Exercise vs. Ice Cream

This diary on MotherTalkers about vitamin supplements possibly blocking the benefits of exercise was just the kick in the pants I've needed for a long, long time.

I'm seven months postpartum, after my second child. And boy have I found it to be true that losing weight the second time is challenging. It's coming off slowly, and I expect that when I wean, more will come off. But it doesn't help that for Mother's Day, I got a Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker (yeah, DH was thinking it would be a gift for the whole family). That thing is magical-- the ice cream it produces is fabulous.

But it just sucks to remember my pre-baby body and all the things it could do--I could do!

I could:

- Run without feeling winded after a few minutes. And without feeling like I needed an industrial strength sports bra.

- Not worry about muffin tops-- either eating or having.

- Actually go for a run (or to dance class, or yoga) when it fit my schedule, without worrying about leaving little ones behind.

Etc, etc. You know how it is. There are all sorts of things I used to do that I want to do again. Lyn's diary nudged me into acknowledging that exercise should be at the top of that list.

So clearly, my big challenge here is balance-- bringing exercise and fun physical activity back into my life, prioritizing it, and still enjoying an occasional soft serve night with the family.

I have woken up early three times this week to do at least part of that kick butt Tracy Anderson postpartum DVD. It's a start, right?

What are the things you miss from pre-baby days? How are you re-incorporating those things?

NOTE: I think there's an understanding among us all here that talking about this does NOT in any way mean that you don't love your kids or anything like that. No guilt! This is about encouraging each other to remember to develop what we love. Whether it's running, baking, writing, whatever-- we have a lot to accomplish in addition to child-rearing. Let's support each other in figuring out how!