Weight Loss After Baby

I just had a baby 3 weeks ago.  I didn't work out during my pregnancy and my body has lost muscle tone.  My stomach is flabby and covered in stretch marks.  I've been eating like my only job in life is to consume sugar and fat and as a result my toddler has not been eating as good as she should be.  I don't want to be an overweight mom with overweight kids.  I want my kids to be healthy.

Last night I had an epiphany.  I only had a baby 3 weeks ago.  I can't work out yet.  I don't have to hate myself or talk negatively to myself or feel bad about myself.

But (and this is a big but)...

I can make better food choices.  I can be kind to myself.  I can eat fruit for breakfast and stop eating cookies every night after dinner and eat more vegetables and stop buying junk food.

And (and this is a big and)...

I have been eating more fruit and vegetables and not eating cookies after dinner and, although I haven't given up my Starbucks, I have been using less sugar in my coffee and I have been practicing portion control and I have been kinder to myself.

I've found in doing these small things that I feel good and that makes it easier to say no to that cookie.

What changes are you making to lead a healthier lifestyle?

Physical Health and Wellness

Americans are obese.  As much as we might like to think otherwise we are a culture of fast food and sedentary lifestyles.  I am no exception.  I have struggled my whole life to be healthy.  I am not the person who wakes up craving fruits and vegetables.  I wish I was.  I crave sugar and bagels and coffee from Starbucks.

I realize though that, as a parent, it is my job to set a good example for my children.  The only way they are going to grow up eating healthy and living healthy lifestyles is if I set that example for them, if we make exercise and healthy eating a part of our daily lives.

You don't have to go out and run a marathon tomorrow.  You can start small.  Prior to this pregnancy I had gotten into a good routine of attending Stroller Strides 2 days per week and going to the gym 3 days per week.  I was proud of myself!  I felt good working out and although my eating habits still needed a lot of work I felt I was taking the right steps towards a healthier me.  Since I can't work out right now I find that I actually miss it.  I'm looking forward to working out again after this baby is born.

Food is a much more challenging issue for me.  I love to eat!  I am focusing now on adding fruits and vegetables into our daily lives.  I don't think you need to restrict yourself or cut out carbs or only eat meats or whatever other fad diets people go on.  I think diet is a bad word.  I think you have to learn to eat real foods and cut out processed foods.

Does my daughter know what a McDonald's Happy Meal is?  Unfortunately yes.  Does she ask for them?  No.  I used to never eat fast food and I am hoping to get to that point again.  I want to eat real food.

Let's take this challenge together.  Share in the comments section either here or on Facebook what your health goals are.  Let's get healthy together!