I’m turning 35 this week, which makes me want to reflect. I’m not foolish enough to say or even think “I’m so old,” but I do sense a certain importance hovering around this newest number. Of course it’s probably just self-importance, which is true of all blogs anyway. I’m self-aware enough to know that.
For the most part I feel great about “where I am” at this point in my life. But one area I’m not proud of is my eating habits. I’ve always had this “I’ll be fit after I have kids” attitude. Well, here we are. Four kids later and it feels like I ought to start eating like an adult and exercising with some gumption.
My relationship with food and exercise is rather juvenile. I love to eat, and I hate to work out. Take away my sugar or make me exert myself beyond a brisk walk and I’m like a petulant child.
Inexplicably, I’m not overweight. In fact, my history with weight has been the opposite of many adult women. I was 20-30 pounds heavier in high school and college than I’ve been in my “mom life.” I don’t know why. It’s not because I have less time to eat now, believe me. I always make time to eat. And it’s not that I’ve exercised more in the past few years than I did in my teens and 20s. On average I exercise for 20 minutes/4 days a week, usually while simultaneously talking on the phone or tweeting. We’re hardly talking marathon training. I consider it a mysterious stroke of luck that I’m not morbidly obese given how much I love crappy food and how infrequently I break a sweat.
If I’m not extremely concerned about my weight, why the need to change my habits? Well, I’m certain that my unearned decent metabolism will run out eventually. Also, I still have ten pounds to lose thanks to almost-two-month-old baby Nate. And aside from not fitting into my old clothes, I worry about my health, my memory, and my energy level. I spent the last 35 years having a party on my plate. I depend too much on caffeine and sugar. I don’t push myself enough. Every time I lift the infant car seat, I groan about how heavy it is. It’s like my muscles are dissolving or something.
Plenty of women my age have mastered spinning classes, hot yoga, and running, all while carefully watching their carbs or whatever is “the thing” these days. That all sounds dreadful to me, but I don’t want to remain stuck in my ways either. If I want to get rid of the baby weight and more importantly have a shot at longer-term health, I’ll have to develop some new hobbies and some grown-up eating habits. I bought Nerds the other day for goodness sake. Nerds! What am I, eight years old?
So dear blog readers, I’m turning to you. Have any of you had to transform bad eating habits or any other kind of habit? Have you taken on a new hobby in your “adult years?” I’d love to hear success stories or at least commiserate with others who are trying to make a change. I plan to make the topic of “hobbies and habits” a recurring series on the blog with some fun and inspiring guest bloggers lined up for 2012.
See you next year! 
Nina
(Photo courtesy D. Sharon Pruitt via Flickr)
I have come to the conclusion that exercising as I did pre-marriage and children will not happen until my children are a lot more independant than they currently are.
Taking on a new hobby falls into the same dilemma – but that does not stop me. At times I go back to what I have enjoyed in the past before I had my babies. And sometimes get my children involved – scapbooking is more enjoyable when we all sit at a table and sort our memories into a creative work of art. I am currenlty thinking what more I shall do in 2012 – besides working on those eating habits of mine
It’s a good idea to involve the kids . . . though also important to TRY and find a way to do things without them no matter how short a period of time.
Omigosh! Please don’t be another mommy who is going to start running marathons. Don’t leave me here all alone!
Like you, I have my grandmother’s metabolism so I haven’t had to worry about weight. But my skin is changing. And my memory.
But I’ve got 10 years on you, ladybug.
So happy birthday in advance. So glad to have met you. Just wait until you turn 40; then we’ll talk.
A marathon? Um, no. The truth is, most of my “hobby” time is dedicated to writing, to the blog, and that “stuff.” But I would like to up the intensity of my workouts. You’re right though—marathons are all the rage!
I depend too much on carbs and sugar too. Since the fall, I’ve been utilizing a “parent-fitness” time in our neighborhood. My toddler gets to play with other children while I at least do cardio. I hope to increase my time there in 2012. We do our best to eat real food. As a family, we’ve been trying new recipes, so we don’t get in a rut. Good luck.
I think it’s great you’re setting as a goal to get healthier – but thought this was an interesting article
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/magazine/tara-parker-pope-fat-trap.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
I’d like to eat healthier and exercise more in the New Year, but if anybody wants to take away my chocolate… not gonna happen.
Thanks for sharing that article! Lots of people have clicked on it . . . certainly something to think about (and be depressed about, maybe???)
It’s a little depressing, I think – but good to know. I have yo-yoed with my weight, and mentally beat myself up sometimes for losing ground despite NOT overeating (well, not overeating all the time).
