At the beginning of May I decided I need to get into better shape and to eat healthier, not only for myself but for my kids. I want to be an example and someone they look up to, I wanted them to have an example of what healthy is, and most of all I want them to see that some times you have to work for what you really want.
It has been a time consuming journey with ups and downs as I learn more about myself during this process. I have changed the way I cook, the way I grocery shop and mostly the way I look at food. I am a self diagnosed sweet-tooth-junk-food-aholic or at least I was. I still like to indulge on occasion but on a day to day basis I am finding it easier and easier to just say no to the junk. I have not and will not completely rid my house of all the sweet and treat. I feel that depriving my kids completely is not a healthy way for them to have a relationship with 'junk' food I want them to know that an occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable.
As far as changing the way I cook I am not even sure my family has noticed that we are eating healthier or for some things just lighter versions. I am now a huge fan of plain Greek yogurt in my cooking to replace ingredients such as sour cream, cream cheese or mayo. I have been try lots of new recipes and focusing on making a larger variety of veggies and less simple carbs. We consume a lot of chicken and pork but still have beef on occasion but generally not more than once per week.
The next big change is my workout habits, they have gone from nonexistent to working out about 5 times a week. My workouts range from Pilates or yoga to kickboxing or running or circuit training. Yes you read that right I run! I never ever in a million years would have pictured myself as a runner but I am (just not a very good one) I have even signed up for my first 5k in August!
So far for my efforts I have LOST a few pounds, LOST a few inches but best of all I have GAINED a new self confidence I never thought I had in me. Is my body perfect? Far from it, I still have some extra weight i would love to loss, I do not have a flat stomach with abs of steel, I have stretch marks from my pregnancies and thighs that I fear will always be big. But, I am determined to focus on all the positive I have so far like losing weight, gaining confidence, being comfortable in my own skin and showing my kids a healthy lifestyle with the example I am setting .
Wanna make a change? You can do it just take it one step at a time and yes baby steps count! There will be ups and downs, good days and bad but it is worth it in the end!
Back in April I
planted my very veggie garden and today I found my first home grown
zucchini! I love zucchini and can not wait for more to show up! Hum, now I have to decide what to make .... zucchini chips, zucchini Parmesan, grilled zucchini, oh the possibilities are endless! 