Hello! Thanks for dropping by to check out my post! This Valentine’s day, I wanted to share the Lessons I learned through my post partum Weightloss journey plus some tips 🙂 I am no way an expert, just simply sharing my journey and really emphasizing the importance of self-care/self love especially to the mamas and mamas to be out there 🙂 Also, throwing in some pictures here and there that I documented throughout my journey.
LESSON # 1: BEING GRATEFUL (AND REALLY FEELING IT) BRING SO MUCH JOY!
I can’t stress enough making it a habit to write down things you are grateful for. In fact my husband and I made it daily thing to say out loud what we are grateful for the day. It honestly shifts your energy and makes you appreciate even the little things. I became so much happier, more understanding, & definitely more positive than ever. Our body needs all the TLC and positive vibes. Be grateful for good health!
LESSON # 2: FOCUS ON BEING HEALTHY AND HAVE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON FITNESS / FOOD.
Treat them as fuel to your body. It forced me to be mindful of what I eat since I had Domi in mind. Food is our friend and not the enemy here. Let’s Focus on what we want to put in our bodies instead of what we want to remove. There are so many quick healthy meals that doesn’t have to be complicated! learned that the hard way! lol Also, Instead of making workout a chore or a “have to”, think about the benefits of doing a quick workout. (so many benefits physically and mentally). one of them is: stress reliever! you will instantly be in a good mood!
LESSON # 3: SELF-LOVE / SELF-CARE IS NOT A BAD THING.
I used to feel so bad if I set aside time to do things I used to do that made me happy like writing on my journal, blogging, having a facemask and even taking a bath. I would feel so bad leaving Domi every time I go to the gym even though I was craving “me” time and a break. I felt that I was such a bad mom….later did i realize that its so not true, in fact, the exact opposite! We cant pour from an empty cup. we get tired too. People that love us will understand. I am blessed to have family and a husband that are understanding and loving. In fact theyre are the ones that push me to “go somewhere and shop, or go to the gym, go out and eat, sleep for an hour etc). Hustling can be one thing but slowing down and taking care of ourselves first is a must. Just like in planes, we are required to wear our masks first before helping others. I find that If i set aside time to meditate, journal write, or basically take a break and do some self care, I return with so much love and joy which obviously affect people around me 🙂 So whatever brings you joy, do it & don’t feel guilty about it.
LESSON # 4: MEAL PREPPING IS A LIFE SAVIOUR.
It’s healthier, cheaper and saves time!! I got used to it since I had to do it for Domi’s food. Quick grab and go! I give myself a couple of hours on a Sunday to meal prep for the next 5 days It does avoid me making unhealthier choices within the week and spend on more expensive, food.
LESSON # 5: FOCUS ON DRINKING WATER AND AVOID SUGARY DRINKS.
Carry a water jug everywhere! Since I was breastfeeding/pumping, I needed to keep my supply up. At times I would forget to think of drinking water just cause I was too exhausted to think about drinking. lol but seeing that bottle everywhere reminds me to drink, drink, drink! shoutout to the hubby for always refilling my thermos 🙂 When you’re craving soft drinks, try taking fruit instead. While I was lucky enough not to crave for these, (I was never a soft drinks drinker) don’t waste your calories on sugary drinks that will make you crave for more.
LESSON # 6: YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A GYM MEMBERSHIP TO WORKOUT.
Although I go to a gym, there were most days I couldn’t go just because of Domi or just sooo tired to prepare everything and drive. so I would spend 30 mins (while domi is sleeping) to search for a quick workout on Youtube/ Pinterest. I got a set of weights and Yoga mat and are enough for a good workout. Also take advantage of walking in the mall or outside for an hour. I did this a lot, and made me feel good!
LESSON # 7: APPRECIATING YOUR JOURNEY AND FOCUSING ON THE “NOW”
Do not be hard on yourself!! In fact, what our bodies need are positive words, love and appreciation! Sometimes, I look at my belly with all the stretch marks and all and say ” you are amazing, you made Domi.. crazy how you did so well in pushing him out!” or ” wow, you’re lifting 7 lbs weights now instead of 5 lbs 3 months ago” or “those stretch marks are proof how our bodies are so amazing in what it does” and many more! Be grateful where you at in your journey. Try to not pressure yourself. I know we want to do everything all at one and hurrying up the process. Whether its losing weight or baby achieving the next milestone, let’s take it day by day, do what we can and appreciate where we are at the moment.
also donated more than half of my wardrobe (clothes that dont fit). Instead of wanting to go back to “the old me, old weight” and the pressure, I invested a few key pieces, new clothes that fit properly. 🙂
LESSON # 8: MENTAL HEALTH GOES HAND IN HAND WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH
So important to take time to also assess our mental health too. Give yourself time to write, learn, read a book, listen to encouraging and motivational videos on youtube etc. It goes hand in hand. Invest a hour of the day to take care of you first so you can properly take care of people around you especially your family.
LESSON # 9: MAKING 1 OR 2 HEALTHY CHANGES INSTEAD OF DRASTICALLY /FORCIBLY CHANGING EVERYTHING. (UNREALISTIC GOALS).
I used to make a list of things I should be doing, avoiding, eating to a Teeeee! I was so strict that I ended up just being miserable because I was not achieving them. I’ve always heard about SMART goals even when I was still in school and didnt apply it up until around a few months back. We cant do everything all at once…. i ended up getting so overwhelmed and giving up. so I just made slight changes in my diet, thinking about healthier options and also doing simple movements when i worked out
some few examples:
this week i will focus on being mindful of my portions
this week, I will track my water intake
this week, ill go to the gym 4 times instead of 3 etc.
instead of
no sweets for 6 months
i have to drink 10 glasses of water ever single day
i have to go 6 out of 7 days a week to the gym
** these put a lot of pressure on me and ended up not enjoying my life and then ended up giving up.
LESSON # 9: WHAT YOU DO CONSISTENTLY IS BETTER THAT WHAT YOU DO ONCE IN A WHILE.
Develop a routine and good habits for yourself, your family and your baby. Whether its setting a time limit in social media, tv time, drinking lemon water first thing in the morning everyday or working out at least once a week consistently. Remember, you are still lapping everyone on the couch. be patient. be consistent. Trust the process. one day at a time, girl! Make healthy living, the gym a part of your lifestyle. theres honestly no quick fix to it & wont happen overnight. 🙂
LESSON #10: COMPARISON IS A THIEF OF JOY.
Stay in your own lane and try not to compare your body, baby, situation or journey to anyone else. Doesn’t mean It didn’t work out for them, it wouldn’t for you and vice versa. Someone else’s chapter 24 is different from your chapter 3 ya know? I focused on doing this and made me so much happier, appreciate myself and my journey even more.
also: dont mind other people when they give unsolicited advice. You know whats best for your baby, family and yourself…no matter what anyone says 🙂
THATS IT FOLKS! Thanks for reaching this far! I wanted to make it a blog post rather a video because Im better at expressing through writing than talking lol i know id be allover the place if it was a vid. hehehe
xoxo,
Denise
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