Losing weight is hard! Losing weight while being a mom of small kids feels darn near impossible. I know we’ve all heard the stories of moms who lost tons of weight by breastfeeding. Well, that didn’t happen for me!
I have gone up and down, up and down in my weight for years. It’s safe to say that I’m currently the heaviest I’ve ever been. I still remember my size 8 body. I barely had time to appreciate it before becoming a mom at nineteen. Since then, I haven’t been satisfied with my weight. Sure I’ve had my moments, and fortunately, I’ve remained body positive despite gaining the weight.
The truth is I became so comfortable in my mom body that I neglected to see the affect it was having on my health. The joint pain, random inflammation, overwhelming fatigue and general sluggishness were all a result of my lack of activity.
Then, one day, as if someone slapped me, it hit me! I needed this body to last. I needed it to be healthy for not only myself, but for my kids too. And just like that, I joined a gym. Believe it or not, I actually went and started working out. No coach or trainer, just me.
Now before you get out the cheering squad and strike up the band, I’ve only been at it for about 3 months. BUT. I’m doing it. I go to a gym and I work out. I spin, I walk, I even squat (and not to pick up toys). LOL I haven’t dropped tons of weight, but I am losing and more than that, my endurance and energy levels are better.
Working out is something that I do for me. It gives me a totally different feeling than shopping or a cup of coffee. I feel strong and empowered!
Here some tips that I have found that help keep me motivated:
Go early if possible. If not, just go when you can!
Some days I am able to go early and my day seems to flow better. I get so much more done by lunch time on those days. Some days, it’s an afternoon work out to jump start the rest of my day or just a few minutes to myself before I face the kids after work. I feel good when I complete this task. It’s rewarding!
Go at your own pace
I don’t let others intimidate me. I track my heart rate, and I build myself up as I go. I’m not in a sprint; this life is a marathon. I’m in it for the long haul!
Sweat it out!!
OMG, I love sweating during a work out! It does wonders for my energy level. I’m motivated by the sweat; it helps me know I’m working. Lastly, this glow! It’s amazing how my skin glows after I sweat and then I immediately cleanse my skin!
You’ll drop pounds.
The pounds will come off! For me, it’s been slow and steady but they’re coming off! I’m not discouraged by the scale. Rather, it pushes me whether it goes up or down. The point of this journey is my health and I’m winning as long as I keep going!
