This post is part of YummyMummyClub.ca‘s and Becel’s “Encourage a Mom” program. In its role as founding sponsor of The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth™ campaign, Becel wants to empower moms and encourage them to prioritize their own health and well-being as much as they do others. I received compensation for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.

When YMC posted the opportunity to do a blog post about encouraging other moms, I knew that this was perfect for me. Perfect timing too! It had taken me awhile to figure out that I needed to focus on myself. The large number on the scale was a huge sign that something needed to change. A lot of things.

What is all of this weight doing to my body?

Extra weight puts a lot of strain on the other organs – particularly heart and lungs. Did you know that “by taking the time to take care of themselves too through healthy lifestyle choices, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke (a leading cause of death for women in Canada), by as much as 80%”?

I want to be around to see my grandbabies. Death is not an option right now. I lost my dad just before that 2008 photo was taken. Rachel was only 6 months old. I weighed about 130 pounds.

Life caught up to me. Habits were formed; bad habits. For example, I take the time to make my kids a nice healthy lunch with fruits and vegetables but I end up getting drive-thru fast food for myself. In that 2013 photo, I’m more than 30 pounds heavier. My BMI is in the “overweight” category.

Reducing the Risk – Making time for me!

In order to be healthier, my doctor told me that I need to make healthy food choices and exercise. It really didn’t seem that difficult. But how? But when?

The excuse I tell myself often is “Between the 4 of us we have activities every night and finding time to exercise is tough.” I need to MAKE time. And I had to start out small. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with too much too quickly. I substituted my trip to the drive-thru with a healthy lunch and fruits and veggies for snacks. I park at the back of the parking lot and I take the stairs instead of the elevator. I started tracking what I eat and blogging about my journey.

Moms helping moms

My “Motivational Mondays” posts have led to become a part of an amazing group of women who support and encourage each other to stay focused on our goals of living a healthy life. “The majority (60%) of Canadian mothers say they don’t have enough time to take care of themselves. Over half (56%) of Canadian moms surveyed said they would be more likely to spend more time to take care of themselves if another mother encouraged them to do so,” according to a Becel commissioned survey. I’m very glad I have this group! A friendly reminder that I’m important too and that scheduling 30 minutes of exercise a day for me isn’t taking away from my kids. In the long run, it will mean more time.

Is there a mom you want to encourage?

Every mom needs a little reminder that she is important too!

I’m personalizing and sending this video to a few moms who are on this journey with me, who I know would appreciate a little encouragement!

** Images are my own.