Not quite a month ago, post-kidney operation #1 and just 2 days before my 35th birthday, I decided to join the local gym. The price was right, and I was tired of hanging on to that last 10 lbs of baby weight from when Moose was born. I'd varied between 130-140 since she was born, almost 4 years ago, and I hated it. I weighed 124 lbs when I got pregnant, and was still that weight at the 5 month mark (serious morning sickness issues), but managed to get all the way up to 163 lbs in the last few months of my pregnancy. (Thank you bedrest!) I weighed 3 lbs more than my hubby, who seemed to lose a pound for every one that I gained.
Well, I am happy to say, I am now back to my pre-baby weight, down 2% body fat putting me at the bottom of the "ideal" range, and down a dress size since I started a month ago. (And that is with my traveling during which I ate and drank out way too much and barely exercised.) Everyone has noticed, and damn, that feels GOOD. When a friend says to you, "I wish I had your abs." that feels AMAZING. And while there is still a lot of work to be done, I am looking much more toned and trim, and feeling a lot better about my physical health. I might even be able to wear a bikini in a month or so. (I'm sure my wonderful husband would tell me I look great in one now, but I'm nothing if not a perfectionist.)
So, the point, besides a lot of attention whoring, is that it's important to do things for yourself. I did not get on this kick so that I look great at homecoming, only to gain back the weight 3 months after he's home. I did this to get healthy, stronger, and feel better about myself. I hear it all the time from friends and clients: "If I could just lose these last 10 pounds, I'd....." Believe me, the last 5 or 10 are the hardest to take off, but it can be done. It just takes hard work. I only get to the gym 3 days a week while Moose is in school, but I'm there at least 2 hours, working my ass off, and when I'm home I'm constantly sneaking in things here and there. It has to be a lifestyle change, so I've made it one. I love the way I feel after I've totally exhausted myself during a workout. I don't love so much the shoulder pain I have from an old dislocation, but even that is getting better a little at a time.
And most importantly, I love that I am setting a good example for Moose. She needs to be around a mom who lives a healthy lifestyle and has a positive body image. I admit that I've never been truly happy with the way I look, but I feel like now, it is a possibility - someday. I'm cooking more fresh foods, and making sure she at least tries them and sees me enjoying them.
My goal over the next two months is to drop another size, lose another 2% body fat (which will put me well within the "lean" range for women my age and stature), and continue the healthy lifestyle changes. It's about making it count, so that I can be the mom I want to be for Moose.
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