Remember when it seemed like everyone in the entire world was hating on Jessica Simpson for gaining a lot of weight during her pregnancy? I always thought it was ridiculous, considering women are supposed to add on a few pounds when they're expecting. Then, when Simpson announced she was partnering with Weight Watchers to help her lose her baby weight, there was even more pressure for her to get to her former shape, with many saying they didn't think she'd be able to do it.
That's why I'm actually happy to see that six months later, with all eyes still on her and her body, Simpson has shed most of her baby weight…and she's done so in a healthy way: by working out and eating right.
Simpson revealed her new post-baby bod this past weekend at an event for her fashion line and it's obvious that all of that hard work paid off! Dressed in jeans and a bright pink blazer, she looked like the same, slim but still curvy fashionista she's always been…and for good reason. The star has reportedly already lost 60 of the 70 pounds she gained during pregnancy. Wow!
I don't care what people say about her–you have to give the girl props. I know that not all of us are fortunate enough to have personal trainers and million dollar contracts with weight-loss experts, yadda, yadda, yadda…but most of us also aren't the constant watch of the public either.
Moms can, for the most part, lose the weight (if they wish to) in their own time. Simpson, on the other hand, had a very specific deadline and critics breathing down her neck, ready to strike at the first sign of failure. Anyone would be tempted to starve themselves under those conditions, but she didn't. She exercised with a trainer, gave up lots of the foods she loves (mac and cheese is apparently her favorite), and she got the results. Healthily.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Dear world: Pregnant women SHOULD gain weight during pregnancy
What I find most refreshing about Simpson though isn't just that she lost the weight. It's that she acknowledged how damn hard it was to lose it. In September, she admitted that her body wasn't "bouncing back like a super model" and she has frequently discussed how hard it is for her to give up eating the not-so-nutritious meals she enjoys. And with few (annoying) exceptions, isn't that the case for most people? It's so nice to hear a new celebrity mom just finally say out loud that it's hard, instead of giving the casual 'ol, "Oh, you know, it comes easy to me." Come on people!
Whatever your thoughts on her as a person may be, Simpson is a much better role model for women than certain other celebs who admit to basically surviving on grapes and nuts. And maybe now that she's actually pretty much completed her goal and is looking like her pre-pregnancy self, everyone will finally back off and give her a freakin' break. After all, I think she's earned it.
Image via Getty Images
