The struggles of a mum- I just want to feel normal

Following the arrival of my little one I was overwhelmed with emotions. I love him so much and would do anything for that cheeky little face! But I am also exhausted! I don’t have the time to do things for myself that I used to. I remember lots of parents telling my when I was pregnant “oh you think you’re busy now! Just you wait!”. It turns out they were right! What was I really doing on those days I thought I was busy and tired!?

I don’t have time for a wee face mask and a hot cuppa, or to watch a movie or to eat a hot meal! So how on earth do I prioritise exercise and healthy eating!? Granted it was tough at the beginning but there comes a point where a change is required. At this point, I felt like I was facing 2 destinations: 1-get back on track or 2-become the slightly overweight mum who eats the scraps off her children’s plates and prioritises her health and happiness last.

Is it really best for our children for us to sacrifice our own health? When I thought about it in this way, the answer is as clear as day, ABSOLUTLEY NOT! I want to be the best version of me that I can be, I want to be a role model, I want to walk up hills with him by my side, I want him to be proud of me and want him to grow up to live a lifestyle like his fit and healthy mummy.
 

So, from this point my mindset changed and this is key. You need to be determined and you must be consistent. Now I couldn’t go back to my old ways. There was no way I would have time to take an hour to make a lovely healthy yummy dinner. That did not mean I couldn’t eat a healthy meal. At this point you need to make healthy eating easy. At L-fit Glasgow personal training we recommend focussing on making healthy eating as easy as possible. Here’s some quick tips;

• frozen pre-chopped veggies
• stir fries
• slow cooker meals
• batch cooking
• prep during your Netflix binge

These might not always be the most exciting dinner on the planet, but they are achievable and healthy and I guarantee they will provide you with more energy than a family size pack of sensations.

Exercise was a little more challenging. This is where you need to be creative! Especially if nap times are when you collapse into a heap because “oh boy, was that a tough shift!”. If you need to rest, mumma YOU REST!

When you do feel you have energy then IT’S TIME TO GET MOVING! Remember even if it’s not a planned workout, the more you move the more calories you burn and the fitter you feel. Here’s some top tips from L-fit personal training Glasgow:

• get baby in the pram and go for a walk
• try a little run or lunge every when out with the pram
• babies are an awesome dumbbell that provides progressive overload as they get heavier so why not get them in your arms for some squats or lunges

It turns out my baby boy loved this game with mummy. It’s not always going to be the perfect workout with the exact same number of reps and sets but you are working, and you will be thankful for it.

And remember people offer help. So, take it! Yes, gran and grandpa you can have baby this morning! I’m off for a workout at L-fit Glasgoe personal training  then a lovely long nap! Maybe even a warm cuppa if I’m feeling crazy enough………

If you would like some coaching to help get you started, get in touch with L-Fit Glasgow Personal Training Southside.