As another 8 week mama boot camp session comes to an end, my instructor has asked us once again to write a letter about why we decided to sign up for the program. I could write pages and pages on this topic (hence buff mama mondays), but I’ll give you the short and sweet version of why I decided to sign up for the second time. Here’s my letter…
I decided to sign up for another 8 weeks of torture fun because old habits die hard. Research suggests that it takes 66 days to form a new habit. I started my weight loss journey 317 days ago and every single day is still a challenge for me. I struggle to make the right food choices. I struggle to not return to a past eating disorder. I struggle with my self-body image. I struggle to stay motivated. It took me 29 years to start this journey of health, and it might just take another 29 until it’s no longer a struggle. Habits are slowly changing though. There might be some regression, but I’m still in this for the long run.
My first session of mama boot camp, I learned that I wasn’t the only one that struggled with these things. I wasn’t alone. They understood what sleepless nights and postpartum depression felt like. They understood the importance of taking time for yourself, but feeling guilty about it at the same time. The other mamas were going through this journey with me, one plank at a time. I did things that I didn’t think were possible during that first session, like running my first 5k and attempting a handstand. I learned how to trust and respect my body. I didn’t want it to come to and end and so I signed up again, I needed more time to form new habits.
My second session of mama boot camp has gone by way too fast. I can’t believe that we only have 1 more week left. The past 8 weeks have been challenging for me. I haven’t followed the program perfectly to a T, but that’s not what it was about for me this time around. Part of me wishes I could have lost 20lbs in 8 weeks, but that just wasn’t a realistic goal for me. When I started this 317 days ago, I told myself that I wanted to make a healthy lifestyle change. For me, that doesn’t mean working out 24/7 and eating nothing but celery sticks. Been there done that and I’m an organ short because of it. It might take me longer to reach my 30lbs goal, but I’ll get there eventually and it will be a permanent change.
The thing that I’ll take away the most from this second session of mama bootcamp, is to remind myself that it’s a journey and not a race (something Meredith, PR rep for Nutrisystem, always reminds me). Instead of looking forward at how much I still have yet to do, I need to look back from time to time and recognize everything I’ve already accomplished. And I’ve accomplished a lot in these past 12 weeks. I’m stronger, faster, healthier, a better mom and a better wife. I’m so grateful I was able to workout alongside so many inspiring and strong mamas. My most important accomplishment is hearing Logan asking me to “cise” (that’s toddler language for exercise) with him. He’s learning how to lead a healthy life by my example and that makes every single push up worth it.
The fine print: Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me for free, as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. Want to join me on the Nutrisystem program? Call 1-888-853-4689 or sign up online.
