Need help getting my fitness mojo back!

[Anonymous]

I've always struggled with my weight (since elementary school). By college, I was up to 200lbs (I'm only 5'4"). In my 20s, I made some drastic lifestyle changes, discovered a love of running, hiking, and working out. I was healthy and felt great. I ran half-marathons and 10 milers. My weight was about 150, which for me is awesome. (I have big boobs, know that I will never be waif-like. Getting into a size 10 was a huge a achievement for me.) But, fast forward to my late 30s, two kids (pregnancy and nursing were not kind to my body), a busy schedule and a sedantary desk job, and I am back up to 200lbs. I'm so angry with myself, mostly because I KNOW how to be fit, I just keep putting everyone else's needs before my own. I feel (and am) huge, lack energy, my clothes don't fit, and I'm so self-conscious about my body, my sex life with DH is suffering. I want to be a great example for my kids, especially my daughter. We encourage healthy eating and keep them active. If either one of them ends up with my weight issues, it will crush me.

I don't know what I'm looking for here. Commiseration? A kick in the ass? Your success stories?

[Anonymous]

1 - You need to address why you are not putting your own health higher on the list. Consider therapy. Seriously. You know that a healthy and happy mom is better able to take care of her family. Figure out why you are not.

2 - Figure out your time to exercise. For me, it is early morning. But that means I have to get to bed earlier. For me, that means one show after putting DC to bed, then only allowing myself ~15 minutes of reading in bed.

3 - continue the active pursuits with your kids. That is a wonderful example and quality time together.

I started the Couch to 5K in August and highly recommend it as a way to get back into exercise. Just three days a week for 40 minutes total (including warm up and cool down). Since you are a former runner, this might re-ignite your love of running. Do it with a friend, if that helps. Or find a Mother Runners group.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, first of all, don't beat yourself up. You have recognized that you're unhappy and identified changes you could make to be happier and healthier. You should be congratulated for that - plenty of people never get there. Find some pictures of yourself from when you were at your fittest and keep them somewhere prominent to motivate you. Try a free online calorie counter like MyFitnessPal and track everything that goes in your mouth. In terms of finding time for yourself, you have to. Non-negotiable. Talk to DH, work together to work out some times that he can take the kids and you can work out. Once you pick your time, stick to it. Even better, trade off with him so he has times to work out, too - the kids will see your healthy example.

[Anonymous]

A couple of quick thoughts: 1) Prioritize. Set goals for yourself to workout a certain number of times and make that goal trump other things. Work out first thing if you have to, or schedule it in your day. 2) Remind yourself constantly how much better you feel (mentally and physically) when you stay on track with exercise and eating.

You can do this! It is SO hard, but you can do it.

Keep reminding yourself that the best way for you to parent is to show your kids how to be healthy. You will have more energy for them, and for your DH, which will make everyone happier.

Find something subtle that you can post at your desk or in your fridge that will remind you to make good choices.

[Anonymous]

OP here…thanks for all the great suggestions!

[Anonymous]

OP, I think the key to really getting started re: fitness is finding something that you love, and can do on a regular basis. You mentioned a love of hiking, running, and workout out, but that was pre-kids? What do you love/do you KNOW what you love, and can do, now?
Ie... pre kids, I loved going to the gym after work. It was a social thing, I found a routine of classes that I loved, etc. However, post-baby, none of that worked for me anymore. I finally figured out that what I love NOW is waking up at the ass crack of dawn (lol) and going to a different set of classes. At a different gym. Do you want to hike with your kids, as a family activity? Or use gym time as me-time? Or both? Ideally both, I think it's good for kids to see parents enjoying physical activity, but I am by no means a professional.


on the eating front, I have been using My Fitness Pal to log calories in, calories out for about 6 weeks now. I think I'm going to ease up on the daily logging - bc the next few weeks would depress me haha - but just that little reminder of how much I'm eating, and what it's really "worth" has helped me drop a few pounds without feeling deprived at all.

Good luck!