Shifting my efforts to the Healthy At Every Size movement, which focuses not on being a specific size or number on the scale, but on simply being healthy, good cholesterol levels, incorporating lots of healthy movement into one’s life… I can’t see myself devoting the TIME to weight loss maintenance that some of those people do.
I’m still laughing about the Nerds. That’s one of my girls’ favorites.
I’ll be 30 in May and I’ve had the same thoughts as you. When I started my current job back in September of 2010 I took a health evaluation. I was really shocked to discover my cholesterol was high. I mean really? I was 28 and I looked healthy. I didn’t really do anything about it until this past summer. I’ve taken up yoga and I love it. Don’t let people fool you into thinking it’s not a work out. I sweat as hard in yoga as I did in any aerobics class I’ve ever taken. I also feel great afterwards and over all have much more energy.
I also realized I needed to change my eating habits. I’m attempting to eat more fruits and vegetables but that resolution ebbs and flows. I will not give up my carbs or sugar or bacon. I’m just limiting them. I have started eating smaller portions of food and not going back for seconds. It’s paying off I re-did my health evaluation last month and my cholesterol is down – not ideal but better than a year ago. AND I’ve lost 8 lbs and my pants aren’t so tight.
My goal for this year is to add running/jogging into my weekly schedule. I… I mean Santa… got the girls’ bikes for Christmas and by the time the weather is warm enough I’ll be able to take them to the trail and jog while they ride.
We’ll keep each other honest, Tanya! I plan to check in every so often on the blog. You’ll have to check in too!
Find yourself some like-minded, FUN girlfriends and schedule workouts. Running, Just Dance 2, kickball games,swimming laps that start with a cannonball off the diving board, anything off the wall. The food part is just making sure you don’t deny and enjoy the healthy stuff. Stock up on treats you like and eat small portions throughout the day and pay no attention to the clock, but your body signals. I am guessing you are on the go from the time you get up until the time your head hits the pillow, so sitting down to eat is not realistic all the time. You are so worth it. Shine on Nina! Embrace 35, 40 is around the corner for me next month.
You make a really good point about the clock vs stomach. My husband and I laugh a lot about how we’re always stuffing food down since Nate arrived because we don’t know when we’ll have a chance to eat again. Half of the time I’m not even hungry at “dinner time” yet I’m scarfing something for fear of future starvation or something. Happy almost bday! Are you a fellow Capricorn?
January 13th. Our 8th graders have a downhill ski trip for school so I asked if I could be one of the teachers that went along. It’s going to be so fun! I hope the snow shows up.
Enjoy that fast metabolism while you can, Nina. Working out will keep it humming along. As writers we spend too much time sitting. But I’m sure running after kids balances that out for you.
Oh, and I’m not convinced that eating Nerds is so bad. (Really? Is that all you got? Try downin’ a whole bag of Black Licorice Gummie Bears)
Happy 35th Birthday!
Yes—I do spend almost all of my free moments at the computer. I think it would almost be refreshing to move more. And it would force me to make better use of the time I’m at the computer since I’d have less of it. Not that I can imagine having any LESS. Oy.
Oh dear… I am the same “crappy food lover” that you are. But, I had the more traditional bean-pole metabolism in my youth, followed by pound creepage into my later years. And, unlike you, I love exercise and HATE watching what I eat. But it can be done … And I, too, for the same reasons as you, want to get the food part under control. The reasons: health, being my biggest priority, and obviously just to “feel better.” And, um … my milestone b-day is five beyond yours (in May). Happy b-day, by the way! You can do it. I found that exercise wise, the key is LOTS of variety. I discovered kettle bells, nature hiking, exercise DVDs (the Firm), and even running. A combo of all of them keeps it fresh. AND exercise has scientifically proven to boost creativity! I can’t tell you how much better my writing is when I’m active… especially running.
PS – Two months after pregnancy and you only need to lose 10 lb. You go girl!
I like the tie to creativity! That’s a good extra motivation in addition to fitting into my pre-nate clothes.
I’ve been trying to eat more mindfully. Rather than counting calories or trying the latest fad, my goal is to be mindful when making choices about what to eat. I find I overeat when I’m not thinking about what I’m doing. Instead of downing handfuls of cookies that my co-worker brought I stop and ask myself if I really need to eat it or if I can just eat one.
Right. Did I mention that I’m still working on it?
Yes, the mindless eating is a killer. I used to have to nosh on something while I was writing. Well, as I wrote more and more, I realized that habit HAD TO GO. Good luck at work! It’s hard when people bring in treats.
