The title sounds like strong words to me, but everyday I have to face the fact that I made a huge health mistake. I receive a daily reminder when I look into the mirror and see my big belly. After 6 weeks of giving birth I should have began my exercise regiment again. I should have started doing crunches, sucking in my tummy, or wearing a belly band.
Although my belly is unflattering to me, because my frame is petite and it is very noticeable. I was really hurt when I went to an amusement park and the ride was stalled because one of the workers was debating whether or not to ask me if I were pregnant. Loudly, one of my family members laughed and said, “No” she just had twins. I laughed too, but cried inside because it had been months and months since I had given birth. The days of fitted tops are long gone for me. And other tops that are too lose give the allusion that I just may be about 5 months preggo.
If I knew, the outcome would have been like this I would have exercised faithfully. Instead, I took my small frame for granted and thought I would automatically bounce back like the rest of my family members who had children. The only problem and difference between other moms in my family and me is that I eat healthy, but I eat really large portion sizes–enough to satisfy a cow. Now, that it has caught up with me, I have started exercising but the rode to a slimmer tummy is a long one.
I also need to develop an even healthier food plan. I currently tell myself that I eat healthy by being a vegetarian, but I need to change the way I snack and fill-up on food by doing the following:
- Leave the chips and dip alone. It would be OK if I didn’t go overboard, but the saltier the tastier, and the more dip the better. Comfort food is great, but the entire container is ridiculous.
- Stop stuffing my face with wheat and multi-grain bread. Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean that it should be consumed without some restraint.
- Cut back on all processed foods and eat food in it’s natural state. Moderation is key.
- Don’t skip breakfast and make sure my breakfast is the largest meal of my day. This is especially important for me because it takes a lot of food to satisfy my hunger. If I eat a complete meal in the morning and not just a few small items it would help sustain my body’s hunger throughout the day.
- Stay away from juice. I personally need to drink more water and although I am not guilty of drinking soda, I don’t get enough water intake. If I don’t want water, I could always try a variety of herbal tea blends.
- Plan my meals better. If I know what’s on the menu, I probably won’t prepare the first thing that comes to mind.
- Exercise regularly, more than once a week. I need to shoot for at least 4 days a week, but that is rather ambitious for me.
I’d love to hear about your own journey, so please feel free to comment.
