to be getting really worried about our beach holiday

[theressomethingaboutmarie]

We're going on holiday with four other couples and their children. Our DD is the youngest (she will be 10 months when we go at the end of July). All of the other mums have children aged 6 and above but seem to have simply fantastic figures! I realise that this probably sounds very self-centred etc but I'm getting really worried about how awful I will look to them when on the beach. I am running 4 times a week and eating well but my tummy, thighs and bottom leave alot to be desired. They are ALL a size 8 or less

Also concerned that DH will see them all in their swimming costumes/bikinis and will feel disappointed in me..

Does anyone else feel like this?

Don't be so hard on yourself - like you say you have the youngst child there! Could you go out and find yourself some nice swimwear that makes you feel more sexy?

I've been on a diet since spring to get ready for our beach hol, so I do know what you mean. But my youngest are 3 now, so I don't have an excuse.

I know its daft and we shouldn't compare ourselves to others but I felt exactly like you with strangers on the beach when we went away with our four month old.

I realised though that I made myself unhappy for a week and my friend who has terible bodged c-section scars who doesn't give a crap had a far better time that me sitting worrying in my maternity tankini.

When I looked at proud women with all their bits out I didn't think "oh you look a bit overweight love" I thought "good on you woman you look fab".

We are going away in August and I am saying feck it and getting a bikini and refusing to waste my time worrying. Give it a go hun, I know its hard but the only person who will be effected is you. I know its a cliche but if you feel confident you will look tons better and have a sparkle that is tons more attractive than a firm tum and thighs.

Forget the running and excercise to tone the muscles that need it most You should be able to see a difference in a couple of weeks. Whack on fake tan as that always has a slimming effect (remember factor 30 in the sun etc) and have a manicure/pedicure before you go. Wear suitable swimwear - forget the teeny bikinis, go for boy knicker style bottoms and tankini plus lots of glamarous cover ups - kaftans etc.

Also, just because a size 8 looks great with clothes on, she might look horribly scrawny and lumpy with just a bikini. You, on the other hand, will look curvy and sexy and infinitely more desirable (especially if you feel confident about yourself).

The other thing to remember is all the other women going will feel the same about their bodies - if there is one thing women have in commen it is dissatisfaction with the way we look.

There is a simple solution to this, im a size 18 i'll sacrafice the bikini humiliation for a free holiday - he will think you're a goddess

Seriously though, your DH chose YOU he loves YOU why would he be interested in a load of stick insects?? I would like to lose some weight, i'm happiest at a size 14 but a size 8??? Yuck - there must be bones poking out from all manner of places.

What an awful society we live in that puts so much pressure on women to fit in with a ideal of perfection that actually is pretty unhealthy and therefore naturally unatractive.

You're not being unreasonable.

To make yourself feel more confident if i were you i'd get a spray tan or put some fake tan on before you go, buy a decent bikini and a kaftan to waft around in on the beach.

I'm just back from italy and have a 6 month old and the wobbly tummy to prove it. I really wish i'd spent more time trying on bikinis as my tankini was soooo unflattering.

And remember i bet the other women all have bits of their bodies they hate too.

I realise that it is a little silly to feel this way but heck - I do! I am going to be very careful about the tankini I choose and ensure that I keep topping up the johnsons holiday skin but it does concern me still. I am actually getting results from the running though. I was a size 18 for a while after having DD but have got down to a 16 but I was a 14 before being pg and relatively toned too.

Thinking about it though, I do have the most fantastic ta ta's compared to the rest

That's the spirit!

As somebody who is currently on holiday in Fiji with 3 days notice, so no time to prepare or buy nice clothes - I would say, if you're curvy, go with a bikini rather than a tankini - flaunt your boobs and get a good high bikini bottom. Get a sarong if you're worried and wear that around your waist, you'll look lovely.

I'm in Fiji and all of the women here are fuller figured and look beautiful and natural. I hate to think what they think of all the skinnies.

Regarding the other mums who have had time to slim down - they'll look at you and just remember how special it was to be a new mum and not judge you in the slightest.

Enjoy your holiday!

Do lots and lots of sit ups and do bicycle movements with your legs whilst lying on your back and keeping your feet off the floor for 2 weeks and you'll be the most toned chicky there. I know plenty of size 8's who could do with heading to the gym, they might be small but they are flabby.