What's one tip you'd give to moms struggling to make time for physical activity?
One tip is to fit in 15 minutes twice a day, wherever you can. A quick walk after lunch, a small circuit of 15 squats/lunges/jumping jacks mid morning. Make it a part of your life, not just something that you "have" to do. Another way to fit in fitness is to schedule it in. Take a look at your day and see where you have some time. Waking up 30 minutes earlier in the morning might be all you have to do - get it done and out the way. And lastly, build fitness into your life with your family and friends - walks/hikes with the kids, plan fitness dates with your girlfriends, or plan a healthy tennis game or run with your partner. Make it work for your unique life. Make it your good life!
What's your best advice for moms trying to get healthy?
Be loving with yourself. Wellness is a balance of love, self responsibility and the ability to move through life and its many changes with flexibility and understanding. Your life is unique and what works for others might not work for you. Eat well, but enjoy the treats. Find work that you love. Be present with others, but find time to be present with yourself. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protiens and healthy fats. Move your body because you can, not because you have to. Most importantly, make sure to get rid of those negative thoughts that pop up in your head and replace them with happy, loving thoughts. Your thoughts become your actions. Make them count.
What motivates you to stay active while raising a family?
For me, keeping up with my kids is a big motivator. When they were born I wanted more for them than I wanted for myself. I used to exercise to lose weight only. Now, I move my body because it feels good, because it gives me energy and because I am lucky enough to have this body to show my children how to take care of themselves.
