My baby is 9 months old, and I just recently started a diet. I hate diets. But, I’m motivated to lose that baby weight.
In the past, I was motivated a little sooner than 9 months. I guess this time around it took me a little longer to get motivated because of the diet restrictions I had while I was nursing the first 5 months. Being deprived of so many foods was hard for me, so I was in no hurry to deprive myself again. But, as I stepped on the scales, and saw myself in pictures, I realized that I had to do something.
The truth is, it is different for every woman. We don’t have a team ready to help us like some celebrities do. Or, we aren’t getting paid by weight watchers to lose the weight, so the average woman has to conquer that incredible task pretty much on her own. That is never easy. I think the first thing every Mom should worry about after having the baby, is the BABY. But, eventually, you will start to feel like you have a better handle on things, and you will be ready to focus on yourself a little bit more. Don’t feel guilty for that. Embrace it.
However, on the flip side, you shouldn’t beat yourself up if, like me, you still aren’t ready even though you have a 9 month old. For every Mom, the circumstances are different. I am taking care of three kids this time around, so of course it is going to be harder than when I just had one to worry about. But, the time has come, and I have decided to make that commitment. I even avoided eating sweets at my own birthday celebration with family last night. If I can do that, then I know I am ready.
Starting a workout regimen is important, too. While dieting can help you lose the weight, combining diet with exercise will make you feel even better. When you exercise, you will feel better about yourself, have more energy, and be more motivated to eat right. Pick a workout that works for you. For me, I am fed up with gym memberships. I feel like when I take my kids to the gym childcare, we are sick with something every other week. So, instead, I’m looking for other ways to exercise.
The key is to be ready. Don’t start until you know that you are committed because starting and failing will not help that sensitive post-partum self-esteem anyway. I’m ready. Are you?
Photo courtesy of Morguefile.com