Meet Alison!
We are excited to feature Alison to kick off July, former Miss Massachusetts-turned-Model, who is a 28-year old Movin’ Mama, living in New York City with her husband and 2.5-month old baby girl. Alison is an avid reader and lives by the motto “Everything in Moderation.” We asked her how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she said…
How do you typically start your day?
Cuddles with my baby girl! She’s always so happy when she wakes up in the morning.
What is your diet like on an average day? Where would you like to improve?
I eat different things everyday and I don’t deny myself anything. I believe everything in moderation is the key to healthy eating. I try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. I’d like to try to plan better as far as snacking goes, so that I can have healthy things prepared for quick snacking that isn’t pre-packaged and/or junk food.
*Check out a quick, healthy and energizing snack option, PHAT BALLS (yes you read that correctly) in our Mama-Friendly Menu Section!
What is your favorite workout right now?
Does breastfeeding count as a workout? Just kidding! Walking with my girl is my current favorite form of exercise. We try and walk at least a mile and a half a day- whether it’s in her carrier or with the stroller. I also just discovered a “stroller workout” class in my neighborhood. I’ve only made it once so far, but it was great!
What is one of your recent go-to healthy dinners that you like to cook?
We order take-out a lot, but otherwise my husband is the real cook in the house. We make a lot of Italian dishes, but try and make dinner healthier by baking when possible. We also generally eat organic and gluten-free products at home.
What do you do when you want to have “Me” time?
Me time usually includes drinking a glass of red wine and catching up on emails/phone calls with friends and family.
What is one piece of candid advice you’d like to share with other new moms regarding general wellness?
It’s important to give yourself a break. This time is meant for bonding and enjoying your baby. Of course health and wellness are important, but if you stress out too much about it, I believe it becomes counter-intuitive. You just made a human being–so getting your pre-baby body back can (and should) take time!
Name two fitness goals for 2015 and how you plan to track your progress.
Two of my goals include re-finding my abs, and getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight, taking it one day at a time! I’d like to try and get involved in a “Mommy & Me” yoga class soon, and attend the aforementioned stroller class more often.
What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since the birth of your last child and how are you overcoming it?
It is really hard to make time for working out with a newborn. Finding things I can do with her (such as walking and stroller workouts ) has helped me to squeeze exercise into my day.
Who do you lean on most for support when it comes to wellness?
My husband is very healthy and encourages me as well. Commiserating with fellow moms and then encouraging each other also helps!
What do you love most about being a new mom so far?
I love it all, but the late-night snuggling and her little smiles are priceless!
What Makes You Move, Mama? 