My current fitness journey started because of postpartum expectations. You see, “bouncing back” is a ridiculous expectation set by society for all new moms to simply go back to the way they were BEFORE they had their child. Quite frankly, it’s a false expectation that only women with the “right genes” can actually succeed.

A mom bod is the term I like to use to best describe my newly acclaimed body. I wear that badge with honor because my children are my biggest accomplishments. My body, unlike some women, had the ability to carry two healthy children to term. I take that as a beautiful blessing because there are several women all over the world who don’t get that blessing so easily, and some not at all. I would carry them over and over again because there is something so miraculous about conception, pregnancy, and labor. Some would say I am pretty obsessed.

To be honest, I don’t stick to any diet plans. I don’t workout every single day.  I don’t drink weird green shakes and take pills to alter my appetite. Some weeks are so busy that I don’t make the time to work out. Those are my rough weeks. Those are the weeks that my mental health is lacking, my self care is careless, and my body HATES me. Then I get back into it and keep going for it. Here is the thing, you don’t have to starve yourself. You don’t have to have a gym membership. You honestly can eat 80/20 (80% being healthy food choices – 20% being less healthy choices), workout five days a week and see results.

As a busy parent, you have to find the time. You have to find the motivation and my motivation is my kids. I want to be healthy for them. I want them to grow up with parents who can physically play with them. Another thing that motivates me is the way it makes me feel emotionally, physically, and mentally. Not only is it good for my overall health, when I look good I feel good.