I have wrote about my health before on my blog, it was only a couple of years ago I got myself into a habit of exercising, eating better and generally just taking a little time for myself. I was in a good routine and I felt better for it. Then, I got pregnant and, since he was born in December, Alfie has been my main priority – looking after myself has definitely taken a back seat.
I have shocked myself a little, I honestly thought that by March time I would ready to get back to my exercise but I just haven’t felt ready and I have been fine with that. I am a busy Mum of three, I have simply wanted to enjoy my babies, after a year of being pregnant I wanted to enjoy feeling like myself again.
However, as my baby approaches six months, I finally feel ready to start some exercise. I want to physically feel better and also hope that exercise will help with my anxiety. So after renewing my gym membership and having a little consultation with a personal trainer, here are some of my health and well being goals for the Summer:
- Cut out the sugar. Now I am going to be realistic, I have quite a sweet tooth so there is no way I can cut it out completely. However, a couple of years ago I definitely managed to wean myself off it to the point where I was no longer craving it. I would love to get back to this point again.
- Attend the gym or a fitness class 2 times a week. I would love to go more but I know with 3 children, a husband who works quite long hours and my blogging work, I have to be realistic and I don’t want to set myself up to fail so I know twice a week is much more likely.
- Take some time for myself. As much as I am looking forward to the summer holidays with my little ones, I also know that 5 days solo parenting of 3 children is going to be tough. I need to have some time out. So on one of my trips to the gym I am going to try and and make the effort to maybe go for a swim and sauna session to help ensure I have some relaxation time.
- Watch what I am eating. Now I definitely don’t want to start dieting but I think changing tiny little things in my diet can definitely help – changing white bread to brown, trying not to eat pasta more than once a week, eat more vegetables etc.
My personal trainer and I also spoke about the negatives that smoking can have on your health. Now I have never been a smoker but I know some of my friends are and I also know how difficult it can be to give smoking up. However, a few of them have highly recommended an e cig which has definitely helped them smoke less. So if this is an issue for you I would definitely do a little research on them and see if they could potentially work for you.
I feel hopeful that I will keep to my goals above. I think now I am at the point that I realise I need to start to look after myself a little more and I’m ready to do so, both for the health of my body and mind. Wish me luck.
This is a collaboration post
Go you Natalie! I really need to do the same but I’m so bloody lazy, I just can’t bring myself to exercise even though I now I should! My best friend smokes, a lot, and it really worries me. I constantly moan at her about it and tell her all of the facts and figures (I’m such a great friend, haha!) but she isn’t interested in stopping. Even if she resorted to an e-cigarette it would be better than all of that tobacco!! xx
Well done Natalie! I’m so lazy and I haven’t exercised in the true sense since I became a mum. I do walk a lot and I’m thinking of getting a bike so I can take Alice on bike rides. But I know that I should do more. I don’t smoke and thankfully all my friends that used to have stopped over the years, mainly due to having babies x
At 10 months in I still don’t feel ready for exercise – it is such a uphill struggle for me it is terrible! I did start but just couldn’t bring myself to carry on. Maybe next year! x
Well done for waiting until you felt ready. I panicked about getting unfit and started running again two weeks after I’d had both of mine. I’m not sure it was the right decision.
Nat.x
Well done on the decision to get fit whe your ready. I really need to take the plunge to get fit and make a few lifestyle changes. Now that summer is here I’m feeling more motycatee.
Oh I need to cut out the sugar! This has got to be my goal for the next six months. I think its right to wait until you are ready. Kipper is coming up 14 months and I am now thinking that I am ready to start to do something too. I just want to feel more happier in front of the camera xx