Kids

Yes, they are wonderful, amazing, the light of your life but they are also time consuming, little stress causers. Which is a huge obstacle when it comes to weight loss. I know so many mothers who struggle to get back into their pre-baby jeans, after the first baby, and by baby 3 they are Googling "cute ways to to turn those old jeans into something useful," because they have given up all hope of ever fitting into them again.

Weight loss takes time; time to exercise, time to plan meals, and count calories. Weight loss also requires that your body is not constantly stressed. Stress causes the body to hold onto fat, a lovely parting gift from God. Sure it's helpful for survival, but other than that, its a big fat pain in the butt.

If you are one of those moms who is super chill and the kids never stress you out, I envy you SO much. But for me "mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, he said I smell like boogers" "mom, she took my toy, "mom can you get me this, and that, and one of those," "mom, mom, mom, mom, mom," well, you get the picture; that stresses me out. That on top of their constant bickering. Hearing blood curtling screams over a fly, or a gust of wind, or hurt feelings makes my skin crawl and and I head straight for that emergency cupcake,  or two. I would head straight for the Xanax, but the doctor said no, so cupcakes it is!

So not only does the stress hold onto the fat, the stress makes me want to eat more stuff that is going to pile more fat on top of the current fat.  It's a vicious cycle.

So what do we do??

Sadly I don't actually have the answers, at least not clear cut easy ones. Each mom has a different set of circumstances. I have attempted to work out with the kids, for me and them. I want them to be active and feel like having an active lifestyle is the norm. I take them hiking, and on long walks (3-4 miles), bike rides, and to play tennis. And  they never fail to make it the most miserable experience ever.

Last summer it was all new, they loved hiking, they loved going on walks. But this summer, they whine and complain, and cry. They talk about how much they hate it 3/4 of the time we are out. I don't know what happened. After the pouting and whining on our last walk I am extremely hesitant to try that again any time soon. Prior to that was a 4 mile hike that included about 2 miles of crying, and "are we there yet" followed by "I never want to hike again." To be fair I think the hike was a little long, but they were complaining before we started.

I had such high hopes...

However, I did take them to the park the other day and it just happened to be a park with a basketball court and a circular side walk around the park. This park is perfect for working out. I am able to work out while they play.

I will still take them hiking, we will still go on walks, and hopefully the misery will subside, hopefully they will start to find joy in the activity.

I think as a mom the only answer really, is to work out around them, find what works and do it. In some cases that may be a gym membership where they have childcare, it may mean taking turns with your husband, it may mean taking just 45 minutes out of your evening to go for a quick run or walk or jog after your husband gets home. If you are a single mom it may mean getting out and being active with your kids, and crossing your fingers for a compliant kid. Whatever you do, do something, as tempting as it is to use the kids as your excuse, the truth is there are plenty of moms in all situations who make it work, who make it a priority, and who are fit and healthy.

It's time for me to be that mom, it's time for YOU to be that mom.