Weight Loss Is Like Being A Mom
I have taken up running, as part of my effort to lose weight. I haven’t been on here much because I have been trying not to sit at my computer throughout the day, in order to stay active and busy. Weight loss isn’t easy, and neither is being a stay at home mom. Both are some of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Somehow you manage to get through them both, but not without disappointments, frustrations and moments you feel successful.
I have been having a horrible week, where everything is purely up and down, including my weight. My husband is trying to convince me it is me gaining muscle, but with my age, I am not so sure. I guess hormones can play a part in how we lose weight, once we get into our thirties. I have been having some horrendous battles with one of my boys, the ones where you are at your wits end wondering how you need to revamp your parenting style. For all those “perfect” parents out there who say they don’t have problems with their own kids, you are lying to yourself and you aren’t fooling me.
The boys are now 5, and they still nap, well usually. One of my sons has always been difficult to get to sleep. He can go without a nap, but I instantly notice behavior problems when he hasn’t slept enough. He hasn’t napped once this week and every day around the same time, it’s like I’m putting on my battle gear, and going to war. Naturally, I am crabby as a result.
I have been running on the treadmill, and I am on a program that eventually will lead to me running for a full 30 min. It has to be one of the hardest things I have done. My goal and part of my bucket list is to run a marathon. But, like parenting, losing weight and exercising can be harder than anything you do. The scale hasn’t moved in a few days and it has even went up and then down and then up withing a pound or two. Meanwhile, I am up running to Beyonce, Train, and Lady GaGa, saying things like “dear God, I think I’m about to die.” When you are out of shape and have never ran in your life, running for one minute is doable, two minutes, you start to watch the time on the treadmill and say things like “crap, it’s only been fifteen seconds?” At three minutes, you are thinking about how the hell you can possibly stay on this thing without being rolled off into the closet behind you, along with curse words, and intermittent crying. I haven’t even reached the point in my running program where I am running four full minutes. The way it works, I run for 3, or 2 minutes and then walk for one. I am on day ten of the program and eventually at the end you will be able to run for thirty full minutes. Then when you step on the scale and it says you’ve gone nowhere, it is a recipe for quitting. The only positive is that running is getting easier, but I am convinced the scale may be broke.
It isn’t all a bed of roses. weight loss or parenting. But, in either case, you have to just keep going, as I here Dory in Finding Nemo saying “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” What keeps you motivated and positive?
It is great that you are running, and I’m sure the scale will move soon!
Great post! Weight loss is so hard. Harder for some more so than others and I think it is often misunderstood. Good luck and keep up the good work!
What keeps me motivated is the weigh-in, and I see that I have lost weight.
a marathon? I think I had a small heartattack just thinking about it. I just want to do a 5k WALK. I really need to get myself moving
You need to try to get up early and meditate. It will keep you motivated throughout the day, trust me!
It’s really hard when you don’t see the scale moving, but I’m sure your husband is right. You’re gaining strength.
I’m having ups and downs too…it’s yo-yo mommying?
You are right! They are both equally hard to do on their own much less trying to do them at the same time! But it’s sounds like you are doing it…just keep moving!
I try to convince my self that the scale is broke and I’m really losing weight
But yes I can think the same like what blueviolet says your gaining lean muscle which will look slimmer than fat
I have a problem with staying motivated to exercise. I use to exercise ALL the time before kids, but now that I have kids, I have no energy to exercise!
Keep up the good work, you will gain strength in more ways then one, my hubby just lost over 50 pounds this past year and the difference in himself physically and mentally is awesome.
What keeps me on track is writing down what I eat.. I’m definitely motivated by that .. Who wants to write I ate a brownie some ice cream and a chicken wing? I didn’t want to yesterday but I did.. thankfully it was a cheat day. I also believe in cheat days 2x a month not a whole day but a little meal that you miss. It switches things up and gives you something to look forward too 🙂
This might sound terrible, but I’m going to be honest… what kept me motivated to lose all 55lbs of my baby weight and helps me continue to exercise and eat right (most of the time) is seeing other moms who have let themselves go. My biggest fear is to be a frumpy soccer mom, so they’re my motivation.
Losing weight can be a struggle at times, but seeing that scale move down a notch is what keeps me motivated. 🙂
As lone as you’re moving, you’ll get there!
I think it is really good that you run for a few minutes than walk. With each day you will get a little better. You can do it! Just keep at it and you will see results 🙂
I would bet you are gaining muscle too as you are using a lot of muscles you probably haven’t used in a long time!
Hang in there – you can do it!!!*hug*
It sounds like you’re doing great, no matter what the scale says. Good for you!
Keep up the good work, you’ll get there. Staying motivated is hard to do. I just started my walking routine again and I am trying to make it a habit so that is comes naturally.
Kudos to you! I used to love to exercise… really, I did. But over the last 5 years, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to get motivated to exercise (on a regular basis).
You’re super smart to get a treadmill- I never walk {even though I so need to} because it’s 110+ degrees out for 9 months of the year here, and then 40 or lower the other 3! Augh!
I’m impressed with your dedication! I wish I had a treadmill too.
I wish I had the dedication you do, I sadly do not.
I’ve met a few parents who have children that could do no wrong and parenting is just so ‘easy’ for them. I highly doubt that, myself! That is great that you are trying to get out there and be more active.
I am starting a weight loss journey of my own. Motivation is difficult lately but I just keep pushing on. I don’t punish myself or even deny myself the things that are bad for me. I opt for healthier versions or smaller portions. I look forward to keeping up with your progress.
I never walk and I know I really should! I added a treadmill to my wish list this year.
Hope your weight loss journey goes well! Keep up the great work running! 😉
How are you doing on your goals?
Congrats on your decision to get your body moving.. it will thank you for your choice 😉
The holidays have been difficult for me. So many things that I’m not supposed to eat are just right there.
I just started running (well, it’s still mostly walking) but I’m getting better.