Inspired by Instagram: POP Fit Clothing

This is not a paid placement. If you purchase a product through a link on this page I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

I've been trying really hard to get to the gym. The hardest part is finding clothes that are practical, fit, and affordable. Oh, and look good!

It's certainly gotten easier for fat girls to find nice looking workout clothes. The challenge for me is finding ones that aren't too trendy. The sheer panels are weird. I am not a fan of crazy patterns. And, I prefer capris. Oh, and I want a pocket.

I'm not asking for much - right?

Scrolling through Instagram, I came across POPfit Clothing. I had seen it several times and scrolled right by it.

I like POP Fits' Instagram and Facebook ads. All types of women, in all sizes and shapes being sassy in their workout gear. There was a lot of mesh so I would keep scrolling.

Why I Did the #10DayChallenge Diet

I did the 10-day diet challenge!

And, it sucked for the first three or four days. Like, really sucked. But, I did it.

It's been almost two years since I shared my #FattoFitCLE updates. In that time period, I gained back the 30 pounds that I lost!

I had to give up my gym membership to the YMCA. It's expensive to belong to the Y! I stopped counting calories and tried WW. I gained weight on Weight Watchers. I was so annoyed, I gave my husband my FitBit.

Last October, I joined Planet Fitness to get back in the habit of going to the gym. I tried counting calories again, but I just couldn't remember to do it. And, I didn't really care.

After the holidays, I bought a new step tracker. Went to my doctor. Bought some cute gym clothes. And, took advantage of the 24-hour part of Planet Fitness. If I can't sleep, I get their early.

I still wasn't all that motivated to change my eating habits. Just working out was not working.

A friend mentioned that she wanted to do a 10-day challenge at the start of February. Eat veggies and proteins for ten days. Anyone can do something for just ten days.

When she told me that JLo was doing it too I almost told her no. I don't want to do anything a celebrity with a personal chef, trainer, and staff does - ever.

She sent me a link anyway.

NO - bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, sugar, caffeine, and dairy. I got to the caffeine bit and laughed out loud. I'm not giving up coffee, too. 

I told my husband and he nodded like he heard me.

Bowl'd Away by Stouffer's New Fit Kitchen Meals

I've received samples of Stouffer's new FitKitchen Bowls to facilitate this review. I have not been compensated.

Summer is my favorite time of year. Sunshine, swimming, ice cream, and late bed times.

While the school year is hectic, it's predictable. We are on a schedule. In the summer, all that is out the window. We are busy but in a whole different way. Instead of doing homework when I get home from work, we are off to the pool or the park. Dinner is an after thought for me. I need something fast and something that will keep me going.

Shaking Things Up with My Weight Loss Plan #goalforit

You know what's worse than working out? Getting back to it after two months. It sucks.

Inspired by SheSpeaks and the #GoalForIt care package from Folgers I received, I reevaluated my goals. And, getting back to a healthy lifestyle.

Taking a few minutes to focus on me this morning. Setting aside my laptop in exchange for @folgers in my cup and writing out my goals. What's your goal? Are you ready to #goalforit? #shespeaks #sponsored #365omj #eatplaylive #busymom #fattofit #fattofitcle #fitnessmotivation #weightlossgoals

A post shared by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Mar 10, 2017 at 7:21am PST

Gaining back all but seven pounds has helped with that as well.

What Starting Over Looks Like When Trying to Lose Weight

Losing weight is hard!

It's not just the cutting calories, gym time, and gallons of water. It's the feeling of being deprived and for what? A better body? Longer life? Sure, those are great, but at the cost of being miserable after each setback? Will my longer life be a happier life?

Of course, better health is better than the alternative. And, of course, I want to look good in clothes. I just don't want to do it at the expense of my sanity. 

I also don't want to continue to feel bad when I backslide. 

And, boy did I backslide! November and December were terrible! I ate a lot and worked out very little.

