Bitter Sweet: My Top Five Lessons I’ve Learned from Being a Mamavation Mom

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5. Stress can do funky things. Even if you are doing everything perfect with nutrition and exercise, stress can really affect how your body responds to it all. Figure out some ways to take care of your mental health, first and foremost.

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Do what you can. Forget the rest. Sometimes you cannot get it all done and sometimes you just have to deal with it. As someone that likes to plan and likes to determine my own fate, it has been difficult to let go of control and roll with the punches. It has become easier though. I am learning.

3. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Forget about yesterday. You can’t change yesterday and tomorrow will take care of itself. Live in the moment and make the most of each one. When you make a mistake, move on. You cannot change it. Tomorrow is a new day. Don’t get stuck in the mistakes of today.

2. I feel so much better eating right and exercising. Everything is better when I take better care of myself. Sleep is one of the most overlooked priorities. I learned that getting enough sleep has to move up in my priority list. I have to take care of my WHOLE SELF.

1. Life is about balance. For every minute spent on one thing takes away from something else. Time is precious and limited. I will forever look at my time differently. I have to think carefully about what I spend my time on. Even exercise is something that takes away from spending time on something else—like spending time with my family. Time must not be squandered and must be balanced.

17.5 inches GONE! 6.4 pounds—GONE!

Thank you EVERYONE that has supported me on this journey! I would like to thank Alysa from InspiredRD and Pete Cohen from Weight Loss Guru, the Sistahood, Leah, Mark, Megan and Meagan. Thank you to my fellow Mamavation Moms Lolo and Andrea! You two have made this journey so special! I cannot wait to meet up with you both in person someday soon! XOXO

Mamavation Moms – gaining as much as they are losing!

Most of the time, the opportunity to become a Mamavation Mom is viewed as a way to jump start weight loss. A way to get all the help you could ever want from the AMAZING sponsors like EarthFootwear, FitStudio, Chef’s Requested and EAS Active.. It’s an opportunity to pick the brains of remarkable experts like Pete Cohen , Tracey Mallett and, Alysa Bajenaru, RD as they share their wisdom on so many facets of living a healthy life.

As those who have come before and those currently mid campaign can tell you, it’s that plus so much more!

The current round of Mamavation Moms are doing a REMARKABLE job and in case you missed the report on how they are doing last night, I’m honored to be able to share with you what this campaign has done for each of them. As one of their mentors, along with Rachel Steffen, I’ve gotten to know each of these remarkable women as they’ve traveled this journey and adore each and every one!

Here’s and update on what’s going on so far:

Amanda, has lost 18 lbs so far dropping her to ONEderland! HUGE KUDOS for that achievement! Not only that, but she’s also lost 19 inches! More importantly (in my opinion), is what she’s gained.

“The most important thing I have learned so far is to never be scared or think you are weak when you ask for help. Without the help of my husband and my family there is no way I would of been able to have gotten so far and done so much.”

That is SUCH a valuable lesson! As Amanda has discovered, you have to build your support system – either with your friends and family or through the online support that Mamavation can provide. They cheer you on when you are struggling and congratulate you when you are succeeding!

Kimberly has lost 14.8 lbs and 7.5 inches so far! WHOOP! And have you seen how  skinny her face is getting???  I’m sure the rest of her is too, but I was so floored when I saw her last night on Mamavation TV! When asked what she’s learned from this she told me that

“Being a Mamavation Mom has shown me that I am capable of doing things I never imagined myself doing. I never imagined I could run 4.0 mph on a treadmill!”

Kimberly is right – when failure is not an option, you would be amazed at how much you can accomplish. You never know your own strength until you try and if you gain nothing else from these amazing women, I hope you’ve at least picked that up!

Angela has a little bit different experience because she is being filmed for our later viewing pleasure – and I can not WAIT to see the final results from that! She gets to join Leah at the occasional kickboxing workout in addition to the tools that all the moms have at their disposal. During her journey, Angela has also made it to ONE-derland, losing 11.6 lbs and 3.75 inches so far. When asked about what she’s learned so far, she shared this:

“I learned how to really push myself and body harder than I thought I could. When you’re working out and you stop because your body is tired, you’re only working to your comfort level. When you’re ready to give up, that’s when you need to do two more reps if you ever want to get the results you’re looking for.”

Angela hit the nail on the head – Why do people pay for personal trainers or go on shows like the biggest loser? I think it’s the need to have someone else push us when we want to mentally give in. When you feel like giving up, push harder…do more..

I love that these ladies are being so transparent and letting us get a glimpse of their lives on a daily basis! In fact, you can see each of their food and fitness daily journals over at bookieboo.com. Check them out and join me in cheering them on as we reach the home stretch of campaign 7!

Daily Nutrition and Fitness Journals:

Amanda
Kimberly
Angela

Again I’d like to thank the sponsors and experts that are helping our Mamavation Moms to transform their lives and the lives of their families. Without the support of EarthFootwear, FitStudio, Chef’s Requested, EAS ActivePete Cohen , Tracey Mallett and, Alysa Bajenaru, RD none of this would be possible! Thank you!