Jillian Michaels On Motherhood, Baby Weight, And Worrying

We wanted to hate Jillian Michaels, we really did. She’s got a perfect body, she’s always yelling about fitness, and goddammit, look at her! But we just can’t, because we really want her to be our best friend. She’s the mom friend we all need — she’s down to earth, she speaks her mind, and she doesn’t let you get away with your shit. Jillian — we didn’t want to love you, but it turns out you complete us.

From shutting down internet shamers, to proving all our kids need is love and acceptance — we’re all about Jillian’s refreshing take on parenthood. So we gave her a little mom quiz to see where she stands on some important issues — like using your kid as an excuse to get out of stuff.

Finish this sentence: Motherhood is…

A crazy, exhilarating, exhausting, awesome, insane, amazing adventure.

What’s the grossest part of motherhood for you?

Wiping a “poopy” butt when they tell you “it’s creamy.” I know this is obvious but what could be grosser?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten/ given on parenting?

“Not to worry. We all eventually talk, walk, and crap on the toilet. They’ll turn out okay.”

How have your views on the baby weight changed since becoming a mom?

No. Simply because weight loss/weight gain/weight maintenance is all a very straightforward science. My views remain consistent. It isn’t easy, but staying healthy is optimal for you and your little one, and everyone is capable.

What’s your number one tip for encouraging a healthy body image for kids?

Never trash talk yourself and never name call or judge another by their physical attributes.

Work/family balance is bullshit, we know. Any tips for keeping both moderately afloat at once?

You must abandon the all or nothing mentality. Yes, we have to put our kids first because they can’t take care of themselves. However, we also have to appreciate that our happiness and health is paramount to our physical and psychological abilities to parent. Plus, we are setting an example for our kids.

If we act like martyrs and neglect our health they will learn that and do the same. So, moving forward with that mindset, we MUST set a side a certain amount of hours a week for ourselves and ourselves only. I like to say 12 hours minimum. I find that 12 hours is enough for a several workouts, a couple date nights, a mani pedi, a doctors appointment, etc. That is the rule. Twelve hours. And many women scoff as though this is impossible. But there are roughly 112 waking hours in a week. surely you can find 12 just for you. I work pretty damn hard and I manage to do it so if I can, anyone can.

Motherhood comes with a lot of worrying. What is one thing you have learned is not worth worrying about?

I see many parents brag about their kids and how exceptional they are at something. How they said their first word at seven months, walked at nine months, potty trained at one year, blah blah blah. Then they get older and it’s “they won this award, they can read by four, they already got their black belt by nine. It never ends.

I look at my kids and they are normal kids. They aren’t exceptional as in, any better than your average kid, at this stage in their lives and I couldn’t care less. I wasn’t exceptional at any point either and I am just fine. My kids hit all the benchmarks at the average time and in some cases they may have been behind in a few, but I know that they will be just fine while unravelling the challenges of life at their own pace.

When was the last time you used your kids as an excuse to get out of something you didn’t want to do?

Five minutes ago.

What’s the least amount of sleep you can still function on?

Six hours. Honestly I need sleep. I fall apart without it. But now that my kids are no longer babies I am getting a decent amount. Not as much as I’d like, but that is their fault.

Check out Jillian’s new pregnancy book “Yeah! Baby” and her new DVD “10 Minute Body Transformation.”