During the course of the past two years my health has become more important to me than ever. Making sure my body is in tip-top shape to carry this baby, that’s just going to turn around and wreck all my hard work (wink), is a major motivator. Call me what you will, but one of my biggest concerns with having this baby (or these babies, time will tell) is that I’m simply not ready to lose my figure. I’m not Heidi Klum by any stretch of the imagination, but I also like to think that I’m fairly fit and have retained my assets, if ya know whatti mean. I don’t want a big butt, wide hips, saggy boobs. I know it comes with the territory. I also know that if I’m maintaining a healthy lifestyle now, that it will be commonplace while I’m pregnant, and make bouncing back easier after delivery.
When I became the editor for DietsInReview.com, I couldn’t help but to shift my healthy lifestyle into overdrive. I’m more conscious than ever before of what I eat. My grocery bill each week is at least half dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables. The “protein source” on our plate is not really the main entree anymore, as it is a side to our salads, fruit, roasted veggies and the like.
Don’t get me wrong, I could destroy some McNuggets, throw myself face-first into a bag of Doritos, or easily polish off a cheeseburger or chips and queso. I’m a grease lover, Shelton is a sugar lover. So when his sweet tooth is acting up, my suggestion to have some strawberries or a sugar-free Jello pudding sounds like a terrible idea, while it suits me just fine if I’m in the mood. Me on the other hand, I fear that pregnancy cravings will send me right back into the fat loving arms of Arts & Mary’s salt and vinegar kettle chips or an ooey-gooey pepperoni and mushroom pizza from Papa J. Those “indulgences,” if you want to call them that, are fewer and farther between these days, and I like to think it’s going to stay that way. In fact, I much prefer a grilled fish or chicken breast with roasted veggies to any combo meal.
Food I’ve got. Food I’m great at. I’m label conscious, I watch portions, I get my three squares a day plus two healthy snacks in the middle (in other words, I eat smaller meals throughout the day). Working out, on the other hand, still has my number. Once I get into a regular pattern I’m golden, I enjoy it to some degree. But when I’ve gone a period of time without it, I think I’d rather saw off my toenails (I have this weird thing about breaking nails so that is pretty awful in my mind). I loathe running, but love the elliptical. I love any kind of core-strength training, but don’t particularly care for things like jumping rope or playing basketball. I love doing work on a fitness ball. I guess if you practice what I’m preaching, it’s that you just need to get moving. Start by dedicating 30 minutes a day. Surely we can all squeeze that in. Hell, grab a fit ball and do crunches while you watch TV at night, or get that much-needed family or spouse time by taking a walk. Opportunity presents itself and we just need to take it.
In the long-run we have nothing to gain but our health. I encourage you to also take stock of your pantry, read the food labels and comparison shop, add more fruits and veggies to your diet, and get moving!! It’s better for you, it’s better for these babies we’re trying to grow, and it can’t hurt in the post partum world either.
If you’re ready to get started, this handy calculator will show you your BMI (body mass index) to define how healthy your weight is, your BMR (basal metabolic rate) to determine your daily caloric need, and your IBW (ideal body weight) to help you make a healthy and attainable goal weight.
I hope to share more of my personal tips and insights on living healthier with you soon.