15 pounds. I gained 15 pounds in two months. I'm not going to dwell. Today I got my ass to the gym, ate lots of veggies, drank tons of water and will repeat it all tomorrow. More #ontheblog... #365moments #insta365 #fattofit #fattofitcle #bingeeating #weightloss #kettlebellworkout #lunchtimeworkout #busymom #fightingdepression #365omj #365sofab

A photo posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Jan 3, 2017 at 1:38pm PST

Measuring Weightloss Goals with #alliInMyLife + Free Tracker for You

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and the makers of alli® weight loss aid. All opinions are mine alone. #alliInMyLife #After #CollectiveBias

It has been 60 days since adding alli® weight loss aid to my weight loss routine. I was skeptical if it would be enough time to notice any changes. Despite making healthier choices and increasing activity, the scales were not moving. That’s where adding alli® weight loss aid came into the plan. It is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss aid on the market. It works by blocking 25% of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body*.

Take a look at #alliInMyLife #Before for a printable weight loss checklist

Making lifelong changes is important. I want to be healthier. I want to live a long life. But, I want to see results from the hard work I've been putting in, too.

Reducing my calorie and fat intake adding workouts helped to get me started. But, I fall into the obese category which makes me a candidate to take alli weight loss aid as well.

Since the scale can be discouraging, I've been tracking all my measurements (download this free tracker).

Everyday Gym Essentials Busy Moms Will Love

This post contains some affiliate links.

After months of lunchtime workouts, I think I've finally perfected my essentials list. I have exactly what I need for hitting the gym and getting back to work on time.

I want to be one of those people who can get up at the crack ass of dawn, but I'm not. After work is impossible. I like my family. I want to see them. Plus, there's dinner, homework help, and writing that needs to happen before bedtime.

When the YMCA opened its doors across the street from where I work, I was able to go to the gym. And, it's affordable compared to other gyms in the downtown area.

Getting in, out, and back to the office in sixty minutes or less became the new challenge.

But, I did it!

The following items help me on a daily basis to hurry the process and leave me feeling just as good as the workout.

The Busy Mom Weight Loss Checklist + #alliInMyLife

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and alli® weight loss aid. All opinions are mine alone. #alliInMyLife #Before #CollectiveBias

In the spring, I started making #FattoFit a reality in my life.

It started with a trip to the YMCA and I haven't looked back. I try to work out 30 minutes a day, five days a week and log every bite I eat. Cutting back on calories, carbs, and fat has been hard but not as hard as some of the other diets I've tried.

I must admit, I don’t feel like I’m dieting anymore. I’m eating better and getting stronger. Losing weight is a bonus. A huge bonus!

The first two months I was losing a little each week. And then, the scale stopped moving. Luckily, I have before measurements. So while the scale wasn't moving, my waist has been.

Tip: Take before measurements. Better way to gauge results.

Just because of my waist, bust, hips, and calves are smaller, I still want to see the scale move. With all the temptations of the summer, I knew that getting back on track this fall would mean extra help. Tools to help get past this plateau and back into a routine.

Despite logging my food choices, it helps me to have something to see that’s not on a computer screen. A checklist that I can use to remind me to make better choices, every day.

I created a weekly checklist (download it here) to make sure that I’m staying on track. As important as it is to eat three healthy meals and a snack, it's also necessary to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. My checklist ensures that I keep to a routine and has space to make weekly goals, short notes, and track my mood.

I even added alli® Weight Loss Capsules to my routine.

What 19 Pounds Means to Me

This post contains affiliate links. 

Over 100 days since committing to #FattoFitCLE and for awhile, I was getting a bit discouraged.

The scale wouldn't budge!

Frustration does not begin to explain the feelings I was feeling. Anger, disappointment, despair, and bitterness were a few.

I feel great. I even feel stronger. So why, why wasn't the scale showing some sort of movement?

That's when I reached for the measuring tape. At the start of The Real You Program at the YMCA, I was measured. In fact, I was measured before, in the middle, and at the end of the program. Why wasn't I doing it now?

