We have these amazing bodies that are able to do such amazing things - internally and externally. At any moment, so many things are happening that we aren't even aware of. It's silly , to think that sometimes we take better care of household appliances that we do of ourselves. I mean, I have a toaster oven that I regularly clean just because I want it to stay in tip top shape.
I take care of myself now, but there was a time when I didn't and I frequently indulged in junk food. This all changed when I became pregnant with Torin, my angel of a son. As my due date approached and it hit me that the health of another person rested on my shoulders, I began to research food ingredients (or should I say fake food ingredients...you know, the ones you can't pronounce). Torin was born, and I was busy as could be. Days full of nursing, diaper changing, sleeping (when I could!!), more nursing, holding baby on couch, more nursing...you know the drill.
As I became a more confident mum, I started taking him for walks around the block very early. First in the moby wrap, then the baby carrier, then the stroller. Eventually, when I was ready and he was ready, walks turned into short runs. I wanted to get back in shape so I would feel better for me, but also to be a good role model for him.
I started reading food labels and I was disgusted. I plugged ingredients into google and was horrified by what the search results revealed. I realized so-called healthy foods really weren't so healthy. I stopped buying processed food and food that had more than 5 ingredients. I didn't want to expose myself or my son (since I'm a nursing mum) to any of those crazy chemicals. I started drinking whole milk, eating nuts, eating whole wheat, plenty of vegetables, and fruits.
Before I knew it, all of the pregnancy weight I had gained - which was a ridiculous amount...had disappeared along with about ten extra pounds. Why had I never done this before?! Did people think I was weird for looking at food labels? Yes. Even my husband thought I was crazy at first, but he's come around since then (he stilll thinks I'm crazy, but for different reasons). I've been called a hippie...but I don't understand why. I've been asked why I'm dieting, but I explain that I just like to eat healthy. But that's the truth.
I love oatmeal. It is the only thing I want in the morning. Broccoli is one of my favorite foods. I crave avocados just like I crave chocolate (which I do crave!!). I eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away. These are the habits that I want to pass on to my son and my future kids. It makes me smile when I see Torin reach for the brocolli crown instead of the peanut butter sandwich, and then ask for more.
These are the gifts that I am giving him. Health and happiness. He comes with me to work out. He goes running with me. He helps me make awesome meals and snacks that are full of nutrients. Real food that will supply him with the energy to be the fun, exploring little boy he is!
As I was out running today, pushing Torin in the jogging stroller, I couldn't help but thank my body for doing everything it was doing. Thank you legs for your stamina. Thank you feet for keeping me balanced. Thank you arms for pushing my big boy. Thank you lungs for maintaining. Thank you body. This body of mine is pretty amazing and I want to make sure I treat her that way. Give her what she needs. Take care of her. And as Torin's mummy, it's my responsibility to do the same for his. And hopefully I can teach him to make good decisions for himself and his body as he gets older.
Tomorrow morning I'll snap a shot of my oatmeal and leave the recipe. It is to die for. Try it and tell me that you don't want it every morning.
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