Since ending my Mamavation Campaign at the end of May, I’ve learned one thing:
When it comes to changing your lifestyle, you have to put on your big-girl panties and just DO IT.
Being a Mamavation Mom was a stressful time, but it was also an “easy” time. Yeah, I was sweating in the spotlight every week, working hard to burn calories and meet my program goals, but I had people there holding my hand: Leah, Pete, Dr. Renna, and Tracey (not to mention so many uber-supportive “Sista’s”).
Then the campaign ended and it was “all on me.” No more daily butt-kicking and cheering from Leah — it was time for Rachel to grow up and do this Mamavation thing on her own.
I worried that I would revert back to my old ways — my old way of cooking and my old way of sitting in front of a computer instead of moving and grooving. I was afraid that, on my own, I would undo everything.
But, during a talk with my unbelievable supportive Hubby, I realized that *I* am in charge. Me. Not the computer . . . not my kitchen . . . not the grocery store. RACHEL is in charge of Rachel. If I am going to continue working to be a healthier Mama, then I just have to put my big girl panites on and do it.
What does that mean?
- It means *I* do not buy junky, unhealthy temptations. Dr. Pepper and Nutella are my downfall — guess what I haven’t purchased since April? That’s right — I refuse to tempt myself so they do NOT enter my house. Period.
- It means *I* work hard to find healthy recipes my entire family will eat and enjoy. I don’t prepare separate meals for each family member. Just like their Mommy, my children benefit from healthier, balanced meals — why would I be selfish and just work on making my life healthier? I’m the Mama — the one in charge and the one responsible for their health right now. I take that responsibility very seriously and am committed to preparing the healthiest, tastiest options possible for their growing bodies. Would they rather eat french fries and deep-fried chicken nuggets every night? Yes, but as a Mama wearing Big Girl Panties, I have to be willing to tell them “no.”
- It means *I* make myself exercise daily. Exercise has to be part of my daily routine — just like brushing my teeth and putting on deodorant. It can’t be a “if I have time” activity; we make time for things that are important to us. When exercise wasn’t important to me, I did it whenever I felt like fitting it in . . . and then, if I wasn’t active, I used the excuse that I was “too busy.” Too busy? Too busy to stay healthy? Too busy to engage in activities that help prevent disease and obesity? Yeah, right. It wasn’t being too busy, it was a matter of being lazy.
- It means *I* have to stop making excuses. Aside from inactivity, I could blame my 100 pound weight gain on other things, including Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (a hormonal disorder). It’s true that it does make things difficult as far as weight loss is concerned, but it’s not a life sentence! Everyone has something they could use as an excuse for hanging on to weight: health issues, emotional issues, work issues, etc. The bottom line is that they are excuses – I was using my PCOS as an excuse for not even trying to lose weight. I’m not relying on excuses any more; yes, PCOS makes it difficult but it doesn’t make weight loss impossible.
So, what is the result of taking charge of my life?
I’ve lost THIRTY POUNDS this year (twenty-five of those pounds have been since April alone) and my BMI has dropped from 32.5 to 28.1, taking me officially out of the Obese category.
That’s what wearing Big Girl Panties will do for ya. . . are you wearing yours?