3 Exercises to Help Stop the Leak #TENATips

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TenaTips #CollectiveBias

Kids and weight gain have played havoc on my body. There were days when I wondered whose skin I was wearing. Nothing worked the way it should from my emotions to my bladder.


Yes, my bladder. Stress incontinence means I pee when doing certain activities like laughing, coughing, or yoga. Not on purpose, it just happens. I’ve also noticed an increase when I’m constipated. Boy, am I sharing a lot.


A few months ago, I started working on me. I’ve lost a little weight and now exercise on a regular. I also had a serious discussion about the wee problem I’ve been having with my doctor.


Apparently, being over-weight and having kids weakens everything especially the walls that help keep pee in. Losing weight, eating better, and doing specific exercises has decreased accidents.


Nighttime is a different story. Not knowing when leaks could occur plus sleeping makes for a problem. I just want to go to sleep, confident that I won’t leak.

I found TENA® incontinence products at my local CVS. TENA has a complete line of incontinence products from liners, overnight pads, to overnight underwear.

Best of all, I don't feel uncomfortable going in a grabbing a package. It's drugstore! CVS staff is always courteous and professional. Plus, printed on the receipt is a reminder that TENA is eligible for FSA.

The overnight pads are a perfect fit for my XXL butt. I went to bed secure in the fact that the Hubs won’t know and I won’t leak.

15 Things I Learned From the YMCA's Real You Weight Loss Program

I am participating in The Real You program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.

My eight weeks of the Real You Weight Loss Program at the YMCA completed! 

Fifteen pounds. I've lost 15 pounds plus two inches from my waist and three inches from my hips. I'm finally in a size 18 without having to push and squeeze. 

It does not seem like a whole lot, but it means a lot to me.  

Okay, almost 15 pounds. And, I have such a long, long way to go. 69.2 pounds to be exact. 

Instead of sharing what 15 pounds means to me, I want to share 15 things I learned over the last eight weeks.

15 Things I Learned From the YMCA's Real You Weight Loss Program

What 11 Pounds Means to Me #RealYouYMCA

 I am participating in The Real You Weight Loss program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.

It's been one month and 27 days since starting the Real You Weight Loss Program at the YMCA.

And, I finally hit my first ten-pound goal!

I've lost eleven pounds total and almost two inches everywhere - waist, arms; even calves!

I did not think that the Real You program would have such an impact on how I view exercise and diet. But, it did. This experience has been amazing.

The only way I've lost weight in the past was to drop high carb foods from my diet. No pasta, no bread, no fruit, no sugar. I hated it. Sure, complex carbs were okay, but the fact was - I set myself up to fail. As soon as I ate bread or ice cream, it was over.

What 7 Pounds Means to Me #RealYouYMCA

I am participating in The Real You program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.

It's the end of week four of Real You Weight Loss Program at the YMCA!

242,235 steps, 25 days, and seven pounds are gone!

This is the first time that I've attempted to lose weight with diet and exercise. I hate working out and sweating.

I'm surprised to learn that I start to get anxious if I can't get to the Y by a certain time. Not because I don't want to go. In fact, it's the opposite. I want to get to the gym! This is an altogether new feeling for me.

I still don't love it. But, battle ropes are pretty awesome for getting rid of stress.

What 4 Pounds Means to Me #RealYouYMCA

I am participating in The Real You program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.

It's been 11 days, 1 hour, 39 minutes and 17 seconds since I started The Real You at the Parker Hannifin YMCA. 

It's been a rough two weeks.

The hardest part was stepping through the door.

Plus Size Active Wear Essentials from Gordmans

This is a sponsored conversation by Gordmans. Opinions are all mine. 

I've been a fan of Gordmans since they opened their stores in Northeast Ohio over a year ago.

I've struggled over the years to find clothes I like in my size. Gordmans' selection of plus size clothes covers all my many moods. From work to casual and even when I'm feeling a bit bohemian, I can find what I like.