Honestly, is there anything more I can add to these fantastic suggestions? Probably not. But, I just wanted to tell you to hang in there and don’t beat yourself up. I know it’s cliche’ to have a New Year’s resolution, but, honestly, what’s wrong with re-evaluating our lives from time to time and looking at the areas we think need improvement? Whatever the motivation, I applaud anyone who takes a good, long look at herself and decides it’s time for a change. The good news is, you probably don’t need to make drastic changes. Try increasing your workouts a little bit – you might find that you actually WANT to eat healthier. I used to be an avid runner but, sadly, I have given up my Asics for medical reasons. Now I spin, and I love it! It is a wonderful social hour for me, and I have met so many new friends this year. AND, I can’t believe the calorie burn! Did I mention how social the class is??? Good luck to you, and kudos to you for posting this. Now we will all be wondering how you’re workouts are going….
PS: Happy birthday!!
I hear tons of great stuff about spinning. It’s probably not something I’d do right now since I won’t be joining a gym, but I can for sure increase the intensity of the workouts I’m already doing and then gradually add more time. That would be a good start!
Thanks so much for the comment by the way. I just checked out your blog. Good stuff over there!
I think you are already well on your way to a better work out routine just by all the work you have put into responding to all these comments!!! I am truly impressed and just a tad bit humbled! Thanks for coming by my blog and for the compliment/shout-out. While I’ve been writing on and off for a little over a year, I have only recently put some effort into posting more regularly and then promoting my writing. It’s part of something I promised I’d do after the tornado hit our town and has proven to be very therapeutic for me. So, I guess all of us, at some point in our lives, are faced with something about ourselves we must re-examine – New Year’s or otherwise.
A new year is a great time to start a new, healthy lifestyle. I’d say, as I would say to anyone, focus on your health not your weight. They really are not indicators of each other on average. As far as nutrition just be careful of “diets”. There’s no need to restrict your intake to lose weight. You will also lose your energy which is not what you need with all those little ones! Eat and exercise for your health and your body will do whatever it needs to do naturally. That is my sage advice. Happy birthday Nina!
I came to the realization this year that my body will never go back to the way it was before my daughter was born. Perhaps it’s my body. Perhaps it was because I was 32 when I had her. Maybe because I’ve always been big-breasted anyway. Who knows! While I will say that I eat so much better now than before (much less meat, organic, etc.), I know I need to get into a consistent exercise routine. I need something I can easily commit to with working full time and having my daughter all other times. I’m not quite sure what that will be. I enjoy running, but tough for me because of my “chest.” I’m not a cyclist or a gym-goer. But I know I need something. I’ll be eager to hear what you and other readers suggest.
Hey Nina,
I also never had to worry about my weight in high school and it just fell off after each of my kids. The I hit my 30′s and it stopped “falling off.” I didn’t even know HOW to eat healthy. Low fat, low carb, low cal??? It was all so new to me. Now I know exactly what I need to do. Exercise three times a week for a 1/2 hour. With seven kids, that’s a reasonable goal. Personally I run, either outside when feasible, or on my treadmill. Yesterday I only got in 15 minutes before my babes started waking up from her nap. Okay! I did what I could. I also do free weights a couple night a week – nothing major, just 10 minutes. I’ll never be a marathon runner or a body builder, but that’s OK. Just trying to take care of the body that God gave me so I can be a good, happy, energetic person that likes myself.
As far as food goes, I try to eat well (and I know now that for me that means whole grains, fruits and veggies – no gimmicks). But mostly I monitor my hunger level very closely. I know that what works for me is simply eating only when I’m hungry. If that means dinner at 4 and nothing else that evening, fine. I don’t try to conform to an external schedule – only my stomach’s schedule.
Hi! Jen said the same thing about ignoring the clock. I think that would cut out some of my extra noshing since I’m always trying to eat when I have a peaceful moment rather than when I’m actually hungry. That’s great you make time to fit in exercise 3 days a week! It’s important (and not easy with 7 kids, I have to imagine!)
Get Fit 2012 is the name of the game for me next year, so I’m kind of in the same boat as you.
My eating habits are okay in terms of what I usually eat. A few years ago I started eating brown rice instead of white rice, water instead of soda, and more fruits and veggies. My problem is portion size…because I love food. Or sometimes I have a problem when I let myself have a little bit of sugar because I also only have a little bit of self-control. It’s sad, really.
And as far as exercise, forget it. You’re ahead of me in that area.
Here’s to 2012 being a year of healthy change for us! =)
Yes! We’ll do better! Maybe a chance to your blog name?
