Mamavation Monday - A New Approach in Tough Times

Happy Monday folks!

Anyone else think the person who came up with the time change didn't have kids? ...or really didn't enjoy a normal sleep schedule?

 Do I sound chipper? In truth I went through the birthday week ringer, but miraculously came out the other side. Unscathed? No... I have the battle scars and a few added pounds to prove it.

What began with my birthday turned into a big snot fest as my kiddos both came down with colds, crankies and attitude to spare! It also happened to be the week to bake and prepare for my son's 4th birthday, so all the stress was heightened, I slept very little and dropped out of the #100DayBurpee Challenge.

Stress? Do I handle stress well?

Um, no. I ate, indulged and moped. There is something about stress eating that I don't even identify until I am neck deep in it. I had a chocolate because I was stressed. Then I had another because it made me feel better... eventually I had more because I felt bad I had eaten the other pieces. Wow! Vicious cycle, right?

Yes, thank goodness for the #2weekchallenge. I have done it, but have also sabotaged my own efforts. I have not added any additional cardio or more movement into my day.

Don't worry, this isn't a pity party. This post is more of a true confession/acknowledgment of the obstacles and bad decisions that I made this past week. I have learned some amazing things from Mamavation in the past year, watched some good friends come and go from the group, and lost 30 lbs as a Mamavation Mom. What stinks is realizing I never dealt with the emotional aspect of my own gains. During my campaign we didn't get the chance to work with Pete and I know it really is a help for the current couples working their way through boot camp. There is so much more involved with weight than just fork to mouth.

For now I am working at moving more and giving myself less options for eating. I still whole-heartily believe in whole natural foods and cooking from scratch, but I am taking a bit of a break from cooking and putting my faith in a well known program. I am going to join the ranks of Nutrisystem bloggers. That post will be coming soon with lots of details, and stay-tuned for my weekly updates, thoughts and progress.

To prepare, I am doing some freezer cooking ahead for my husband and am once again digging out the treadmill and looking with positive visions on my holiday season.  This year I will be losing instead of gaining that jolly jiggling belly!

My motto right now is not to get my "Body after Baby" back... but get a "Better than Before Baby Body". I want to be smokin' hot!

I will miss you all at Mamavation TV tonight, we have a Farm Bureau Dinner and I will be going to support my farming husband. I will be back next week to interject my usual humor. 

I am very excited to learn more about Mamavation's sponsor Better’n Eggs and learn all I can to prevent Type2 diabetes.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Better’n Eggs. One blogging carnival participant will receive a $100 VISA gift card. To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Better’n Eggs with a link back to their site. Link up your post here.

How has Type II diabetes affected your life?

My Mom worked as an office manager in a Diabetic clinic when I was young. I remember waiting for her and looking around the office. There were several people missing fingers, limbs or in overall bad health. It was a brutal view of a devastating condition. I knew even at a young age I didn't want to be waiting in a clinic like that.

Yes, I have known friends and family with Type II diabetes. Though I have watched people work hard to maintain it, I wouldn't wish anyone to ever have to.

Type2 diabetes had been a real fear of mine as I topped the scale just over 200 lbs. During my first pregnancy with my rapid weight gain and monstorous appetite I was warned about gestational diabetes. Knowing the statistic that having it would put me at a great risk of diabetes after the pregnancy, I walked almost every day and kept moving. I started my day with prenatal yoga and stretching then walked with my coworkers during lunch time.

I never developed gestational diabetes, but if I had to do it all over, I don't want it to even be a worry. I want a healthy and fit pregnancy. I am hoping to drop enough weight now that any healthy weight gain will not put unecessary stress on my body.

*Disclaimer -  This post is sponsored by Better’n Eggs and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.