It seemed a no-brainer to go to Gordmans for work out clothes, too. I checked the active wear line out online and had an idea of what I would be buying.

Here are my essentials for a plus size workout

Shed Winter Weight + Find The Real You at the YMCA

I am participating in The Real You program courtesy of the Parker Hannifin YMCA to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link.

Dieting sucks.

I've stopped saying, "I'm on a diet," years ago and embraced, "I'm changing my diet," instead.

The fact remains, I want to eat and I don't make time to be active. Eating feels avoid at times. What that void happens to be is a mystery, but usually goes along with anxiety and depression. I eat my feelings.

Six months and twenty pounds ago, I was on track. I had lost 35 lbs. Then the holidays came. I held fast, didn't lose or gain and my jeans were getting looser.

In December, I hit a wall. Actually, it felt like a wall fell on me. I was in so much pain and it zapped the energy out of me. My doctor could not tell me why and tests came up inconclusive. I have a theory, but he dismisses it.

The pain has not gone away. It just isn't as severe or widespread. I gave up for awhile. I said I was too busy. I said I didn't have any more time.

Check Out the All New Parker Hannifin YMCA + Win a Month Free

I was provided with materials to facilitate this conversation and sweepstake. 

Those who live and work in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio just got a brand new neighbor - a YMCA!

The bright, new 40,000 square foot Parker Hannifin YMCA in the Galleria is open. This is one gorgeous facility.

I remember when the Galleria opened. I dated a guy who worked in the restaurant where the Winking Lizard now stands. My husband worked at the Ritz Camera when we had first met in the 90's. And, I shopped, mesmerized by the beautiful skylight that spanned the entire mall.

Presently, from my office window, I've watched the shops close one by one. With the opening of the YMCA, there is an excitement I've not felt in some time. There is more than just great lunch in the mall, again.There's a place downtown to #EatPlayLive.

5 Easy Mind Tricks for Dieting That Really Work for Me

I am a better person when I have less on my plate.

When I read those words I immediately associated it with dieting and since I never read the book I didn't understand the context. It made me irrationally angry. What's on my plate should not matter.

I still have not read the book, but that quote has a whole new meaning for me now.

You see, I picked the word perspective as my word for this year instead of a resolution. I felt that I had been sharing the worse parts of me, intentionally and unintentionally, and it's my perspective in life that I would need to change if I was going to live a purposeful life.

By April, I knew I was failing at my goal. My work life was a mess, my weight was going up and I was just angry all. of. the. time.

A few things happened that helped me to put some things into perspective and I was able to clear my plate in more ways than one.

My Dei Fratelli Salsa Scramble Recipe + a Diet Story

I was given a jar to facilitate this post. Opinions are my own.

This past April, I decided to commit myself, once again to losing weight.

I also decided that I would try that little fad diet plan from Miami, again. I have so much weight to lose and I want to be a good example for my little one.

Last one from the #rockhall induction kick off party. #humansofcleveland #thisiscle #happyincle #myrockhall #rockhall2015

A photo posted by Mary Johnson (@mryjhnsn) on Apr 11, 2015 at 6:31pm PDT

The first time I followed this low-carb, low-fat, high fiber diet plan was right after I had my oldest. I lost a lot of weight on it and kept it off for a few years. I gained it all back these last few years; especially the last two. I just could not stop eating everything.

Hello, I'm a binge eater.

Basil in a Smoothie? Judge Me, Please!

Okay kids!  I said I would occasionally share updates about my attempts at losing weight and here it is - 20 pounds since May and fifteen of it since June!  I have been really watching what I have been eating, logging it in FatSecret, and moving more.

I never thought I would say this but smoothies have become a breakfast necessity!  I have been experimenting with different fruits and flavors but my absolute favorite so far is Basil and Blueberry Green Tea Smoothie.  I love this so much I actually submitted it to be judged in Juggling Real Food and Real Life's Smoothie Competition!  I don't even think there is a prize - just bragging rights but I am pretty confident I have the best {wink, wink} and will win.