When I started writing seriously, I also started to train to long-distance run. Both activities fed each other. The running gave me energy and enhanced creativity, and the success at sticking with running kept me focused on writing. I actually got to the point where I ran three miles without stopping and it was amazing – a personal first at 38!
I moved on to some pretty intense exercise programs, and then my body (mostly my knees) decided they’d had enough. I am now trying to be moderate in all things, including exercise and eating (I have my own love-affair with McDonalds and all things sweet). I find that I go up and down with motivation for exercise, and am currently getting my hind-parts back in gear for regular exercise and diet. I do like the feeling of being strong and healthy!
There does seem to be a connection between running and writing. Allison Winn Scotch (one of my fav writers and bloggers) has talked about that too. I’m really not running material, but I’d like to work out harder than I am now.
I alternate between gentle restorative yoga, moderate classes, and every now and then I throw in a hot one. I love the studio I attend because there are classes schedules all day long, so no excuses about not being able to make one at least a couple of times a week. It really does build up muscle strength.
Congrats on your new baby!
I have had the same strange flip of the metabolism post babies. I have to say though, it’s better than any push gift I could have ever dreamed of. I have never in my whole life eaten as crappy as I do now or worked out less.
I’ll be anxious to hear what you find to motivate you to be healthier. I could use a little inspiration
I’ve often said that my flipped metabolism is my reward for NOT having had that metabolism while growing up in HP among so many skinny-minis!
Hot yoga sounds scary. And hot. I have no idea what it is.
But if I had to give you one word of advice it would be this: moderation.
Duh. I know. I’m like a rocket scientist. Plus you may think I’m insincere since I did go down the marathon training path. BUT. I did it as an inspiration for writing AND I never ran more than three days a week. Ever.
I will also tell you I do not lose weight from exercise. Perhaps I’m the only person on the planet who gains weight when I increase my running because I am HUNGRY. However, I’m not overweight, which may be why I don’t lose pounds. At my age (43) I have not seen a dramatic drop in metabolism or pounds creeping. Like you, I weigh less now than when I met my husband.
I try to fill up on the healthiest option at any given snack or meal before moving on to the fillers. And I never take an entire portion of dessert, but instead have a few bites of my kids’ or husbands servings. I don’t deny myself anything, but I keep the treats (chips, fried food, junk in general) to a few bites when possible.
I walk or run my dogs a few times a week, but that’s flexible and short. To be healthy, I try to keep my brain and body engaged throughout the day. I’m either reading, writing or taking care of my family and household ~ that’s enough stimulation for me physically AND mentally most days.
It is wise to think about your longterm health, but you obviously have a headstart genetically; so I wouldn’t worry too much or become too extreme in your new routines.
Moderation, my friend. It’s where it’s at.
Either that or hot yoga.
I’ve tried yoga a few times in my life and I just have too many ants in my pants to hold any pose. I’ll take moderation over anything extreme!
I’m in a similar boat as you, Nina. I am a huge sweets-lover and earlier this year when I realized I needed to start eating healthier it was incredibly difficult. Even with my regular exercise, I still felt unhealthy because I knew I wasn’t giving my body the nutrients it needed.
One thing that’s been a HUGE help is that I’ve started logging my food. I use a free program called LoseIt.com, and though at first glance it seems like it’s all about counting calories, for me it simply helps me be more aware of the foods I eat. It takes into account your weight and health goals to come up with a daily calorie goal you should try to stick to, but more importantly (for me, anyways) is that it measures how much protein, carbs, sugars, good fats, etc., you’re eating and compares it to what your intake should look like. Over time I’ve found that I’m actually learning about the nutritional value of certain foods I tend to eat, and it’s helped me adapt my eating habits. I don’t actually diet as a result, but it helps me make sure I’m having moderate portions, and if one day I go all out at my favorite restaurant (white chocolate & raspberry bread pudding, ftw! Who can resist?!) then I just try to balance it out the next day and stick to healthier sweets. The website also has an app, which is nice because it makes logging really quick.
Also, I LOVE the idea of focusing on hobbies and habits! I need more of those in my life
That sounds really cool actually! I’m joining the iPhone world at the end of February and I think I’d like that app.
