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Children, exercise, family, Mom, motherhood, overweight, parenting, postaday, pregnancy, walking
Recently, I read a post over at Hip Homeschool Moms about getting healthy. With every sentence, I found myself nodding my head in agreement and thinking, “That is so true and so me.” When it came time to comment, as it so often does, my response turned into something way too long to not become a post over here. Go ahead and read “Making the Time to Exercise” and then come on back over here and read my thoughts on the matter. I’ll wait, I promise.
As you may know from reading this thing, I have five small ones right now and another on the way (due in December). When I got married, I was happy at my weight of 155. I’m only 5′ 3″, but I felt (and looked) good (if I do say so myself), I walked all the time, and I had energy. I loved playing with my nieces and nephews and spending time with my family. During my first pregnancy, I put on way too much weight. I must have gained 70 ish pounds (granted, over 20 of that came and went within the last 2 weeks and delivery, but at least a solid 50lbs was gained). Could have been the stress of working during pregnancy at a demanding job. Could have been all those Chips Ahoy I liked to eat whenever the nausea set in. Who can say? All I know is the pounds came on easily, but didn’t want to go when the pregnancy was over. I didn’t really make much of an effort to show them the door, either. I had my baby to love and care for and the last thing I was worried about was how I looked, and I still felt good (b/c I had a baby to love). I lost nothing.
I got pregnant with the second right away and managed to walk almost every day and have a much better diet during that pregnancy and gave birth at a lower weight than when I had my first pre-natal visit. It was fantastic. I felt amazing and was so happy, but I didn’t keep up with it. There were so many “reasons” why I couldn’t work out every day. Things like napping (mine and the kids) and grocery shopping and laundry and TV and TV and oh, did I mention? TV. “Life” got in the way.
Three more babies, and a late miscarriage, and another pregnancy, and here I am. Overweight (by a good bit) and sluggish, and tired, and just generally not as much of a participant in my own life or those of my children.
I decided this month it was going to change. I’ve been walking almost every day, between 1.5 and 2.5 miles, with the help of my sister and her oh so patient children. I’m eating better. If you know me, you’ll be surprised when I tell you I’ve swapped the Doritos I like to have with my lunch for baby carrots. Yeah, I know.
The weight gain hasn’t changed much, but I feel so much better, and I know, if I can form the habit now, it will mean a world of difference for me and my kids in the years to come.
Thanks for the post inspiration, Danielle!
Life at Le. Rheims 
It’s difficult to make time for ourselves when there are so many demands on our time and energy. Having 5 young kids and another one on the way certainly qualifies! But good for you for taking the time to look after yourself. In the long run, it’s the best thing for yourself and your growing family that you are healthy and strong. We just got back from vacation last night and I didn’t like what I saw when I stepped on the scale. I’ll be walking right along with you 😉
Right now it’s not even about the weight (although I am hoping to stave off the gestational diabetes a bit longer and keeping the weight gain in check will help with that). I just know that if I don’t keep going, it will only get worse.
Every time you go for a walk, remember we’re walking too. So glad to know we’re not the only ones! 🙂
I walked a ton in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and I think it made a huge difference in how the weight came off. It came off quicker and I think I actually left the hospital looking thinner in the face.
Those little habits are the ones that make the biggest difference. I need to start implementing them myself!
It probably made a huge difference because it most likely helped boost your metabolism. With a c-section especially it’s important to keep walking and I know being in better shape going in will help with a speedy recovery, especially in the winter.
I’m with you on making the tie to walk. It’s something sos imple but so hard to find the time to do. I could very easily put a load of laundry in the wash and walk around the block, but never do. I’m going to stat tonight after reading these! Thanks for the inspiration Bridget!
All it takes is that one little push sometimes. I’m glad I could provide it! 🙂 Start with once around the block and then see how you feel. I started with twice around the track and now I’m up to six times. Maybe I’ll get to seven before the baby gets here. I’ve got my treadmill ready for the winter when the baby will be here and I won’t be able to get out as much.
Get started and keep going and know you’re not alone!
That is so awesome, Bridget! Our story is the story of so many women today and it’s simply a series of small changes that can help us become real participants in our own lives, isn’t it?! Thank you for sharing this post, it’s humbling to hear when your words actally make an impact on someone else. 🙂
And a little side note to say YAY for workout partners! I’ve been blessed to have one the last few months and she helps to push me and keep me accountable. How awesome to have people there to support you!
Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Danielle
It’s really humbling to realize that one’s walking partners are walking just out of love for you. My sister and niece either walk on the treadmill BEFORE our morning walk or go home and walk afterwards (my niece stops at home to refuel and then goes for a run). They are walking with me and my family just to help us get going and because they are genuinely concerned over our health and well being. Isn’t that great?
Thanks for reading!
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