Meet Kim!
Kim is our February feature, a brand new Movin’ Mama residing on the South Shore of MA with her boyfriend and 5-month-old baby girl. Kim is a full-time, stay-at-home Mama who’s making the most of nap time breaks, and is keeping her eyes on her OTHER sweet prize–not only her new little one, but a spinning instructor certification, too (We love this, go Kim!).
How do you typically start your day?
I’ve been away in Florida for about 6 weeks now. I am thankful I was able to quit my job and stay home to take care of my daughter. My schedule has become more consistent since I’ve been here. My morning usually starts around 7am. Lola and I usually wake up around the same time. We usually cuddle and chat before getting ready. Once we’re up she gets a fresh diaper and change from her pajamas. Then we go downstairs and she’ll have her bottle and I have my breakfast after while my boyfriend hangs out with her.
What are some of your wellness goals for 2016 and how are you tracking your progress?
Before I was pregnant I was training to become a certified spin instructor. I fell in love with spinning about two years ago and decided to get my certification. Aside from spinning I like running. I’ve participated in a few road races including a half marathon. I also enjoy strengthening workouts with weights and TRX.
During my pregnancy I was going to the gym and spinning until 36 weeks. So for 2016, I hope to get back into the groove of all the workouts and focus on training for my spin instructor certification.
How am I going to track my progress will the challenge, but nap time is key. Since I haven’t been spinning as much I hope to start (when I return home to MA) by spinning 15 mins each time Lola takes a nap. Hopefully within couple months I can pick up where I left off and aim for my certification goal by year end.
For all my other workouts, I’ve been working out during nap times. I would do few sets of crunches, push-ups, squats, bench dips and running up and down the stairs (24 steps each way!) That’s been working out great so when I am ready for the gym again I can start strong!
What is your diet like on an average day?
My diet consist of 3 meals a day with a snack in between each meal. My breakfast is a bowl of corn flakes cereal with milk. Then I usually have some crackers until lunch. My lunch is usually my heavy meal of the day. It varies from a burger to pasta. My afternoon snack is yogurt or a village green drink from Lido. For dinner we usually have something light and easy–our favorite is whole wheat pasta, with ground turkey and cheese.
We make everything vegan because my boyfriend is lactose intolerant, so it’s easier to keep the ingredients dairy-free. Did you know vegan food is JUST as good!?
What’s your favorite go-to healthy snack when you’re on the go?
Yogurt, key lime (or vanilla) flavor is the best! I need to eat more fruit again. I was addicted to them when I was pregnant but some reason after Lola I don’t crave it as much. I love making banana bread too!
How have you had to streamline your beauty routine since having kids?
I remember I did not put any makeup on the first month when my daughter was born. I stayed home for the most part but even when I went out, I didn’t bother. In fact I got so used to it I didn’t wear makeup for over 2 months.
When Lola was about 3 months old, my family would come over to help babysit so that me and my boyfriend could go out and have some alone time. That’s when I started to put my daily makeup back on – eyeliner, mascara, eyebrows and bronzer.
What do you wish you knew when you first became a mom that you know now?
I didn’t realize how much personal time I lost. Everyone told me before to enjoy my sleep before the baby arrives. But it’s not the sleep that I am missing, it’s the personal time.
By personal time I don’t mean shopping, hanging out with friends–but more importantly for me, it’s been my workout schedule. But being a Mom is the greatest feeling so I would not trade it for anything! I am sure everything will gradually all come together.
What Makes You Move, Mama? 