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1. Health care costs. I have a friend who has terrible knee problems because she’s carrying extra weight. Another with diabetes. The costs of rising health insurance, prescription medicine and doctor bills add up quickly. Instead of paying medical bills, wouldn’t you rather pay for a gym membership and avoid several weight related diseases all together? The investment you make now into the health of your body will pay serious dividends in the decades ahead. You do not want to spend the last decades of your life paying to fix a broken down body you could have saved by making healthy eating and exercises choices today.
2. Saving money on clothes. Yes, this is a little more trivial than your health but important nonetheless to a woman! If you lose all your baby weight, you’ll be able to fit into your pre-baby wardrobe. You won’t have to buy the essentials all over again. Of course, you probably want to buy a few new pieces for fun, but you won’t have to totally replace your entire wardrobe piece by piece just because you’re a bigger size.
3. More food equals more expenses. It’s a simple equation. If you eat more food, it will cost more money. When you eat smaller portions, it’s not only good for your health. It’s good for your pocketbook. The groceries you buy will last longer. Look for small ways to save money because your dollars will add up over the long run. For instance, when you dine out, drink water. Soda and alcohol are highly caloric and expensive. Water is free and it’s a great ally for weight loss.
Recently, I saw a weight training and cardio class for kids. Since when does a parent have to pay someone for their kids to run around? Isn’t that what kids are supposed to do naturally? Can you see the unnecessary rising costs of having an unhealthy lifestyle, not only for yourself, but for your kids?
So keep on track with losing weight after baby and you’ll be saving money both short and long term. That’s more money to use on vacations and rewards instead of doctor’s visits. Show me the money moms!
When fighting a war against unhealthy habits, you will win and lose some battles. The key is keeping in touch with the "why" behind your weight loss so you can win over the long haul. Why do you want to lose your pregnancy pounds? To be attractive? Healthier? For your husband or your kids’ sake? When you’re in touch with your values, the decisions become clear. You’re driven by something higher than your taste buds.
Sometimes you have to consider what you don’t want to realize what you do want:
1. Don’t become a statistic. The proportion of Americans who are overweight or obese has been rising for the past 25 years. Don’t be part of the nearly two-thirds of women in the United States who are overweight, or the one-third who are obese. Being part of this crowd means you’re high risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other major health problems. And the most sobering thing is that your children will follow you.
2. Don’t be a victim. Maybe you come from a family that has struggled with being overweight for generations. Or you find yourself depressed and unable to make wise decisions. Don’t give in to the victim mentality. You can do something positive to turn your situation around. You are not stuck with a particular destiny unless you surrender your will.
3. Don’t wait for a feeling. Most days, you won’t "feel" motivated. Sustainable motivation doesn’t begin with a feeling. It begins with a decision you make with your mind.
4. Chances are you don’t want to be a statistic, a victim or a procrastinator. Now is the time to make some decisions that will change the course of your life and your children’s. When you need motivation, just look at your precious baby. What kind of health do you want for him or her? Let healthy eating and exercise begin with you!
Today’s Action Step: What is your personal motivation for losing weight after baby?