Football players Randi and Tiki Barber with me 14 years ago.  

My abs look amazing don't they?  Guess what?  That eight pack is created by makeup! 

I was asked by my good friends who make infomercials to be a "Before" photo as my son was just about 9 months old and it was assumed I had on extra baby weight.  I gained a healthy 32 pounds for both my kids and was fortunate that I could exercise throughout my pregnancies.  I was not in a rush to get "cut" but with a healthy diet, healthy movement, and breastfeeding, the scale had lowered.  

 I wasn't out of shape enough to be a "before," and I hadn't dieted and lifted heavy enough to be an "After."  Therefore, I was taken in the back and put in the hands of a talented makeup artist who added shadows to my abdominals to create the illusion that I had worked my tail off.  

My husband was happy because he got a signed football by Tiki and Randi and I was happy since I was able to bring my baby to the set and get out of the house.  

It bothered me to participate in this illusion yet I found it enlightening as well.  I remember talking to the producer of a fitness show years ago.  She was very down to earth and had hired beautiful fitness models to be on her show.  This producer told me the girls would film for a short period of time as it was just too difficult to keep their bodies in such peak condition.    

Please keep this in mind if you ever find yourself longing to be like someone in an advertisement.  Better yet, love and care for your body and find the beauty in being you!   xo