Meet Alyssa!
Alyssa is a 33-year-old Movin’ Mama living with her husband and 15-month old son in Boston. As a new stay-at-home Mama, she is super busy, but still finds time to do the things she loves, like cooking, nail art & makeup-ing for friends and family! We asked her how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she said…
How do you typically start your day?
My day starts around 6am when my son wakes up. I feed him breakfast while I drink my beloved cup of coffee and my breakfast either consists of scrambled eggs and/or whole rolled oats with flaxseed, chia seed, unsweetened coconut flakes, cinnamon, and blueberries. After breakfast we get dressed and try to get out of the house to do errands, play-groups, a stroll around the block or playground, etc.
What has your postpartum workout regimen been like?
Since it’s summertime and beautiful out, I’ve been running outside whenever I can. I change it up by switching the locale or intensity, depending on how I’m feeling that day/how much time I have. And sometimes I just feel like walking, so that’s what I do! I also have mats, an exercise ball, a range of dumbells, and exercise bands at home, and I try to do a circuit of strength training exercises whenever I can.
What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since your son?
My fitness routine! I have a Masters degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology; it was my life before I had my son. The gym has always been my happy place (I even met my husband there!). I had a difficult pregnancy and could hardly exercise at all, so going from super-fit to couch potato packed 40 lbs. on my 5ft. frame! It took me a year to lose the weight, and I’m not as strong as I was pre-baby, but when I stopped putting so much pressure on myself to get back to my old routine, I was much more happy/relaxed. I had to adapt by running & exercising at home, and it has worked! I still struggle with body image issues and while I weigh less than I did before I got pregnant, my body is just…different. Some days it can be hard to accept, but then I look at my son and how far I’ve come from just a year ago, and I’m proud of all my body has accomplished. Us ladies are truly amazing creatures!
What do you love most about being a new mom so far?
I’ve never felt so loved and needed before! I love watching him grow and learn new things and develop his own little personality. I never knew my heart could love something in such a capacity.
What are a few best wellness tips you’d like to give new Mamas?
1) Happy mom = happy baby. Make time for yourself and do things that make you happy. When I had my son, I totally lost myself for a while and devoted every second to him. As much I loved it, I was exhausted and feeling terrible about myself. Getting out of the house and doing what you like to do is so important, and you will be a better mother (and wife) for it!
2) When you cook for your family, make large batches and portion them out in containers so meals are quick and easy. Have healthy snacks readily available and easy to eat at all times.
*Check out our Mama-Friendly Menu for some of Alyssa’s recommended recipes!*
3) Remember what works for one woman may not work for you as far as fitness or diet. It’s vitally important to do what is best for you individually to meet your specific goals.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My Mom and my Mother-in-Law (Mother-in-Love!) have helped me immensely. I don’t know how I would’ve survived new motherhood without them and am extremely lucky to have them both nearby. They do everything to help us, support us, and love us.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 