Meet Liz!
Liz is a 35-year old Movin’ Mama of two very active little boys (ages 3 & 4) living out west of Beantown. She is keeping super busy as a full-time Salon Consultant, and loves shopping (don’t we all!) during her limited down-time. We asked Liz how she’s living well today, and here’s what she told us:
What is your favorite workout right now and why?
I go to a gym that does Functional Fitness Training. It trains all parts of the body with different moves such as squats, burpees, sled pushes, tire pulls, pull-ups and push-ups etc.
What are your fitness goals for 2015 & how will you track your progress?
My fitness goals for 2015 have been to stay on track with diet and exercise. It’s especially easy to fall off of your plan during the summer months. Another fitness goal I have is to keep building strength and do more cardio. As a single mom of two young boys, it is extremely hard to find the time for myself to work out.
What do you wish you knew when you first became a mom that you know now?
When I first became a mom, I had NO idea how hard it would be. You have a baby and they teach you how to really love. A love you can’t describe until you feel it for yourself. You worry sick over the little things that don’t really matter at the end of the day. I was always worried about whether or not my kids were hitting a milestone and now that they are a little bit older, I realize that every child goes at their own pace. Comparing them to what other kids are doing only puts unnecessary stress on you.
What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since the birth of your last child and how are you overcoming it?
After my second baby, I did not have as much time to work out as I did with only one. It was more difficult to have the time to get out and do things working full time and having two babies under 2 years old at home. I finally realized that my mental health was being jeopardized when I was not able to work out and take care of myself. Exercise, to me, is the best medicine.
What is one of your recent go-to healthy dinners at home?
I love cooking healthy meals. One of our favorites is organic chicken sausage with vegetables and tomato sauce eaten over roasted spaghetti squash – Quick and easy! [You can check out her recipe here on our Mama-Friendly Menu!]
Is losing the baby weight harder or easier the second time around?
For me, it was harder. Mainly because I had no time to work out. I was so busy working and taking care of the boys. I changed my schedule so that I would go to the gym at 5 am.
What is one piece of candid advice you’d like to share with other new moms regarding general wellness?
Make sure to take care of yourself. Your well-being is essential to making you an effective parent. If you do not take time for yourself, it will be really hard to be the best mom you can be. The kids feel what their parents feel, and if you are stressed and not feeling good about yourself, then that rubs off on them.
How do you typically relieve stress?
It all depends on when I am feeling stressed…if the option is there for a workout or walk/run, I will take it. And I love to have a glass of wine at night when I cook dinner…it helps me to unwind from the day! And last but not least, snuggles with my little guys always put a smile on my face!
What Makes You Move, Mama? 