Let me start off today’s post by saying that I’m not a scale person. I don’t pay much attention to scales. I don’t let them dictate how good or pretty I feel. I do own one, but I keep it shoved under that blue dresser in my bedroom and only pull it out every now again to keep myself in check just a little bit. When during my pregnancy I saw the numbers on the scale start with a number ‘2’ instead of a number ‘1’ I felt like “yikes” — but I was pregnant and I gave myself a pass. Then during my pregnancy my doctor put me on mild bed-rest due to my placenta previa, and then it felt like I had just got a license to chill (doctors orders!), and what little exercise I had been doing flew out the window. And up until two weeks ago, it hadn’t come back.
Sure I’d go on walks and even accelerate up to a gentle gallop in rare bursts of motivation. But, as a breast feeding mama whose job kept me in front of the computer all day most days, not only was I not shedding that baby-weight– I was not moving, sweating, watching what I ate or stepping on that scale because I new what numbers I’d have to face while looking down. And even worse than those shitty scale numbers, I could feel in my back every time I carried Ida for more than about five minutes. Every time I got up from playing with Ida on the floor I felt about forty years older than I actually am.
This was not the kind of mama that I wanted to be. I wanted to be the kind of mama that could bounce around and play with my baby on the floor effortlessly, the kind of mama that set a good, healthy, active example for my little-one. Lead by example, right?
Knowing myself and my already crazy schedule, I knew that if I tried to include exercise and a healthier lifestyle into my life on my own that I would have a hard time with the follow through. I’d tried using apps in the past, but always kind of forgot about it and ultimately did not stick to any kind of regimen. I needed to be held accountable, but I couldn’t afford a personal trainer. So a few weeks ago, while in a bold mood to make some #boldmoves I very randomly commented on the instagram of a local personal trainer to see if she would be open to a trade. I was lucky enough to have commented on Amanda’s IG from Raw Fitness LA who, as it happens, needs a decorator about as badly as I need a trainer. Her home is very neat and orderly, but, because home decor hasn’t been a priority for her, there is not an ounce of personality in the space.
And I can help with that. :)
Today marks week number three of my training with Amanda. She kicks my ass in the best way possible. She has this way of encouraging me with this really sweet smile on her face and pushes me to complete each exercise even though, seriously, I don’t think I’m gonna make it sometimes. It’s crazy embarrassing how heavy even 5 lb weights feel when I lift them up over and over again, and don’t get me started on the lunges. Oy those lunges. But somehow she gets me through each hour–and at the end I’m like “oh–I did it!” Amanda is also helping me be more conscious of my diet and I love her matter-of-fact way of saying things like “no sugar, no fat, no gluten” like it’s super easy. I hear her voice in my head now as I’m ordering at restaurants and putting almond milk in my coffee. It’s good. It’ about self control and it’s SO necessary for me.
Regardless of those scale numbers, It just feels so damn good to be moving again!! It’s so easy to forget when you’re really busy that exercise actually gives you MORE energy–and eating a little lighter (loosing the dairy is the hardest for me) helps too. I’m so grateful to Amanda for leading me onto a healthier path–both for me, and for Ida.
As for Amanda’s apartment…her spot is about to go from bland to boho. Above is the mood board from her bedroom. Every now and again I will update you here on our progress, both with her temple, and with mine. I’m hoping that blogging about this will also help to keep me accountable.
And as usual, any words of wisdom and motivation are totally appreciated encouraged.
Insipration Image Sources:
Bottom right
Bottom left
Top left
Top right
Turquoise Lamp, Brass Table and Navy Chair from Euro Style Lighting
Blue velvet pillow and drum table from World Market
Rug from Nuloom
Kilim pillow and Suzani bedspread from Ebay
Love this trade idea…. awesome #boldmove girl! Keep up the good work. When we hang out we’ll keep it healthy, I’ve been working on it too. :)
Justina that color palette is diiiivvvvviiiiinnnee!!!
I used the “my fitness pal” app and loved it – but then I started going to a studio that dealt with emotional/spritual health as much as physical health and that has been the best thing for me so far!
Thanks for sharing :)
justina. you are a beautiful, inspiration. thank you for sharing your life, style, child, work, and such:) i am a mother, artist, wife, and, recently relocated, with a darling house to make our own. i check in everyday to get ideas from all of the pretty posts. thank you.
Good for you! It’s inspiring to read that your taking action, because you’re a 100% right- our body is our temple, and we only have one! We should take care of it. I’m on a slow but steady path in doing so- reading about other’s journeys helps me with my own. Thank you for the Monday morning inspiration.
By the way, that mood board looks fantastic! Love the color scheme!
Cheers!
Akshara
Simply Akshara
Good for you!!! Strong inside AND out! You are working to get your bod to match your spirit and mind. Round of applause for taking care of yourself!
Victoria
Good on you! Breast feeding is actually the best way to loose all that pregnancy weight, and moving after the baby.
I love trading- and I love even more when it works out. I traded firewood for a website last year, but I got burned, a pun intended, but the few trades I did this year all worked out great.
