Mama's Guide To Getting Started

When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I was 25 pounds heavier than what I weighed the day I gave birth to my first child.  That's right-- I weighed 25 pounds more at 3 weeks pregnant than I did at 9 months pregnant.

How does something like that happen?  The answer is simple: I was lazy and I made excuses for my laziness.

I am now 35 pounds less than my weight that fateful day.  My goal is to get back down to what I was before my first pregnancy.  

The most important step in changing your lifestyle is actually BEGINNING the process of getting healthy.  After that-- you'll eventually get into a routine and it becomes your new way of life.

1.  Make Time

"Someday is not a day of the week."  

Today is the day to make changes to your life!  Why not this very moment?  People are constantly putting things off- in so many different aspects of your life.  If you want something bad enough, you should make time for it instantly.  If you are reading this- getting healthy has crossed your mind.  So make the time and change your life!

Every person is busy-- between work, school, children, social events, you name it.  But, think of the time you spend not working or being productive.  Maybe you watch television for 2 hours every evening-- if you spent 2 hours out for a brisk walk, taking a class, or prepping for your next meal-- you'd be using your time much more effectively while also doing things to better yourself.

2.  Create A Realistic Goal

Sit down and think about what you want.  Do you want to lose 10 pounds?  Run a 5k?  Fit back into your favorite jeans?  Write down your goal and visualize yourself accomplishing it.  Do this every day. I strongly believe in positive thinking and it's affect on one's life.  Do not let doubt or fear of not accomplishing your goal enter your mind.  You have a goal, you have made time for yourself to reach that goal and you will do it.

3.  Find A Support Network

Get a workout buddy, join a gym, hell- create a Twitter account that you use strictly to talk about healthy living.  Networking with others who are on the same journey will keep you motivated and inspired.  It's also a lot harder to give up if you have someone standing by your side pushing through also.

4.  Give Yourself Healthy Options
"Abs start in the kitchen."
You will not get in shape if you do not eat clean.  Processed foods are *not* your friends.  Lean proteins, VEGGIES, fruits, whole grains-- they are your new best friends.  Pinterest has revolutionized the clean-eating world with an abundance of healthy recipes, so fear not!  You are not giving up taste if you get creative!

Try out a new recipe every week.  Substitute some of your fattier food items with healthier alternatives.  (Processed Peanut Butter for Natural Peanut Butter, Almond Milk for Cow's Milk, Earth Balance for Mayo and Butter, make your own salad dressings, etc.)  

Do not keep sodas, ice creams, processed foods in the house.  Buy whole foods when you grocery shop.  Look at the ingredients- if you cannot pronounce a majority of them or if there are more than 5 ingredients total- it's probably not good for you.

5.  Stay Away From Fast Food

Just don't eat it.  Between the type of meat being used, additives, calories, it's just awful.  Watch this:

6.  Start Out Slow But Steady

Exercise is hard work.  Especially if you are out of shape.  Take it slow.  Don't expect yourself to be able to run a mile without stopping.  Check out great tips for beginning runners here.

Just because something is hard-- do not give up.  Walk briskly, modify your push-ups, slow down- do what you have to in order to continue your work out, but do not stop.  Your body should burn when you exercise- that means you are working your body.  But listen to signals-- you don't want to over do it.  Stay hydrated- drink water before, during and after you workout.  Make your have a recovery drink.  Take care of yourself!

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If someone like me can do it- you can do it!