Food, and exercise, and my body...Oh my! I have a love/hate relationship with each of these areas. I think most women do, and for me, it was amplified once I became a mother. Finding the place where I not only accept, but LOVE my body is a daily challenge that I struggle with. Even after I lost all of my baby weight and then some, I continue to scrutinize myself.
Food. Let me just say- I love it. I love to cook a good meal, to plan meals, to have dinner parties, heck, I even love to grocery shop (without the two little people, although that is really just a fantasy I have since they are with me ALL THE TIME). I also have a major sweet tooth. Major. If it's in the house and its chocolate, or cake, or involves icing, I'll eat it. Or I'll think about eating it. I confess there are times where I've had to THROW away the temptation so I won't eat it. I know, it's sounds extreme, but I would eat it all until it was gone! I have to force my self to not count every single calorie I put in my mouth every single day. It is okay to let go. It is okay to indulge. It is okay to not feel guilty over every bite. And that is something that goes through my mind EVERY MEAL I EAT.
Exercise is something my parents forced my sisters and I to make a habit of. We had no choice in the matter; exercise was a daily event, unless we were sick. I am fortunate that I had my parents drill that into my head at a young age because now, it really is second nature to me. I crave it. I start everyday with it and if I don't get my gym time in or a run, I get grouchy. So exercise for me personally is not a struggle, but keeping it in balance is. I cannot let making it to the gym dictate the course of my day. Sick kids, school events, vacation, my husband coming home (!!!)...all of these things interrupt that. And that's okay. My family IS more important than exercising. But I still have to remind myself of that every.single.day.
My body. Oh, my body is so different than it was before I had children. I used to not obsess over it, I didn't even own a scale. If my pants fit, then I was fine. If they got a little snug, I would start being a little more cautious about what I ate and add an extra 15 minutes of cardio. But I've also experienced the opposite end of the spectrum, stepping on the scale at least 5 times a day. I can say that that behavior was not healthy. I feel like I am an all or nothing kind of girl, balance- especially in this area- is difficult.
Having a healthy relationship with food and exercise is important, especially when you have children, and especially when you have girls. I want to be a good example for Savannah. I don't want her to have food issues or body issues. But I have to remember what my body has achieved. I have carried two children and for that I appreciate my body. All of this being said, having a healthy outlook when it comes to food, exercise, and your body will make you a better mom. You can stop obsessing over it all and focus on others rather than yourself, which is what being a mom is all about.
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