I just decided to paint my living room wall and thought that the teal color I chose which is pretty much the exact shade of teal that you have in Amanda’s palette would clash with all the moody blues in my furniture. (I literally just painted a swatch again on the wall this morning because I was scared…) Your mood board is EXACTLY what I was going for and I’m going to fearlessly paint because it’s gonna be sooooo good. Thanks for sharing.
By the way, I love the fact that you are smiling in your before pic. I see so many “before” shots where people look depressed. I’m gonna take my before shot with a smile too.
That is such a sweet thing to notice–thank you for pointing that out. I think it’s important to be happy with oneself no matter what ones weight (or whatever ones issue may be) is–We all have got something to work on, right? May as well do it with a smile :D
Yes!! Go #boldmoves!!
Awesome! Love the mood board you shared. I have been wanting to re-discover my design skillz, and start creating mood boards for my ideas for my house. So that inspires me. I can also completely relate to giving myself a free pass, falling out of regular activity, and never getting back to it. “I’ve fallen and I cant get up!” I also love how you embrace your beauty at any size. That is the thing that first drew me to your blog, and Pinterest. Sometimes I wonder if we are either a style person, or a fitness person. Like the 2 just dont really come together in one package. I know that is probably not true, it just feels like that to me sometimes. Anyway, go you, and I am looking forward to following your journey. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m a yoga teacher and barter clients are the best!! You both are very lucky:)
As I’m eating my kale salad for lunch (after an indulgent, celebratory weekend), you’re motivating me to keep up with my habits. Kudos to your boldmoves!
I only go jogging as much as I do (or at all) because Joe drags me out there. Accountability is where it’s at! Best wishes!!
I often think of my body as a temple – Indiana Jones’ Temple of Doom!
You know, this is so awesome and so inspiring. I am on a similar quest. It’s only taken me 12 years to start getting serious about getting back to something I feel more comfortable with.:) I am with ya and totally supporting you! You can do it! Go girl!
xo
Melissa
ps her bedroom is going to be gorgeous!
I was recently trying to re-motivate to lose those extra pounds that crept up on me and a friend suggested trying not to eat after 7pm. I soon realized, nothing good for me ever went in my mouth after 7pm as I sit working at my computer at night. I’ve lost 15 pounds, my goal, and feel great! Curbed my sugar and gluten problem while i was at it… Good luck! Will love following your progress on both fronts.
oh that sounds like a smart idea–kind of reminds me of how I ate in Europe with a bigger lunch and a very light dinner, like just a salad. I may have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Ohhhh can’t wait to see what you do with the bedroom – that upper left photo with the woman’s legs hanging off the bed is truly one of my all-time fav interior photos! True story! I agree about no scale, I think they are evil. The mirror and how our clothes fit tell what we need to know. I made a few small changes earlier this summer that were easy to fit into life and turn into new habits, and even those smaller changes brought significant weight loss. Now I’m ready to step it up a bit more. All the BEST with your new movement and energy!
You’re right! Awesome barter!!!
ha, what a perfect deal. and you look stunning, woman, just as amanda’s place will be. all bright and juicy and alive. whenever you’ll need some artwork, never hesitate to ask for some exchange deal. I would love to deal with you :)
Trading is the best.
I love her color palette, I mean really love.
Keep up the good work.
I go in spurts too, very challenging but worth the effort to be healthy and set that example.
Looking forward to the progress in both areas.
so many good things happening on your blog, j!!! i’m especially fond of this. inspiring! can’t wait to see both transformations! xoxo
Yay Justina … always good to feel healthier and you’ll have more energy for Ida too. I try to adhere to that no eating after a certain time also (although my time is 9 or 10 as I’m a major night owl!)
That is so cool you guys came to this agreement. I am sure you will both be happy with the end product.
Let’s go walking! I just joined the YMCA and I’m on my own health kick with big goals! We can help each other and we are just down the street. :) I have been gluten free, dairy free and working on the sugar for about 3 months. It really is easy once you get there. I would love to share my tips!
YESS!! I’d love that!!
I love this! I’ve recently become motivated to be more actve, but I’m now 7 months pregnant and sometimes just getting out of bed to pee hurts! (thus the motivation!) I am going to start swimming, in hopes of feeling better and possibly even a better labor/delivery. I definitely want to get healthier before my next pregnancy- I’m so thankful that my weight hasn’t caused any complications so far, but I can certainly understand how this could have been better if I were in better shape prior to getting pregnant. That, and I really want to be the kind of momma you spoke of being- not too tired and sore for my little one. :)
yes! I hear you!! Swimming sounds perfect! You go mama!
I started working out with a trainer a few months ago and it completely changed my life. Now I’m in the midst of my first Whole30 and I’m trying to fix my diet to be as awesome as my workout schedule. Getting into a new routine is hard, especially when you’re busy, but I can tell that you’re already there. Go you!
You r so proactive :-) you look okay in the before pic so by Christmas you will look Amazing :-) I too started working out again, mine are older but I had to find somewhere I felt comfortable to leave them while I worked out. I also changed my eating a bit before and just eat ‘plant strong’ good for my health is the main motivation. My pregnancy ruined me so getting healthy again… Well by Christmas :-)