From Slim to Overweight After Three Kids: A Real Talk About Acknowledgment and Action

 

Becoming a mother is an incredible journey, full of joy, love, and, let’s face it, challenges that affect both our mental and physical health.

As a mom of three, I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of emotions and bodily changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth. I went from being a healthy, slim woman to someone carrying extra weight, and it’s time to face that reality and take steps towards a healthier me.

Acknowledging the Change

First, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the weight gain. During my pregnancies, I indulged in cravings that felt like they were more for the baby than for me. I gave myself permission to eat more, believing it was necessary for my growing child. And while some of that indulgence was inevitable and even beneficial, it also set a pattern of eating more than my body needed.

After having three kids, I found myself overweight, a stark contrast to my pre-baby body. It’s not just about the extra pounds; it’s about how I feel in my skin. Acknowledging this change is the first step. I’ve learned to be kind to myself and recognize that my body did something amazing by bringing my children into the world. But now, it’s time to shift focus and prioritize my health.

The Sleep Struggle

One major hurdle in my journey to lose weight has been sleep – or rather, the lack of it. With three kids, restful nights are a rare luxury. Between bed-wetting accidents, and constant colds post covid , my sleep schedule is erratic at best. And when I was still nursing, well, what sleep schedule did I have other than sleep deprivation!

This chronic sleep deprivation affects more than just my mood and energy levels; it plays a significant role in weight gain and increased appetite. When I’m tired, my body craves quick energy sources, which often means reaching for sugary or carb-heavy foods. Sleep deprivation also messes with the hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, making it harder to resist overeating. Addressing my sleep issues is a crucial part of my strategy to regain a healthier lifestyle.

Getting Back into Shape

Portion Control:

One of the first things I’m addressing is portion sizes. During pregnancy and even post-baby, I found myself eating larger portions. It’s easy to continue eating for two out of habit. I’m now making a conscious effort to reduce my portion sizes and listen to my body’s hunger cues. Eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day helps keep my metabolism active and prevents overeating.

Clean Eating:

I’ve also recommitted to eating clean. This means cutting back on processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Meal planning and prepping are lifesavers here. I plan our family meals in advance, ensuring there are plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Not only does this help me stay on track, but it also sets a healthy example for my kids.

Making Time for Exercise:

Finding time to exercise with three kids is challenging, but it’s non-negotiable. I’ve realized that if I don’t prioritize my fitness, no one else will. I’ve started scheduling gym sessions as I would any other important appointment. I only started this now though once my kids have become less needy, as I didn’t feel okay leaving them while still nursing them…  Whether it’s early morning before the kids wake up or during their nap time, I carve out that time for myself. On days when getting to the gym is impossible, I do home workouts or take the kids for a walk or bike ride.

Body Image and Self-Acceptance:

It’s crucial to be realistic and kind to myself about my changed body image.  I went from modelling to the frumpy mom image. I have a post mom tummy.  My body isn’t the same as it was pre-kids, and that’s okay. I’ve embraced the stretch marks, the softer tummy, and the changes that come with motherhood. My goal is to be healthy and strong, not necessarily to return to my pre-pregnancy size. It’s about progress, not perfection. I do want to get into what would be the new best version of myself., not my old self. I’m sure you can relate.

Involving the Kids:

Lastly, I involve my kids in my fitness journey. We do fun, active things together, like dancing, playing tag, or doing yoga. This not only helps me stay active but also teaches them the importance of physical activity.

Making Time for Myself:

As a mom, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before my own. But I’ve learned that taking care of myself is essential. If I’m not healthy and happy, I can’t be the best mom for my kids. Making time for myself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. I schedule “me time” just as I would any other important activity. Whether it’s going to the gym, reading a book, or taking a long bath, these moments recharge me and make me a better mom. I know what it feels like to ignore my own needs and that usually ends up with an urgent care visit… It sucks.  Yet, now I know better. The last visit to urgent care when I became severely dehydrated after a tummy virus, yet thought I was okay for a month past the infection was my biggest wake-up call. As moms we push our needs after everyone else’s in the family and honestly now that I have had that experience where I ignored the dehydration warning signs, I’m not doing that ever again. We moms need to make space for ourselves.

Conclusion

Being a mom of three has brought incredible joy into my life, but it’s also changed my body in ways I never imagined. By acknowledging these changes and taking actionable steps, I’m on my way to a healthier, happier me. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth it. For any mom out there struggling with similar issues, know that you’re not alone. Leave me a comment too. Most importantly, prioritize yourself, make small, sustainable changes, and remember that your health is worth the effort. Let’s embrace the journey together and support each other every step of the way.

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