I started using the services of a personal trainer at the beginning of the month as a birthday gift to myself.
Over the years I've tried different methods to better improve my health. Different diets, exercise programs and even supplements.
As a quick backstory, I remember a time in Elementary School when I stepped onto the scale and read the number 100. At that young of an age I knew that 100 was a BIG number and I started to feel insecure in my body because of that number. My pediatrician would make comments and warned against obesity. However, none of these things ever made me avoid food. I love food in all it's forms, but found processed or fast food to be quick and easy solutions for days of busyness and stress.
I hated sweating and the next day's feeling of soreness after a workout, and when that number didn't budge when stepping on the scale the sweating and soreness all felt like they were pointless.
Now in my 30's and approaching motherhood, I'm tired of looking at healthy lifestyles as a source of weight loss and looking a certain way, I want to eat nutrient rich foods and move my body everyday because I want to be stronger, have better endurance and be able to love life without feeling exhausted, winded and out of shape.
I also want to be able to teach my kids that food is fuel, movement is good for our hearts and lungs and that rest is necessary. And that there is no shame in what shape our bodies are, or what the number reads on the scale. Giving ourself grace and knowing we are living the best life we can, with what life has thrown at us in those given moments.
So I hired a personal trainer, not to lose weight or find my worth in how my body looks. But because I want to learn and I need to be held accountable, until I'm ready to spread my wings and fly.
And here's what I am learning after only 1 month down:
Women's bodies can work differently, especially based on where we are in our menstrual cycle and there are still ways to move our bodies through all 4 phases (Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal).
Balancing meals with: healthy fats, carbs, protein and adding color (AKA: fruits and veggies). This has helped when planning meals as well, I'm shifting my focus away from preparing a cohesive meal and towards having options available to pull from cupboard, fridge or freezer.
There are ways to cope with cravings, but also no shame in eating a piece of candy in moderation from time to time.
There is no such thing as good food or bad food, food is food, the end :)
If you want to have a food item that is more processed, balance the rest of your meal out with healthy options. (Example: I had a leftover birthday cupcake for a snack, but added a side of Greek yogurt and diced mango).
I love how my purchased workouts are structured, in a way that is going to benefit my body but aren't so challenging that I don't want to do them. They are also written to accommodate my lifestyle (access to equipment, gym membership, schedule etc.) And I love having the accountability calls with my trainer. She makes me feel good about myself, she's encouraging, positive, helpful and open!