To Tall the Jogging Mommies

I would also urge you to spend some money on a quality pair of running shoes, if you are planning to run. Running in regular sneakers or even "cross training" shoes is not the same. Not even close. I just made this discovery myself, after YEARS of trying to force myself to like running. I have ALWAYS hated it. Just bought my very first true pair of "running" shoes and it makes ALL the difference.

listen to your body and don't go for too much... when I started running I was going full steam ahead. I ran every day and that resulted in a runner's knee injury that took about 2 months to get over. It should not hurt. The minute you feel pain stop and look at what you are doing. The no pain no gain is not true. That is your body telling you something.

Regular exercise is great, but remember that your body does need rest days to allow those muscles that got broke down to rebuild and heal. I have heard that if you eat protein an hour after exercise it helps those muscles repair.

I L. what Jess in Texas said about water. That's what I do I drink only water and save soda for when I'm treating myself. I'm sure other mamas will have lots of good advice, but my key advice is obviously exercise, but don't injure yourself!!! :-)

drink water and only water. no juice. no sodas. maybe once a week as a reward so you don't feel deprived. I do not do a lot of actual exercising, other than the work around the house and chores/errands/chasing my 3 yr old. I find that losing the empty calories of sodas and juices help me maintain my weight.

and no worries about 2.5 yrs later and you still have a few extra lbs. My son is 3.5 and I have a couple extra lbs here and there too. I know you and I are not the only ones!

Healtheir lifestyle? - If you have Netflix Streaming, check out the show "Forks over Knives." Interesting documentary about how eating a plant-based diet is so much better for our heath overall. It's not easy to do if your husband is a big meat-eater (like mine) but worth a go - eating more fruit, veg, beans, limiting your meat (make the meat the side dish, make the veggie the center of the meal) and decreasing your dairy intake as well. Check out the movie. I found it very informative.

Jogging is very hard on your joints. You jar the ankle, knee and hip joint every time your foot hits the pavement. Make sure you are wearing good supportive shoes with cushioning. Instead of jogging or running you can also just walk (I think of of the term) or fast walk.

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After I hit the post button I remember the term. It's called power walking. You are almost running. You swing your arms and walk really fast but it protects your joints from damage.

Sign up for some 5Ks and then some 10Ks! It will motivate you and they're SO much fun. It's okay if you need to walk some (or all at first). Many people walk all of them. Plus -you get a cool t-shirt to wear around! Set running goals for yourself -first a 5K, then coming in under a certain time for a 5K, then do that for 10Ks, etc.

Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes where they will video you running on a treadmill so they can tell how you land, pronate, etc. You can then buy your subsequent shoes usually for far less at DSW, Sports Authority, etc., but you need to know what to look for (arch stability or if you pronate heavily to the left, etc.).

Use Map My Run.com or similar apps and sites to chart out new routes to take. You don't get bored and you get exact distance that way!

Treat yourself to some cute running clothes along and along when you reach goals. Yes, I covet $80 running tights from Athleta and Title 9, but I've also found great stuff for $30 at Target. Feel good about what you're wearing!

Start getting away from processed foods -especially "white" flours and sugar. You will be AMAZED at how much better you feel! Also, do weight training. Building muscle will help you run farther and longer.

Try to eliminate processed food from your diet.

Eat lots more fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes (organic, if at all possible).

Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day rather than 3 larger ones.

Drink more pure water. You should aim for a MINIMUM of 1/2 your body weight in ounces each day. For you, that means at least 70 oz. I shoot for 100-120 oz (I weigh about 160 lbs...I've lost 25 lbs since late Oct.)

You don't have to "work out" to get more exercise. Try roughhousing with your son, standing while watching TV, parking farther from the store, etc.

For myself... if I can't bring my son with me... it won't happen as a lifestyle change. It'll be a nice little interlude until something comes up and I have to quit.