I know from personal experience that it is easy to fall into the trap of not having time to take care of our own health as a mom. Adjusting to being a new mom, savoring each moment with my sweet baby boy, in all honesty eating clean and working out was the last thing on my mind.
I had gained 75 lbs while I was pregnant and after Carson was born the pounds weren't coming off. I remember reading in books and talking to other mamas how breasting boost weight loss. Not for me! In fact, it was the opposite, I gained weight breastfeeding. But that was ok... I was very thankful to be a Mom and was zeroed in on my sweet baby boy.
When Carson was 3 months old we were in a wedding, and when I saw the pictures of myself I was shocked. Not only was I frustrated with my weight, but I was tired all the time (not just new mommy tired). I knew I needed to make a change but really struggled at finding balance of working out and carving that time out to take care of my health each day.
It took about two years for me to finally decide enough was enough. Not only did I want to fit into my old clothes that were shoved in the back of my closet, but I wanted to feel better too!
With 60 days of Insanity, Shakeology and Clean eating I was able to lose the rest of the 75lbs I had gained. I felt great! I fit into old clothes again and my energy had sky rocketed!
In 2014 we welcomed our sweet rainbow baby Lillian into the world. Adjusting to being a new Mommy, juggling work and life in general I was struggling to lose the 35 lbs I had gained.
On my 29th Birthday, being 6 months postpartum I had a huge wake up call. I realized I was still in size 14 maternity jeans, tired ALL the time, emotional and feeling discouraged. I wanted to be present for my kids, to have the energy to run around with them. I knew if I wanted to be present for my family and to serve others I needed to take charge of my health so I had the energy to do so! It was that day that I made a promise to myself that by the time I turned 30, I'd be healthier than I ever was in my 20's.
5 pant sizes, 35 lbs and one year later I reached that goal.
I have more energy, I'm more present for my family, I'm healthier and I'm happier.
What helped me make this big change? That's where 21 Day Fix came in. Over the course of a year I completed several rounds of 21 Day fix. Even a few 1/2 completed rounds in there too wink emoticon The containers, the awesome workouts that were only 30 minutes a day, and the easy nutrition plan.. it just clicked for me. After years of counting calories, macro nutrients, weight watchers, etc. The portion control containers just made sense to me. Drinking my Shakeology everyday, following the eating plan and doing the workouts. The #1 thing I've taken out of this is that it isn't a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change. You gotta show up each day and make those healthy choices. If you slip up or back slide, don't dwell on it. Instead get right back up and keep going towards those goals!
It wasn't tell about 5 months ago that I felt like God had put it on my heart to share my journey with others. To be able to encourage and be a light to others that we can find a balance. We can be healthy and be present for our families. When I decided to become a coach and started thinking about my team name "Life Light Up" instantly came to my mind.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
We have this one body here on earth, this one opportunity to be a light to others, to be the change you want to see in the world. And through this health and fitness journey I've had a spiritual fitness transformation as well. That feeling of frustration, self doubt, feeling not good enough is gone. For I know that Jesus is more than enough. By taking care of my health, I am not only able to serve my family better, but others as well.
So you might be asking, what changes have I made to find this balance? First off please know, I am a work in progress. There is no perfect Mom. But, each day I show up, pray, give thanks, love my family and others, and make the choice to be healthy.
Changes I have made:
1. Time in my Bible. Each morning I start off my day reading God's word. When I don't make this my #1 priority, everything else falls out of place. Reading my Bible and time with God is vital.
2. 30 minutes of Exercise each day (21 Day Fix has been my workout program of choice this past year. Right now I am currently doing Cize)
3. Meal Prep: Every weekend I schedule out our dinners and all my meals for the week ahead and put them on an excel sheet. Print out our grocery list, shop, and cook batch items so use for meals throughout the week. Not only does it save us money but it keeps me on track with clean eating!
4. Water: I drink a minimum of 64 oz of water a day and keep my water bottle with me always.
5. I don't eat after 7pm. Kitchen is CLOSED. I brush my teeth the same time as the kids so I'm not tempted to grab a snack. If I have craving something I will make myself a hot cup of tea instead.
6. Shakeology. You've seen breakfast selfies, lol. I start out my day with Shakeology every single day! It's my daily vitamin, energy boost and my daily dose of dense super food nutrition. And it tastes like a chocolate milkshake (bonus).
7. Be Kind to Yourself: That's right, I give myself GRACE. Maybe I cave and have a burrito from my favorite Mexican food place.. or maybe I have a cookie.. That's ok. It's about balance and next meal it's 100% back to my eating plan.
8. Family Time: It's so important. To have that time to disconnect from social media, tv, news, etc and just be with your family.
9. Write down your goals: I like to put my goals on post-it notes and put them where I see them daily. (My mirror, by the coffee machine, by my computer). It keeps my goal fresh in my mind.
10. Accountability groups: This was a big game changer for me. To have that accountability group to go to daily and check in with others who were on their own health and fitness journey. It's priceless! We encourage each other, inspire, make each other smile and friendships are formed. I know that even if I slip up, if I go to them they will tell me to move forward and tomorrow is a new day. When I reach a new accomplishments they are there to cheer me on and say good job! We are a team:)
Are you ready to make a change? You don't have to wait tell the new year to set those resolutions. There is PLENTY of time left in 2015 to reach those goals. Let's end 2015 stronger than we started it!
Who's with me? If you are ready to make a change, want to get started fill out the info here and I'll get back to you right away!
Have a blessed day!