Let’s commiserate. Since my almost 4 year olds stopped napping, I have noticed a distinct decline in my eating habits. I barely make time to grab lunch, I just scavenge the leftover grilled cheese or nuggets that they didn’t eat or snack on goldfish. I drink coffee in the morning AND afternoon, and it can be 4pm or later when I realize that I haven’t had a drop of water to drink. I ran and worked out a lot prekids (although I was never thin, I was more fit), and I really want to make running a habit. But I go through waves in which I’ll run for several days, then not care for a couple of weeks. I want to make a goal of running for 28 days straight (since it takes 28 days to form a habit), but I’m afraid I’ll fail. Sigh.
I think trying to do 28 days is a potential recipe for failure. It would so hard to keep that up and then you end up feeling that you didn’t meet your goal. Maybe a more reasonable goal (like 3 times a week?) would help. Of course I’m HARDLY an expert!
Just noticed that I’m the only Dude to comment on this post. I wonder if there is some sort of correlation. It sounds like you and I have similar eating tendencies, as I’m sitting here eating X-mas Rolos while typing. There’s nothing wrong with Nerds. I think they are even Fat Free.
While I definitely need to lose a few lbs., I had a physical a month ago around my birthday and my tests came back shockingly healthy. My cholesterol # is 151, which was shocking since I’m pretty sure my blood type is Tempura.
I say that with 4 kids you need to find time when you can, but if you can’t do the best you can. Either way, Happy Birthday. Hope it’s the start of a great year.
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Oh, I am with you. Except my metabolism did slow down (and the pounds came on) at 40. I am trying to work on portion control — stopping when I’m full — and on cutting down on sweets. Can I still count these 15 pounds as baby weight if my youngest child is 5 years old? Probably not. I’ll work on it. We can motivate each other.
Oh, and I love what Melissa wrote in her comment about variety in her exercise routine. I’m going to try that. Thanks for the great topic!
I know why you’re so thin, Nina–it’s from running after your kids all day! And you’ll get there as far as eating habits are concerned. Just picture that stuff festering in your stomach, and you won’t want to keep putting it in there! Good luck!
I can think of a few times when I felt changes in my body and I think that 35 was one of them. Something definitely happened after I passed 40 and I have been fighting to make some changes because of it.
As a man I don’t have the same social pressures that a woman does about my weight but that doesn’t mean that I am not conscious of it. I know when things don’t fit right but more than anything I am concerned about the future.
That is because it used to be that if my lousy diet created some chaos I would just play ball a little bit longer and it would disappear but that is not working the way that it used to. So I am big on making changes early and wish you success in it. Keep fighting.
Okay, I know I am late to the game here but I had to chime in. I am creeping up on 40 this May and I can tell you, I felt a wall every 5 years after I turned 30. I would work out harder and yet nothing changed. We were going to Hawaii for a big trip a couple of years ago and my gym was running a special on personal training sessions. It changed everything for me. I’m not saying that you have to get a trainer but it changed the way I looked at my eating and my workouts. I had someone holding me accountable.
Like Natalia, I started using LoseIt (you can use their website http://www.loseit.com until you get your iPhone and they sync btw) and tracked my food. My trainer wanted to know what I was eating. Oomph. Big wake up call. I took it a little more extreme but I can tell you it was low carb, quality protein at every meal/snack, and lots of veggies. I cut back on alcohol to only one night a week. When I increased my protein after I realized how little I was eating, it made a HUGE impact on my body. I felt strong and I felt good in my clothes. And I didn’t weigh myself because it didn’t matter. How I looked and felt is what counted.
I also loved (past tense) sugar and was a huge candyaholic growing up. I still would grab a Blow Pop or a roll of Sprees when we went on road trips with the kids. I had a minor medical issue that was driving me crazy and all my doctor wanted to do was slap a prescription on it. I began reading about how the foods I ate impacted my body.I did my own research and found out my own solution. Eat clean and take a probiotic. That is a whole other topic I could get into.
My workouts incorporated all muscle groups at each workout (I lifted with weights 3 x a week and ran/walked/elliptical not the other days) and I moved through the exercises quickly which raised my heart rate. I think the key for you is to just make sure you raise your heart rate enough so that your body is really working.
As you can tell, I could go on and on about this stuff. If you need (want) more help, please email me.
I wish you success but give it time. It ain’t easy-old habits die hard. Allow yourself a cheat day!
Great books to read are Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels and anything by Tosca Reno. You’d be amazed what you’ll learn.
This is so inspiring! I’ve been using loseit.com for a week and holy moly eye-opening! I read your comment on the more recent post too…and I have to ask you…do you ever blog about this stuff? Seems like you should!
Nerds are a perfectly acceptable adult food item!!!
I’m so with you on this. My kids make me want to stick around a lot longer, and that means a lot of my bad habits need to go. Right after I finish this box of nerds.