Many new moms tell me they feel they have lost themselves and are no longer pursing their passion or fulfilling their own dreams. My advice is to be kind to yourself. It takes a while to adjust to being a mother, and it can be very overwhelming. The first step to “finding” yourself is to write down what you miss doing, and/or what you would like to do. Once you understand what it is you want to do, take baby steps towards reaching your goal. For example, if your goal is to have your own business, your first baby step would be to research online possible business opportunities, or to call a friend who has her own business. Breaking down your big goal into smaller pieces makes it do-able! Every baby step you take builds momentum towards your larger goal.
Many pregnant women approach me with concerns about their body fat. They say they had weight to lose prior to getting pregnant and now they’re pregnant and afraid they’ll get even “fatter”. My advice is, It’s not to late to start exercising! As long as your doctor gives you the “ok”, start exercising. Take up walking. Walking is something you can do from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way to the end. Also, try prenatal yoga. Don’t use the excuse, “but I’m not flexible” because that’s how you get flexible! The key is to start doing something now! The sooner you get started, the quicker you’ll tone up. It IS possible to lose body fat through eating healthy and exercising even while pregnant. So don’t delay…start today!
Having trouble losing weight? Did you know that stress can actually make you fat? The reason why is because when we’re stressed our bodies crave quick energy. So the foods we typically turn too for fast energy are high in fat and high in calories. So what should you do to reduce your stress? 1. Get Your Zzzzzzz’s. Research shows that when we get don’t get enough zzz’s we crave quick energy foods. 2. Exercise- Exercise produces a natural high from hormones called endorphins 3. Breathe- Deep breathing brings oxygen to your body and naturally reduces stress. Take up yoga for the ultimate stress reducer! 4. Nourish Your Body- Eat high energy foods such as almonds, and whole grain cereals and breads.
Did you know that by doing yoga it can increase your sex drive? Several postures increase blood flow to the pelvis, and increased flexibility leads to more creative sexual postioning. Also through doing yoga you’ll have a greater sense of body awareness and confidence. Try this simple yoga posture, prenant or not to increase your libido and your connection with your partner.
Prenatal Yoga posture to Increase Libido and Connection with your Partner:
Face your partner and sit comfortably (you may place pillow underneath your bottom) with your feet together. Allow your knees to open to the sides (i.e. butterfly stretch). Place your right hand on your partner’s heart center, while your partner places his hand on your pregnant belly. Focus on the love you have for each other and the life you created.
Note: If you’re not pregnant than have your partner place his hand on your heart center as well.
In this weeks Woman’s World Magazine (March 3rd) you will find my two 10 minute exercises featured on page 16 (right before Oprah’s feature on her thyroid). Check out my “Total Thigh Toner” and my “Easy Fanny Firmer”. Both moves are modified kickboxing moves that tone the outer thigh, hips, buttocks and low back.
If you had weight to lose prior to becoming pregnant this is NOT the time to diet. Instead focus on nourishing your body and your baby with nutritious foods. The most important thing is to have a healthy strong baby. As long as you’re eating healthy and exercising consistently you will put on just the right amount of weight and it will not be hard to lose.
If you want to lose weight, challenge your girlfriend or husband to a weight loss competition. Who ever loses the most weight through eating healthy and exercising consistently for one month will get the chosen reward. Great rewards are pedicures, lunch, dinner, or a movie. The point is through having a competition you will challenge each other to get fit and this will keep you both focused towards your goals. The best part is you both will end up making a positive change towards a commitment to better health!
Today on Oprah two women faced their hate of their bodies through posing nude. Their tastefully nude photos were posted HUGE on a sky-rise building in Chicago. Passerby’s were asked what they thought of the photos, and all commented on how beautiful, confident, sexy, and “real” the women were. I found the show to be so inspiring! What really stuck out was how much we care about what others think of us, and most of us have a distorted body image. When we start focusing on what we like about our bodies, and we carry ourselves confidently we begin to feel good on the inside. When we feel good inside we look good on the outside. What did you think??
I was thinking back to my pregnant days and remembering how much it felt like my body was not my own. I couldn’t control how tired I felt nor could I control the baby poking me in the ribs. Being pregnant is good preparation for having young children, because you can’t control how they behave to a certain extent. For example, when I put my baby down for a nap, I have no idea whether he’s going to go down easily and say, “bye-bye” or scream, “noooooooooo momma!”. Sleeping in for me is now 7 a.m.! My advise is to do what you can to have an easier pregnancy. Eat healthy, do prenatal yoga, walk, and connect with your baby and partner, and know that everything you experience in your pregnancy is to prepare you for raising children.
One of my clients asked me, “does it hurt to eat a couple of cookies?” My answer, “No, as long as you are not eating the whole bag.” I reminded her that the key is to eat when you’re hungry. If you’re listening to your body and eating when you’re hungry, you’ll be less likely to have cravings. But if you do (especially around that time of the month), it’s not going to ruin your progress to have a piece of chocolate, or a couple of cookies. It’s all about moderation. Instead of eating a whole candy bar, a couple of chocolate kisses is a much better alternative. If you want permanent weight loss, you should not give up all indulgences…just be conscious of how much you’re eating, and enjoy every bite!
