Resolution Rewind: How I'm Doing So Far

So it's been exactly 2 months and 12 days since I made my New Year's resolutions.   I wanted to become a better me.  Well, here's how I've been doing so far....

1)  Drink more water.
Some days are better than others.  I keep a water bottle on hand all day, I just don't really drink.  Any ideas on how to FORCE myself to drink it? 
2)  Take better care of my skin.
This I've been doing.  Despite a mini bout of adult acne (it was really just one pimple) last month, my skin has been looking pretty good.  I know that more water will help this...I'm trying!
3)  Exercise regularly.
I've actually been doing pretty well with this.  I've found my rhythm.  Since I ran the Color Me Rad race in February, I've been keeping up with it.  I even run to my kids' baseball games instead of riding in the car with them.  

Next part of this goal is strength training...but I'm finding a harder time fitting that one in. 
4)  Family dinners.
I have to be more forceful with this one....
5)  Eat out only once a week (or less).
This has been going better.  If not for anything than for the desire to not spend the money.
6)  Reduce my sugar intake.
I have eliminated (most) sugar!  WOO HOO!  I'll have an occasional piece of dark chocolate here and there, but it's gone. 
7)  Cut the clutter.
Next....
8)  Take advantage of my city.
Once my kids' baseball season is over, I'm actually going to write this into my calendar....I know, excuses, excuses.
9)  Date night.
We have had a date so far once a month since I wrote this...it's just not a standing date.  We've just been lucky the past 2 months....
10)  Read more.
This isn't working out as planned....maybe I should cut down on the TV watching....
NAH!
11)  Stop obsessing about my weight.
Since I've cut the sugar and I'm working out more, not to mention eating better, I have lost about 8-9 lbs.  This is helping me not obsess as much. 
12)  Learn to let it go.
This is a big personality change for me...harder than it sounds....
13)  Be thankful.
I am thankful.  This is making me much more happy.


If you made New Year's resolutions, how are yours going so far?  How many did you keep?  How many did you break?

Alexis

Running Down a Dream

So I made the promise to myself for the new year to exercise at least 2-3 times a week.  So far so good.  I set a goal to run in the Color Me Rad 5K run in Miami & I did it!!  

The hubs bought me new running shoes for Christmas because I signed up for the race.  They are the real deal and are really getting used...not just for fashion.   I've been motivated and have been running every other day.  

The app that changed it all!

I have this nifty little app that I downloaded onto my phone....it's called Get Running.  I love it!  It's a training app to get you from your couch to running a 5K in 9 weeks.  My little British trainer interrupts my music to tell me when to run and when to walk.  There are varied goals depending on the week.  I'm the kind of person who needs someone to tell me what to do, so this app is perfect for me. 

I did it!  I ran the entire 5K without stopping!  That is the absolute farthest I've run since high school.  I feel so accomplished.

Now it's time to find a new goal to conquer!   

I FINISHED!!!

Do you have an exercise goal?  What do you do to reach your goals?

Alexis

Pay it Forward Friday ~ Balance After Baby

Katie Moore is a stay at home mom for her daughter and an active blogger living in North Carolina.  Katie discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things "Mommy."  She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people!  To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or on twitter @moorekm26.


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After giving birth, it took me a while to get back into the rhythm of everyday life.  Everything seemed to change; however, as mothers, women can make this adjustment to having a baby quite efficiently.  Known for our innate multitasking skills, we’ll continue to add activities to our packed schedules over time—exercise and healthy eating are just two of them.

Start Slow
Soon after I came home from the hospital, I was ready to get my body moving again with some light exercise and stretching.  Based on factors such as if you’ve had a Caesarian birth or a natural birth, the intensity level of exercise will vary from mom to mom.  Before starting any exercise, I recommend talking to your doctor. It was one of my best decisions because he helped me make think realistically about my exercise plan and weight loss goals.  Just as my doctor gave me advice on options before my labor on choices like pain management, circumcision, and cord blood banking; my doctor helped significantly with my post-partum choices as well.

Exercise
Early on after my delivery, my agenda was filled with reminders to exercise to get back in shape.  Though I often felt overwhelmed by changes that my body had gone through, I soon realized that exercise was an essential element for getting back my pre-baby shape.

For women who’ve had a Caesarian birth, I recommend asking your doctor for a light exercise regimen. Picking up your baby, doing light chores, nursing, and bending are all that a mother recovering from a Caesarian section should be doing in the way of exercise.

For women who have had natural birth with no complications, walking and stretching are good exercises to begin within a week or two after coming home from the hospital.  Light chores are good exercise and so are Kegel exercises, which you can do anywhere!

Breastfeeding
Any breastfeeding is good for a new baby and a new mom. It was a tremendous help for getting back into shape because it helps burn extra calories.  Remember that if you are breastfeeding, you have to take in extra calories to support your milk production.  However, don't feel guilty if you are unable to breastfeed. Your baby will be fine, and you will get your pre-baby figure back, too.

Nutrition
Check out the food pyramid on the USDA website. This gave me information on what I needed to eat and the quantities that were appropriate for me. Based on my experience, I went heavy on veggies and lean proteins.  It seemed like more work because I preferred to prepare things fresh instead of making too many bulk meals ahead of time.  But keeping everything from the food pyramid in your diet is important, as long as it’s in moderation.

Balance
After giving birth, the best thing I did was create balance in my life that included baby time, family time, good nutrition and exercise.  These four elements of life will provide you with health, happiness and a sense of fulfillment in your new role as a mother.





As a way to share the blogging love and meet new bloggers, I have "Pay it Forward Friday."  This is where I periodically feature fellow bloggers with different interests and from new areas.  If you are interested in writing a guest post for "Pay it Forward Friday," feel free to send me a message!  I would love to feature you!!

Alexis

67 Days...

Why does it always take an event to kick your butt into gear?  
I'm not happy with my weight or the lumpiness underneath my clothes.  I know I need to do something about it, but then I'm too lazy to do anything.  


Then I realized that I have a wedding in 67 days.  67 days. 


Now I have to kick my own butt into gear.  I have to really get moving.


I only have 67 days to lose about 10-15 lbs.  I only have 67 days to lose about 10 inches.  


Can I do it?  I HAVE to!

Wish me luck!

Alexis

Lumpy, Bumpy and Dumpy

No, they aren't the missing brothers of the Seven Dwarfs....they are the three adjectives that I currently use to describe myself.


Since the school year started, so did baseball, tennis, and guitar.  Not to mention that since I'm a teacher, so did the grading of papers, lesson plans, and report cards.  I'm just too exhausted to do one more thing in my day!


What does all of this equal?  No time for me to work out.


I was doing so well this summer while I was pretending to be a stay-at-home-mom.  I was able to work out in the mornings and since it was summer, I ate lighter because of the heat. 


I have to get back to that....I have to get back into my routine....
UGH!!!!


My first goal is to drink nothing but water.  Ok, water and my morning coffee.  Ok, water, my morning coffee, and a soda at a restaurant.  


I don't even have strong enough will power just sitting and writing about it. 


I need a cookie.

Alexis