Fuquay-Varina Mom Takes On National Fit Challenge

Jill Glenn, a Fuquay-Varina mother of two, decided to do something about it when an eight-week challenge on the Web site

Modern Mom

caught her eye.

"The challenge is to become a healthier you," Glenn said. "And for me, it's a healthier and fitter you."

Glenn said she has struggled with her weight since she was in eighth grade, but she was always active until 3-year-old Mae and 8-month-old Thomas came along.

"After my son was born almost nine months ago, I decided that I wanted to change that and become active again," she said.

For her, exercise is the easier part of the weight battle. She spends more time being active with her children and exercising at the gym.

"But eating right is really hard for me," she said.

Diets always failed Glenn, she said, "because it was a diet and not a lifestyle change. I'd put that weight right back on within a year."

Modern Mom picked 10 mothers across the nation from about 1,200 applicants and is providing them exercise DVDs, health and fitness information and one-on-one nutritional counseling.

The recommendations are based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's

Food Pyramid

, which Glenn said is just common-sense eating.

In addition to controlling portions sizes, she's eating more whole grains. No food is off limits, but moderation is the key. She's not after fast results.

"I really want to be conscious of my health, so I'm not looking to lose 20 pounds in eight weeks," Glenn said. "I'd like to lose a pound a week."

And when the eight-week challenge is over, Glenn said she plans to stick to it as a permanent lifestyle for her and for her family.

"Because if my body enjoys it, I enjoy it, (and) my family enjoys it," she said.