Hey moms! Today, we're diving into the topic of postpartum weight loss. A lot of the times, you hear about the latest workouts or diets for losing weight, but it is usually just about weight, not about the mothers overall health and wellbeing. We are taking a different approach, one where it is looking at your health! A refreshing health-at-any-size perspective and exploring how we can make movement an enjoyable, empowering part of our postpartum journey.
Finding Joy In Movement
Yes, in order to be healthy, sometimes that means loosing some weight, but that is not all. In order to be healthy, we need so much more! The postpartum period brings a very unique set of challenges that get in the way of being healthy. One of those challenges is finding movement that suits our bodies as they are and that also lifts our spirits. We have these grand ideals that we will be able to run a marathon or get into the gym right away, but that is challenging, boring and time consuming. Finding joy in movement is not a one-size-fits-all deal; it's about discovering what brings us joy and vitality, and what is doable for your family. Walks with your family, or alone to yoga sessions, to dance parties in the kitchen, there's a world of movement waiting for us!
Incorporating Play into Exercise
Exercise doesn't have to be dull or intimidating. Let's shift our mindset to "exercise as play." Think about dance, swimming with the kids, or even trying out a new sport. The key is to choose activities that make us smile, activities we look forward to. Playful movement not only supports postpartum weight loss but also adds an element of fun and self-care to our daily routine. Start going on adventure walks in your neighborhood and find as many bugs as you can. Go to the park in the afternoon and play tag! Wrestle with the kids or your partner at home!
Prioritizing Self-Care in Movement
As moms, we're often masters at taking care of others, which sometimes means, we come last. Going on this journey of postpartum weight loss is an opportunity to prioritize self-care a few minutes a day. It's about listening to our bodies, finding movements that feel good, and avoiding the "no pain, no gain" mentality. This self-compassionate approach ensures that we are nourishing ourselves both physically and mentally. Notice what it feels like when you are able to prioritize movement. Notice your energy levels, your increased mood, your increased patience with your children!
Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection
Say goodbye to the idea of perfection and embrace progress with open arms. Small victories, like feeling more energetic, being able to keep up with our little ones, or noticing increased flexibility, matter just as much as the numbers on a scale. These are the milestones that actually feel better than seeing a number on the scale. I mean think about it. Why do we want to loose weight? Usually it isn't because we want to be a certain number, it is what we associate with being at that weight. "When I am this weight I can have more energy, feel better about myself, be able to race my child if they ask me to." Our goal is overall well-being, so let's start keeping track of that instead of just weight!
Mindful Movement for Well-Being
What is mindfulness in movement? Mindfulness just simply means being present in what you are doing. Paying your full attention to the moment and to the activity you are engaging in. By being present in the moment, we savor each sensation and truly appreciate what our bodies can do. If we are doing movement that involves being alone, we can appreciate the peace of not being mom in that moment. If we are doing movement with the kids, we can really appreciate the freedom of just enjoying the little humans we created! It's not just about postpartum weight loss; it's about creating a mindful connection between our bodies and minds, enjoying the moment and getting lost in the joy.
Making Movement Part of Daily Life
Life as a mom can be a whirlwind. Even if we have the best intentions of setting aside time to move, it might not happen. Instead of setting aside time to move, let's make movement a part of daily life! A brief dance session while cooking, opting for the stairs, parking farther away from the grocery store or engaging in playful activities with our little ones. None of these take longer than a few minutes, but add them up at the end of the day and you have moved for a good 30 minutes! All these small choices add up and contribute to our postpartum weight loss goals and over all health.
Empowering a Self-Compassion For our Bodies
The body of a mom is remarkable, regardless of their size or shape. Can you imagine trying to be a mom without our bodies? Impossible! Embracing a health-at-any-size approach empowers us to focus on how much our bodies do for us. When we get stuck in the negative thinking about our stretch marks, saggy boobs and the added pouch around our bellies, we can say, "you know what, I may not like my body right now, but dang, this body is powerful! It brought life into this world and carries a heavy child around all day." When we can look at our bodies and see something other than just the way it looks, it enhances our well-being, rather than fixating on numbers. It's about feeling strong, capable, and appreciating the gift of movement in our postpartum journey.
Supportive Communities and Accountability
Connecting with other moms who share our wholistic goals of postpartum weight loss is invaluable. We inspire each other, celebrate achievements, and provide support when needed. Having a community that understands our journey makes the experience richer. If you are in the Monterey California area come join our weekly walking support group! If you are not local, but want to work on habits, join us in our FREE 30 day challenge for building and breaking habits!
Hi, I’m Kristina Anzell, I am a Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing specialized and compassionate mental health support for moms postpartum. My mission is to empower you to thrive in your role as a mother while nurturing your own well-being. If you enjoyed this blog post, check out my blog here! If you want more information or are seeking treatment, feel free to reach out!
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