Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Food, Fitness and the Working Mama

Remember the days when you were 25, worked part-time at a job that required a great deal of physical exertion, spent an hour every day at the gym working out followed by a 30 minute sauna, went on a 2 mile power-walk every morning and evening, and walked to work, the co-op, the bar?

Remember looking in the mirror and seeing the same young face you were born with, before feeding two babies left your breasts sagging, stretch-marked and lop-sided and your lower abdomen stretched out like a piece of hide pulled from the head of a large drum?

Remember being able to tie a scarf around your chest and call it a shirt?  Having size 30 pants fall off your hips and require a belt?  Being able to wear a tank top without the support of a bra?

I remember it all too well and struggle with the reality of my transformed life every day.  Although I can't stand how aging looks, I am willing to trade off a little of my appearance for the wisdom and centering that comes with "advanced" years.  The problem is finding the time to always eat fresh foods and get the proper exercise.

I wish I could end this post with the perfect recipe for whole-body fitness that could accommodate the fluctuating schedule of a working mother, but I suppose if I had that figured out I would patent it, sell it, and spend the rest of my days doing whatever I please.

So consider this a cry for help.

Is it possible to fit in a 60-minute workout at least five times a week without neglecting your children?

What about unprocessed, wholesome lunches for work?  Ideas????

Anyone?

Anyone?

3 comments:

Kristen @ My Semi-Crunchy Life said...

I don't know. I know I can't fit that in and I don't work outside the home. Glenn tries to workout three times a week, but it's hard and he goes through ups and downs. Do you jog? Maybe when the weather is nicer (good grief WHEN is that going to happen -- it snowed just north I'd here today!) it will be easier to get out. I want to get a double jogger and take the kids for walks.

As far as lunches, I try to pack one for Glenn the night before. I always try to make enough dinner to have leftovers for lunch the next day. I try to plan meals for the whole week ahead of time.

I don't know, if you do figure out some magic formula I think you'd have people lined up wanting to know your secret. Good luck!

CMB said...

I'm struggling with exercise options too... There's not much I can do without having a double stroller and/or a gym membership w/childcare! As for lunches... Leftovers are great. What about a big salad? Cook and cut up your meat the night before. Mix it into a big bowl of salad. Make a big batch of homemade salad dressing and bring a bit of it in a separate container. I'll be thinking...

UnRuly Mama said...

Oh man, I *am* 25, and I am the latter description... not the first :(

It really is so hard to fit it all in when you have a kid(s).

(((hugs)))