When Alicia from Beanie N Us suggested a blog train on mommy’s fitness, #sgfitandfab30 back in early July (right before I gave birth), I readily agreed to take part. You see, I wanted to fit into a dress for a wedding 2 months postpartum, so I thought I would be motivated to start exercising once I recover from the delivery. It has been 2 months now and guess what? I’ve attempted to work out ONCE. Yes, only one time. The thing is I hate exercising. Don’t be fooled by my tan complexion and all, I don’t fancy the outdoors and neither do I workout intensively at the gym. But how do you stay slim all this time, I hear you ask?
Here are my simple rituals to stay healthy and slim without going to the gym:
Wear fitted clothes at home
It is tempting to lounge around the house in pajamas and loose fitting clothes all day. However, I find that wearing sports wear or fitted clothes at home motivates me to move my body more. A few leg lifts here, a little stretching there. I feel less inclined to veg out when all that unflattering jiggly bits staring right at me.
Keep active
Although I don’t care for the gym or running (well, I can’t run to save my life anyway), I walk a lot. I walk everywhere. In fact, my sister once said that going on a holiday with me feels like a ‘lose weight trip’. I rather walk than taking the cab if the destinations are within 2km radius. I’m also the type of person who can’t sit still. That’s why I don’t go for manicure or pedicure because it requires too much restraint on my part. I’m constantly moving about at home, rearranging things on the table or wiping a tiny spot off the couch. Come to think of it, maybe I have OCD.
Posture, posture, posture
I have to thank my mom on this one. She used to remind me constantly that I should stand straight up, sit up right, no slouching, etc. It turns out that we burn more calories sitting upright compared to sitting in a hunched position. I also watch my posture when I’m moving. An example is when I need to stand up from our low bed, I do a proper squat every single time. They call it functional fitness, but to me it is mindless exercise.
Eat meat
Contrary to belief that meats are fattening, they actually do not contribute to our fat accumulation. Protein builds muscle, and our body uses more calories when we have more muscles, even when we are resting. Protein also takes longer to digest, so we stay full for a longer period of time.
Cut out sugar
Most people think if they don’t add sugar into their food, they are limiting sugar. Well, yes in a way, but it is not enough. Sugars are hidden in supposedly ‘healthy’ food such as breakfast cereals, protein bars, frozen yogurt, bubble teas, soy milk, and even some salad dressing. If possible, eat fresh. Which brings me to the next point.
Eat fresh
Regardless of the amount of food eaten, our brains only register that we are full after 20 minutes. So chew and eat slowly. It is better for our digestive system too.
Limit alcohol
I only drink half a glass of red wine at dinner occasionally. And by occasionally, I really mean at most once a month. Alcoholic drinks are laden with calories. So drink responsibly.
Lots of water
This is an oldie but goldie. Drink a glass of water before every meal. Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger. I fill up my stomach with water so I don’t overeat. Drinking water also keeps me full and hydrated throughout the day, so I feel less inclined to snack. Only plain water though – juices are filled with sugar while tea and coffee are diuretic, so they don’t count.
Oh so did I manage to fit into the dress after 2 months? I sure did! Trust me. Starting a healthy and fit lifestyle does not need to be a chore. Make little changes in your daily routine, and before you know it, it becomes a habit and you will hardly notice you are making an effort.
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| This is THE dress. Photo taken at the wedding after-party with my best friend, Suzanne. |
Next mommy on this #sgfitandfab30 blog train is Shermeen.Shermeen from www.meeningfully.com is mum to a boisterous 2 year old boy. Since she gave birth, the only exercise she does is to run after her son. Having put on a whopping 14kg during pregnancy, she has only been able to lose 7 even after 2 years.
Read on to find out what she is doing to get her back on the fitness track, not only to lose weight but hopefully to also conceive a second child.
PS: Natural home remedies for beauty.
