ve wallowed for a few minutes, it’s time to pick myself up and place my happy feet back on to dance through the rest of this day.  

As for Bertha, my muffin top? From now on, I will have a new attitude of gratitude about my body.  So, when I think muffin top – I literally want to be referring to the top of a baked blueberry muffin that I’m about to eat – not Bertha, my big belly. 

Benefits of Aging

I’ve noticed that one of the benefits of aging is I’m beginning to not give a hoot about what others might think. 

So, combine that with my new attitude of gratitude, when I went shopping this afternoon, in that state of mind, I temporarily lost my mind when I was looking for a bathing suit and bought a bikini! 

No, it’s not a sexy string bikini, it’s more like a version of extra large granny panties that sits mid waist and covers the tush along with a sporty top that hides all the nooks and crannies.  Hence, in my crazy, daring state of mind, I thought this is the push I need to lose a few pounds before I head to the beach for vacation.

Am I nuts??? I haven’t worn a bikini since I was in my 30’s!

So the answer is, I probably am nuts, but I don’t give a damn. I prefer to think of myself as a rebel.

And as a rebel, I am going to wear that bikini. And with each step I take, my belly will probably shake like a bowl of jello as I stroll along the coastline. 

As I stroll along, I may even wave the Princess wave as I walk by other beachcombers as a sign of my rebellious spirit.  And for all I know, they could be thinking, “Good for her, rocking that bikini without a worry about the extra weight around her middle”. Or maybe not.

But who cares???

Attitude of Gratitude

I’m changing my attitude to gratitude and I am inspired by the European women I’ve seen in my travels. There, women of all shapes and sizes wear their bikinis on the beach.  And they look quite comfortable and confident, thank you very much!

Being raised with a more prudish mindset, I have a different perspective about my body and am not as confident. And I think that’s a shame.

But, hey, I got a new attitude! And I will be grateful for my aged bikini body.

So every day, when I’m thinking about my gratitudes, I will make sure to include the love of all my body folds and creases.

So what say you, H.A.G ladies???  Are you with me?

Yes! Let us H.A.G. ladies unite!  No more stereotypical muffin top thinking.  Flaunt it!  Be proud of it! 

But, make sure to take care of yourself, too.  

Firm Muffin Top

So, with my beach trip looming and my bikini waiting to be worn, I have to be honest and admit I will try to firm my muffin top UP so I won’t jiggle quite as much!

With lots of dancing! Weight lifting!  Walking!  Which all build muscle.

And, as always, trying to eat healthier which helps lose poundage.

The battle of the muffin top bulge is ON and I plan to WIN! 

And if I don’t….I really don’t give a hoot!

Cheers!

Kathleen

Want to be informed of future blog posts? Click below to subscribe.