The cruelest joke by God or evolution, on women is that in SPITE of running haggard from morning to night we Do NOT lose an ounce of weight.
We cater to the family, run to and fro, stand uncomfortably while the kids have parties and classes. We pick up the millions of toys off the floor. We run up and down the stairs at the slightest sound when the children are asleep. By the end of the day, it would be nice to have a bulldozer to take You to bed. But does that have any effect on our endless desire for the perfect weight? Nope ! Not a calorie burnt, not a gram lost. What I would do to be able to maintain a steady heart beat and reach my perfect BMI. If the answer was magical, then anything !! But the answer is real and hard and sweaty and that is where the problem rises !!
I have always had body issues. No, no, I’m not fishing for compliments. I know that I’m perfect. On the inside counts for something, I guess. But with family traits of emotional eating and putting on weight on water as they say, it has always been a uphill climb.
Living a healthy life style is a habit that one must imbibe. Of course in your early years you don’t think about being healthy. You don’t need to. You look good, feel good, naturally. People commenting on my weight, even when I was at my thinnest during my formative years didn’t help much either as I had begun to think that it wasn’t me it was them. Which ironically, at the time it actually was! But over time, well it became me.
Now, I’m a mother. Two pregnancies didn’t do me any favors. Well, feeding the kids had me shapely for while there but then that dream stopped eventually. Don’t get me wrong! I’m proud of my tiger stripes. What I worry about is my future health. Not weight, no. I would never succumb to size zero fanaticism. But with kids who need me, I want to be a healthier me, knowing full well the classes, the projects, their active lifestyles etc are only going to get more time consuming and exhausting. I want to be able to run around with them without huffing and puffing like the wolf who wanted to blow the pigs’ house down.
BUT ….
- The minute I wake up to my little one screaming for diaper change to the minute I go to sleep after putting my older one to sleep, amid harsh protests, I think Only of them.
- The time I get a few minutes free, I just want to sit in one place, close my eyes and not move till the next cry of ” Ma ma !! “
- When the kids are with their dad I want to go out and get chores done or just take a nap !
- The time I get is usually inappropriate for exercise, namely after meals.
- The treadmill makes a lot of sound, completely wrong for when the little one sleeps.
- The weather is horrid to take the kids out for a walk. Too hot, too cold, rain !
- The minute I step on the treadmill my little one starts howling because the sound scares her.
- My husband comes back late from work. After which it’s time to eat and wrap things up.
- When I’m exercising my son or daughter will find the positions funny enough to climb all over me.
- I’m too exhausted emotionally or physically to move.
- My heel, knee, back are in excruciating pain from literally being on my feet all day.
- I have caught a bug that the kids got. The gift that keeps on giving.
- And if nothing else, it’s the wrong time of the month !
These are not just excuses. They may sound like it but when you are living a life putting yourself second, not just by chance, by choice these are problems that crop up like weeds in a garden that could be beautiful but isn’t because you just can’t find the time to pull those damn things out!
Working out and by that I don’t mean doing Zumba, which believe me is a hellish dancercize not meant for those who aren’t already fit. I mean just being fit. Doing anything that keeps you moving, keeps your heart rate up and gives you that pump of adrenaline. Personally, I’ve experienced when I do work out, I have more energy, lesser headaches and feel better about myself. Sure, the days are few and far between and then as I mentioned earlier, something always goes wrong and I’m back to zero.
There are many valid reasons that a person does not work out. But there is only one that is needed for you to. Yourself !!!
I’m writing this today not because I want to you feel oh ! there are others out there facing the same problem. I want people to realize that there are others out there, who want to change and are slowly but surely trying. Again and often. Giving up and picking up again. And slowly but steadily succeeding. Even if it starts with a few minutes on the treadmill while the little ones are busy watching tv or playing with their dads. Or if it’s outside in the fresh air, even better !!!
I’ve said it before, I say it again. Put yourself first ! We need to learn to say NO to that persistent voice in your head that says, ” Let me just get this one thing done and then … ” Let’s face it the world will go on without us. What we need to remember is, we want to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. And please all you gorgeous people, aim to be a healthier you. Not a thinner you !! But then the incentive to pour yourself into your dream dress can go a long way too .
