I am about a week away from being cleared to start exercising again and to be honest, I am a bit nervous! This mom thing has been such a humbling experience and just when I think I have a minute to myself, babe needs to be changed, fed or cuddled. As most of you know, I crave movement and find that during this time, rocking my babe, walking up and down steps and breastfeeding have all helped me regain my sanity during this recovery period. Of course, postpartum is not the only time when exercise is not an option! Sometimes life gets in the way of our ability to sweat. Life gets hectic, but let’s be honest, we all feel better when we make healthy choices! So if you find yourself in a place where you aren’t working out as much as you like, focus on these five things throughout your day to help feel better in the skin you are in!
Hydrate: Water is the key to a happy, healthy life! LITERALLY. We could not survive without it. Water helps us to digest our food, deliver oxygen to the body, rid our bodies of waste, regulate our body temperature and helps our brain to produce hormones and neurotransmitters! If that is not reason enough to make sure you are staying hydrated then do it for the energy! Aim to drink at least the daily recommended 8 cups per day and turn to water-based fruits and veggies like watermelon to help you hit your hydration goals. Instead of reaching for the coffee to start the day or to get you through that 3 PM slump, grab some quality H20 and take notice of the extra pep in your step!
Walk: Ok, so I know this blog is all about exercise not being an option, but we all have the ability to walk daily. When possible, take the stairs, walk in place, take laps around the office or walk to lunch. Fitting in steps throughout the day helps not only to burn calories, but it boosts energy, burns calories and helps kickstart digestion!
Portion Control: Portion control is one that we truly struggle with here in America! The food portions served are often much bigger than the recommended portion size. For example, lean protein served at every meal should be between 4-6 oz. for women and 6-8 oz. for men. About the size of your palm. Most of the time, a typical protein portion at a restaurant can be upwards of 10+ oz., and consumption is likely since we have been taught from birth to make sure we “clean our plates”. So, be aware and read these TIPS on portion control for a little help!
Consume Whole Foods: Processed foods may taste yummy, but they are also making us sick! The S.A.D Standard American Diet is high in processed foods. So try your best to consume the majority of your food outside of a box or a can. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and try to eat organic, grass-fed and wild caught whenever you can. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains to sustain your energy and feel your best, even when you cannot find the time to exercise. There is a scientific connection between your gut-heath and your happiness!
Breathe: When all else fails, simply take the time to BREATHE! I love the Headspace App or simply turning on music and breathing deeply for ten minutes can help you calm down, relax and lift your mood. The breath is the most powerful tool we have! So use it daily!
