Several weeks ago, I started a series on getting in shape. I was supposed to post every Friday. And I managed to post a whopping total of TWO times before life once again got in the way. We had been battling illness around our house and it only got worse. We went through one thing after another, including a bout with walking pneumonia and the stomach flu. And just when things were calming down, my husband went out to play football on Thanksgiving morning and broke his ankle and foot!
Of course, that new development kind of threw us for a loop! He’s now in a cast for 6 weeks, but I’m happy to say that I’m handling it pretty well. So, I wanted to finally update you on my progress.
You’ll see that I changed the title to this series of posts. I’ve been listening to some podcasts and attended a midweek activity at church and realized that what I’m really wanting to do isn’t so much about getting into shape or losing weight as it is about taking care of myself . . . taking care of the body and mind that I have so that they will function as well as possible and so I can take care of my family and do the things I love in life. And despite all the struggles in the recent weeks, I am making progress! I have felt more energy and enthusiasm for life and for motherhood and even for cleaning the house!
Rather than aiming for a certain weight or shape, what its really about is taking care of the mom so she is happier can take care of everyone else. There have been lots of road blocks along the way and there will continue to be, that’s just life. The challenge becomes finding ways to work with my circumstances, whatever they currently are, to problem solve and find a way to make it work.
So, when I’m not able to get out and exercise as consistently as I’d like to, I can at least make sure I’m walking the kids to school and home from school a few times a week. Or I can crank up the music and dance my way through the house cleaning that needs to be done.
I’ve also compiled a list of our family’s favorite healthy meals, and focused on those that also require very little time in the kitchen. I try to pull most of our meals from that list each week so there are quick healthy meals available instead of resorting to the drive-thru.
I’ve also found two awesome resources to keep me on track! I’ve been listening to a podcast called Thinner Peace by Dr. Deb Butler. Now, what’s funny is that its for women going through and after menopause. I’m not there quite yet, but I think most of what she has to say really relates to everyone, but especially those of us that are getting a little older and feel the effects of a slowing metabolism. And its great stuff!!! I’ve also joined a Facebook accountability group called Holiday Hustle by Liz Tennyson. She’s a fitness trainer but her challenges haven’t been focused on food and rigorous exercise so far. She posts some recipes, but what she’s challenging us to do is make lifestyle changes that will lead to a healthier and happier life. It’s been fantastic and I am loving it!
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