Meet Lynn!
Lynn is a 31-year-old Movin’ Mama living in Maine [in the best shopping town in New England, might I had!] with her husband and two young children, ages 4 & 15 months. When she’s not working full-time for her state legislature, she loves to spend time Hiking, Home Improvements, Baking & Reading! We asked how she’s Living Well today and here’s what she said…
How do you typically start your day?
My day starts around 5:30 AM. I get up, do a short, low intensity workout (think abs or a quick arm workout), jump in the shower, get ready for work and head downstairs. I pack my lunch and my son’s lunch for preschool, and by then either 1 or both of my kids are up. So, I’m usually multi-tasking…trying to get both of our lunches packed, while getting them breakfast and attempting to drink my coffee before it’s cold. By 7:20 AM, I’m out the door and headed to work.
What has your most effective form of exercise been since you’ve had children?
Dedicating 25 minutes or less to BeachBody’s focused workouts. I started my weight loss the second time around with T25 program…25 minutes a day for 10 weeks. I lost almost 20 pounds. Since then I’ve toned up with another one PiYo, and I’ve added weights to my routine, because I really want some definition in my arms. Now I incorporate those programs plus TurboFire on days where I don’t have a lot of time, because those tend to be shorter but still intense.
Has losing the baby weight been harder or easier this time around than before?
I would say it’s been easier, actually. After my son was born, I took up running. I ran 5K’s and 10k’s, but I always had to leave the house (which meant someone had to be home with my son), it also took a long time to feel like I got a great workout, and those long runs became boring for me.
This time, I’ve invested in a variety of short, but intense workouts I can do at home. I now have tons of different programs to choose from, I never get bored, I have fun while I’m working out, and the weight has come off much easier with this type of exercise.
What are some things you’re doing to achieve work/life balance?
I work 5 days a week, and am gone from about 7:15 AM to almost 6 PM at night. My time at home is limited, so it’s important for me to make the most of it with my family. Often times, things feel rushed, but at the end of the day I know I’ve spent my time wisely. I focus on my family, my career, and myself.
When I first started this, I was doing my workouts at 5 AM. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and couldn’t give energy to my family. I recently switched to working out right after dinner instead, while my husband gives my kids a bath. I’m done now by the time they come downstairs, and we all relax before bed together.
If this doesn’t happen (we all know about best laid plans, right?), I work out after the kids are in bed. On weekends, my workouts happen at nap-time.
What are your top must-have wellness products as a new mama?
A nice water bottle to stay hydrated, a yoga mat to stay centered and focused, and a good pillow to get some decent sleep!
What is one thing you never had, that you’d want for your children?
Family Vacations. I don’t think I ever took a vacation with my whole family. I want my kids to have those memories.
Can you share a few best practices for healthy eating as a new Mama?
Portion is key! You can eat a giant salad and think it’s good for you, but if you eat too much of anything it backfires. Also, I’m a firm believer in the expression “Everything in moderation“.
I don’t “diet” because I think it sets people up for failure. If you want a piece of chocolate, have one! Just don’t eat a whole bag of chocolate. And lastly, I try for real food. As a culture, we are eating more food-like products than actual food. If you stick to real food, you can’t go wrong. Less is more. Bring it back to the basics.
*Check out Lynn’s favorite guilt-free Banana Oatmeal Cookies from FavFamilyRecipes.com!
Anything you forgot to do with your first that you’re doing now?
Yes! I now make time for ME every day. It was never a priority after I had my son, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because having two is a game-changer. Life with two is busier, more hectic, and much louder. Taking time for me has saved my sanity!
What’s your go-to healthy meal for a weekday night?
Hm… that changes with the seasons, but right now it’s a 90% lean burger (topped with tomato, onion, and avocado on a bed of lettuce; no bun), with a veggie and mashed sweet potatoes.
Finish this sentence: “Being a Mom has made me…”
Truly Grateful.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 