I wore a pair of corduroys today that I haven’t worn in forever. I’m not sure they ever fit post-C until now (maybe they did, but a few months ago they wouldn’t have). I am not sure whether to chalk it up to more running, more consistent barre, or leaving paleo behind (again) once and for all.
But I am really happy and feeling more like myself again. I don’t know if “pre-baby body!” is ever truly a possibility, but I am finally feeling essentially back to my ‘old’ normal. I did reach this state after A, for approximately 5 minutes before becoming pregnant again. This time, however, it feels like a more permanent landing spot. And having old favorites enter my wardrobe rotation again is so nice. I’m glad I didn’t Kon-Mari them all . . .
For whatever reason, it took quitting paleo — not once, but twice! — to get here. Honestly, I think it took acceptance of the following facts:
— Habitual snacking is not really necessary when one works in a non-active job. Seriously. It USED to be necessary when I was a resident and standing/running around all day, and also ummm – younger. Now it is not. I can survive getting a little hungry between breakfast and lunch, or lunch and dinner if dinner is not going to be super-late.
— I am a moderator at heart and need to respect that. I can eat what I want as long as I keep the portions moderate/mindful and stay active. Gretchen Rubin (and other hardcore abstainers) may find that terrifying, but I find immense freedom in that concept.
— Strength training in some form is really really important (if you are vain like I am AND want to be able to lift your children). And finding an activity that you actually like in some way (barre for me currently) is the only way I will ever be consistent about doing said activity.
— There is no need to ‘make up’ for miles run with extra calories when the weekly mileage is under 30. This is just enough to compensate for the rest of my otherwise largely sedentary lifestyle.
Added together, I think this is why I am at peace with my current eating style (i.e.: normal healthy food, lots of whole foods but still grains and treats at times, a moderate but not huge amount of meat) AND fit into these navy blue skinny corduroys that were purchased in 2010. Either that or I have diabetes, Graves disease, or cancer. Let’s hope not.
5 Comments
Wise wise words. It can be hard to accept the fact that (like you say) we don’t really need to snack; we can survive being a little hungry; and we don’t need to "make up" extra calories burned during exercise. But it’s true! It’s not a punishment, it’s just facts.
I still get tripped up by all of the above, truthfully, especially because I am still breastfeeding. I keep trying to find that loophole that will allow me to eat multiple snacks and desserts every day! Ha.
I am super out of shape right now. Do you think I need to get back into running/back in shape before I start barre? I know you can’t advise people like a doctor over the Internet. I just mean in your personal opinion is barre something that’s more suited for an intermediate level of fitness or is it something that anyone can jump into? If you don’t feel comfortable answering that is totally fine!
oh, and in the online classes there are modifications for every move. as in, the girl on one side (or man in some cases ) does a harder routine, and the one on the other does easier modifications. definitely a multi-level experience.
I will never be in my pre-baby pants, even if I were at or below my pre-baby weight. I definitely got rid of all of those things and its better not to have that unrealistic expectation.
your comment on snacking inspired me to take the snack OUT of my lunchbag this morning. Ironically I never snacked as a young resident/fellow—no time! It was when I got a more sedentary job that I start thinking about food in the afternoon and having trouble concentrating, so I started bringing something. Also I would be flat out HANGRY when I got home and my husband insisted I take snacks to work to prevent this unpleasantness. trying to work on having patience even if I’m hungry…
I think at heart I’m a moderator, but I’ll admit I’m jealous of abstainers. Things that feel extreme or too rigid do not work for me, but I’m extremely routine oriented and have ingrained healthy habits related to exercise and eating that do not feel like chores. I love being active, and I love a lot of healthy foods, truly prefer them to unhealthy ones. It’s not hard for me to make healthy choices. I’ll read about some who is rigidly XYS and think "Oh, I want to try that," and it never works. Also, I can appreciate that it took you more than just a few months post baby to figure out what is your new healthy. Because of three years of IVF then twins, I feel like it took me 6 years to feel at home again. That is, energized and strong. It was a long haul, and due in part to sleep deprivation in years 1.5-3 when colds and other sleep issues just had to be lived through.