Monday, March 12, 2007

Can't get anywhere without a plan....

Thanks for all of your comments! You're absolutely right - I shouldn't feel guilty about needing time for myself. I'm starting to realize that the more defined of a person I am, the better mom I will be to my daughter. Besides - my hubby is awesome at taking care of her, so I leave her in good hands whenever I need a break. I've decided that I'm going to try and steal away some more time for myself every now and then. Aside from my exercise breaks, that is!:-)

New mommyhood is incredible. There are moments where I can't believe that I'm actually a mom! And when my daughter smiles her gummy little grin at me, I feel like I've finally found my purpose in life, you know? At the same time, it's easy to suffer from identity crisis. Am I only a mom who is passionate about her baby? Or can I be a mom who has other passions too? Like running, travelling, and vegan cooking? Right now, I'm trying to strike a balance. Since it's only been about 11 weeks, I need to give myself some time.:-)

In that vein, this Saturday, I've booked an afternoon at the Aveda Salon nearby. I'm having a massage, manicure, and pedicure. I can't wait! I loooove Aveda.

***
My sometimes well-meaning mother called me one day last week and asked, "So - what have you been doing all day?". Ha. Hmmmm....part of me wanted to scream in exasperation, and the other part of me wanted to laugh. I mean, what kind of a question was that? Taking care of a newborn baby is a lot of work - especially since my little girl is NOT into sleeping. AT all. In fact, as I am blogging right now, one foot is rocking her little bouncer chair, and I'm typing like a crazy-woman so that she doesn't start getting cranky. Between diaper changes, feedings, entertaining, trying to nap - it's absolutely insane.

So, I started thinking...how in the world am I going to be successful at my weight loss efforts if I don't have a proper plan? Sure, I can eat properly and exercise. But that's waaaaay to broad. I need to figure out exactly what I'm going to eat, and when I'm going to exercise. Otherwise, this is never going to happen.

Last night, I spent almost 2 hours coming up with a meal plan for this week. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks. I also planned the days that I will exercise.

The meal planning part was painful. Writing down every morsel of food that I'll put in my mouth was not enjoyable. But it was also extremely eye-opening. I realized how much better my nutrition could be, if I was paying attention to the type of balance I'm currently getting. Like, I've gone for 2-3 days without eating a single fruit. Plus, this will ensure that all the fruits and veggies in my fridge get used up by the end of the week!;-)

The crazy thing is, it's working. I know, I know - it's only been over 1/2 a day so far. But it's working - and I feel really good about it. I know exactly what I'm going to eat, so there's no opportunity for me to rummage through the cupboards and eat chocolate for lunch. I know that I'm having one healthy treat a day, so I'm looking forward to my apple-walnut muffin later today.

When we've got a distance to go somewhere, and the path isn't exactly well travelled, doesn't it make sense to have a roadmap to get there?

This way, I have less of a chance of getting lost along the way.;-)

17 comments:

Kelly said...

your blog reminds me of roni's page: http://weightwatchen.com/

she lost all her postbaby weight and her blog is really fun to read. :) good luck. couch potato to 5k is a great program, im on week 8!!

Christy said...

I LOVE IT! God, you and I really are on the same wavelength. I just started this past weekend planning out all my meals and it does make things much easier. Sure it's a pain getting it all planned out but once the plan is there it's so easy to follow! I'm feeling SO good these days, I'm not craving crap at all and my energy is soaring.

The weather has been so beautiful that I've been outside running a few times - it's much easier in subrubia then downtown Toronto, so keep at it at the gym!

Hope your baby girl soon realizes how wonderful it is to sleep.

Cowgirl Warrior said...

I so agree about the plan/road map. I haven't quite come up with one yet but I'm getting there. It's just a matter of sitting down and doing it. I'm so proud of you by the way.

Healthy Mummy said...

Planning meals is the way to go. I do so much better when I know what is on the menu. It also saves a lot of time and money (very little waste at the end of the week).

Chris H said...

Oh yes Sonya, you are a clever tart! I used to have a meal plan worked out for each week too, but I've gotten lazy and having been on my diet for 3.5 years, I'm weary! Must follow your example... soon...

Annieann77 said...

I think having a plan is an excellent idea and a good way to break old habits! You remind me of my girlfriend who is a new mom and often tells me the same things you post about. You definately deserve "you" time and it is good to hear that your hubby is supportive of that! I can't wait till I can enter the new mommyhood world! ;)

PS - I posted an answer to your question in the comment section of my blog :)

Askazombiehousewife said...

I would love to go to a spa. I’ve never been to one and there is no spa around here.


Planning is a pain but rewards are cool.
Do small rewards for journaling it makes it a lot more fun. I do my rewards for exercise which I am starting up again. .

Kim said...

You go girl!! Back when I went to weight watchers they always used to say "Fail to plan, plan to fail." You are really doing great. :)

p.s.
Thanks for the compliment on my baby boy!! They get so big so fast...

Amy said...

Hi Sonya, congrats on your new baby girl! I had my first baby as well just over a year ago. Unfortunately I didn't get back on track as quickly as you have, so I still have 55 pounds (and then some!) to lose. Kudos to you and good luck!

Parenthood is so wonderful, you will grow to love your little one even more everyday. Every new little thing they learn to do will be the most exciting thing you have seen.

~Amy
http://blogginglight.com

Anandi said...

Yay for you! Have fun at the spa.

Planning is good. For me, it helps just to have a list on the fridge of what I *could* eat so when I'm ravenous I don't even have to think about it. Plus less food gets thrown out that way.

And speaking of planning, I'm off to bed so I can run tomorrow morning!

PS - did you tell your mom how busy you are? Maybe she forgets what it's like to have a baby in the house? Or maybe you could enlist her to babysit for a day and she could see for herself! :)

Living to Feel Good said...

We have a meal plan here too. I think you are doing great. I'm not a mom, but I have been reading tons of books about everything from pregnancy to the stuff you go through after the baby. I am totally obsessed with the subject right now, Ha just ask my husband, co-worker (she just had a baby 6 months ago), and mom. All I do is talk about babies. It's like I can hardly wait, but also I hope and wonder if I can handle it all once the baby is here. BTW I am not pregnant yet. We are trying later this year...I'm just reading up on everything. WOW I didn't know our bodies go through so much. Insane. SO keep your head up. You just went through an amazing thing. :D

Unknown said...

as much as i'm enjoying not keeping track of my food - i am missing it, in a weird sort of way... writing it down or posting it online really helps to keep you accountable, so i think its great that you've planned your meals... :-)

they say being a mom is THE hardest job a woman will ever have but also the most rewarding... :-)

jeannie* said...

I'm going to my Aveda salon this Saturday to get my haircut. You certainly deserve a day of relaxation. Its going to be great!

And I'm so impressed with your meal planning... sounds like a great way to stay on track. Keep it up :)

Dee said...

Thanks for your comments on my blog! It's alway nice to hear from people working on the same weight issue. Good for you for working on your weight so soon after having your baby. I waited until I had 2 babies...plus 6 more months! Now I have a TON of weight to lose. You're doing great!

Linda said...

this is a very inspiring blog. i can't wait to see how things go. good luck and looking forward to your progress!

pinknest said...

i love planning things. i love lists, i love writing things down. so i, of course, love the fact that you're doing this. yay!

and how fun for your spa day. i want one, too.

KleoPatra said...

Ooooooh! Aveda Salon. Thatta girl. Treat yourself right!!

Sonya, the gal with the plan. I am so proud of you for so many things. Your attitude is A+, woman!

Your baby's in great hands, literally and figuratively.