So, I don't usually, well, actually more like I never post about myself. So, bare with me as I talk about me, but promise to have many, many references to my precious children.
One year ago I was finished. I had had enough of who I saw in the mirror and the number on the scale. Ryan and I had recently returned home from our beach vacation with my family and during our 7 hour drive home had a very serious conversation. I told him I was ready for a change. I wasn't going to spend another Summer uncomfortable in my own skin. Yes, I know I had an 8 month old baby at the time, but enough was enough. I felt bloated, tired, irritable, ashamed.
So, the day after we got home I began my journey. I threw myself into it- I got a personal trainer at a CrossFit gym and changed to a Paleo diet for the first few months, then to Clean Eating. From day one Ryan supported me 100%. He went along with the changes [some pretty big] to our refrigerator and pantry. He helped me research new alternatives to the foods we once thought were "healthy", he endured and tasted countless new recipes that weren't so great at times, and above all encouraged me Every. Day.
The processed junk was thrown out [literally] and replaced with wholesome, nutritious, God-made food. Within two weeks Ryan and I could both feel such a difference in our bodies, minds, and muscles. We were amazed at how much junk food contaminated our entire being. Ryan actually lost 17 lbs. in a few months just by changing his diet!! Who knew he had 17 lbs. to lose?
Since then I have continued to work out at least 5 days a week. I have become addicted to healthy eating and exercise. I've lost 25 lbs., gained a lot of muscle tone and best of all- tons of confidence. This Summer, even though my body isn't "perfect", I am no longer hiding under a cover-up or tugging at my bathing suit to make it fit. [Some are actually falling off because they're too big]
But, here's something I never expected to get out of this journey- I am a better Mama because of it.
Here's the top 5 reasons I believe improving my health has bettered me as a Mama:
[in no particular order]
1. I know I am giving my children the best food possible so they start on the right road to healthy living now. All they know is fruits, veggies, lean meats, and healthy dairy products. At home, they rarely get junk food. Desserts are a treat and are always homemade and clean. To drink they have water with meals and milk at nap and bedtime. Snacks are unprocessed.
2. I am setting a good example. Most of my workouts are done while David and Rachael are sleeping [6am], but I also enjoy a couple of the classes our gym has to offer. Luckily there is a daycare onsite so they're able to play while I workout. Both understand that Mama is going to exercise because being healthy is very important. When I go to pick them up David usually says, "Mama, you're all stinky and sweaty. You got some good exercise?!" They love to "exercise" in the front yard by running around or pretending to lift a heavy weight. They wouldn't do that if they didn't see me do it. They think it's a normal activity that everyone does.
3. I have ME time. My workouts are my time. I get one hour a day to think about nothing but me. Does that mean my children don't cross my mind? Absolutely not. It means that for 60 minutes I don't have to worry about what's for lunch, or who had that toy first or wiping a bottom. I can be ME. I feel renewed and re-energize. I miss them both so much when I'm away from them and I get so excited when we're reunited. It's like a fresh new start for all three of us.
4. I have the energy and ability to keep up with them. Since eating real foods and working out I've notice my energy level [on most days] is amazing. Keeping up with two toddlers can be exhausting, but I feel like it would be even harder if I had stuck with my old lifestyle- forcing my body to process foods it wasn't made to process and asking my muscles to do simple things like picking up both kids at the same time. Now I can do it with no problem and no doubt that I am physically and mental strong enough.
5. No matter how old they are I will always encourage David and Rachael to achieve their goals. Even if for some reason I don't agree with them, as long as it's not illegal, I will be their #1 fan. Through my journey I have found that it's support from those around you that helps keep you motivated and focused. I want them to always know I am proud of them. I don't want them to ever wonder where I stand and, of course, would never want to hinder their success. I will do whatever I can to help them better themselves and reach their goals. Their goals will become my goals because my children are just that important to me.
But, here's something I never expected to get out of this journey- I am a better Mama because of it.
Here's the top 5 reasons I believe improving my health has bettered me as a Mama:
[in no particular order]
1. I know I am giving my children the best food possible so they start on the right road to healthy living now. All they know is fruits, veggies, lean meats, and healthy dairy products. At home, they rarely get junk food. Desserts are a treat and are always homemade and clean. To drink they have water with meals and milk at nap and bedtime. Snacks are unprocessed.
2. I am setting a good example. Most of my workouts are done while David and Rachael are sleeping [6am], but I also enjoy a couple of the classes our gym has to offer. Luckily there is a daycare onsite so they're able to play while I workout. Both understand that Mama is going to exercise because being healthy is very important. When I go to pick them up David usually says, "Mama, you're all stinky and sweaty. You got some good exercise?!" They love to "exercise" in the front yard by running around or pretending to lift a heavy weight. They wouldn't do that if they didn't see me do it. They think it's a normal activity that everyone does.
3. I have ME time. My workouts are my time. I get one hour a day to think about nothing but me. Does that mean my children don't cross my mind? Absolutely not. It means that for 60 minutes I don't have to worry about what's for lunch, or who had that toy first or wiping a bottom. I can be ME. I feel renewed and re-energize. I miss them both so much when I'm away from them and I get so excited when we're reunited. It's like a fresh new start for all three of us.
4. I have the energy and ability to keep up with them. Since eating real foods and working out I've notice my energy level [on most days] is amazing. Keeping up with two toddlers can be exhausting, but I feel like it would be even harder if I had stuck with my old lifestyle- forcing my body to process foods it wasn't made to process and asking my muscles to do simple things like picking up both kids at the same time. Now I can do it with no problem and no doubt that I am physically and mental strong enough.
5. No matter how old they are I will always encourage David and Rachael to achieve their goals. Even if for some reason I don't agree with them, as long as it's not illegal, I will be their #1 fan. Through my journey I have found that it's support from those around you that helps keep you motivated and focused. I want them to always know I am proud of them. I don't want them to ever wonder where I stand and, of course, would never want to hinder their success. I will do whatever I can to help them better themselves and reach their goals. Their goals will become my goals because my children are just that important to me.
2 comments:
LOVE,LOVE,LOVE!!!!! You look great & keep up the good work!! I'm not at the point you were but I'm close.
Love this! In my head, I know the importance of healthy eating. I've had to cut out gluten in my diet for health issues, but I don't feel like it's enough. I just need to put into practice what I know, for both me and my husband, and trust that we will both feel better once we both start eating better. What's this "clean eating" that you're doing?
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