I discovered the best weight loss tool ever. My kids. I don't know why I haven't tried this before. You see, I've been trying to lose weight over the last few weeks, and it's been slow but steady. I recently began incorporating exercise, because I'm not one of the lucky ones that can starve myself thin or get skinny cutting carbs. I have to diet AND exercise.
Like many other mothers, I kept extra pounds from each pregnancy on top of the weight I'd already gained in college. I need to lose weight and get healthy for me and my children. I want to be around to see them grow up and become parents with their own children. I also want to be a good role model for healthy habits so they, in turn, are able to watch their own kids grow up.
Well the kids have been begging to walk with me, but the thing is, I value my exercise time. It's my down time, of sorts. I put on my Ipod and listen to my favorite songs while having an entire 30-45 minutes all to myself. No bickering. No yelling. Just my breathing and my music. When Trevor first asked to join me, it felt like an infringement on my me time. I reluctantly agreed, but we had a really good chat during our journey, and it seemed to mean so much to him. We discussed things that are important to him, and the walk seemed to go by so quickly.
Cut to today when Victoria decided to join in. I decided to take the baby as well and make it a family affair. I thought we would have a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood, but I neglected to account for Victoria's energy level. Stupid, stupid me. The second we hit the first big hill, Vic decided it would be a blast to run up it. Trevor quickly followed behind. That meant the baby and I had to keep up, so there I was pushing a 25 pound baby in a travel system stoller, panting and pouring sweat just trying to keep up with the two of them. After begging and protesting Victoria would stop and wait for me to catch up. Then as soon as I would get close, she would take off again. This pattern continued virtually the entire time. By the end, my heart was pounding, and my eyes were stinging with sweat. It was honestly the most fun I've ever had exercising. I cannot wait to do it again.