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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Work It Wednesday: Getting Swimsuit Ready!


Hi Darlings,

Many of you know that I am in my late 30's and that I have given birth to four amazing children. What many of you may not know is that genetically, the women in my family are not what most would consider "thin". My mom has had weight issues for most her adult life and when I hit my 30's my body changed.

After giving birth to my three oldest daughters (20, 16 and 11) I literally bounced back after breastfeeding for the better part of their first year of life. Having had the ability to breastfeed helped me get my body back and to be honest, I didn't have to do much.

When I gave birth to my first daughter, I was 16 and weighed 96 lbs. I went right back to just under 100 lbs, after she was born, but I was a teenager and my body was like a fat burning machine. When I gave birth to my 16 year old and my 11 year old, I gained a healthy amount of weight but again, the fat just melted off without much effort of my part.

 I had my son at the cusp of turning 30, and I went from a 115 lbs pre pregnancy to 179 lbs. For me, at 5' 4", that was a lot of weight. Even my doctor had asked what I was consuming that I was gaining so much so fast. Being pregnant with my son was much more difficult on my body than my previous pregnancies and after giving birth, I expected the weight to just "fall off". But weeks past...then months, and nothing was happening. That's when I realized that my body had shifted and that I was going to have to put forth effort to get back to my pre baby weight.

At the time, I didn't know nearly as much about health and fitness as I do now, so I just made small changes to my diet and began to do moderate exercise a few days a week.  That helped me get back to a place that I was happy with, however, since that pregnancy, I have had to change my lifestyle and for the first time in my life, found myself having to work on staying at a weight that was acceptable to me. Now that I am better versed, the changes are part of my lifestyle, but I can't say that it is always easy.

My body is not "perfect", but let's be honest, who's is? I have stretch marks, cellulite, jiggly bits and things, BUT looking at the above picture (taken two weeks ago) makes me feel good about myself, It reminds me of why I try every day to stay on track. It's not because I want to look like the chicks in magazines, because not even the chicks in those magazines look like that. I don't feel the need to stay in shape or compete or otherwise stress myself out over my body, but instead I do it because I FEEL BETTER. I have more stamina. I can enjoy wearing clothes that are fitted and feel sexy. I do it for myself and for my children.

I am not always "good", and trust me, I have really bad days, weeks and months. But I always know what to do to get back to where I want to be, and with summer approaching, I want to be swimsuit ready. So I know I have to start doing a little more work.

Taken last week

Here is what I will be doing over the next few weeks....

1. Lowering my sodium intake by 80% which means I am going to start enjoying the actual taste of the foods I am eating and not the seasoning that my Puertorican roots tend to indulge in. Lol!

2. I already drink a lot of water, but I will be trying my best to stay at a gallon a day. It's not that hard when you spread it throughout the day.

3. I will be cutting out refined sugars and any sort of fried food. (which is so hard for me)

4. I will be including healthy fats in my meals. (avocado, olive oil, flax seed oil, natural peanut butter)

5. I will be eating 5 small meals a day instead of my usual 3 larger meals and two snacks.

6. Finally I will be trying very hard to get at least 8hrs of sleep because, believe it or not, getting enough sleep is extremely important to your body.

The bottom line is that no one thing will work for everyone. Not all women must look the same, be thin or constantly worry about their weight, but we should always want to be healthy so we can enjoy our lives now and in our later years.

Pick a few things that you enjoy doing like dancing, walking or jogging and make that your exercise. Remove items from your diet one at a time if it feels too overwhelming to do it all at once, and most importantly be good to yourself and tell yourself how sexy you are, and believe it!



43 comments:

  1. Mimi,

    Thank you for being positive and inspirational. I love that you you normalize insecurities by stating "no one is perfect,". Amen, Norma

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  2. Mimi you look amazing!!! I have got to get it in gear but I don't sleep well at all and my workouts have fallen off considerably because I have no energy!! I do ok with my eating but it can be better because, sweets are the devil for me, lol!!! Thanks for the inspiration, I really needed it!!

    P.S. I refuse to make my T-shirt maxi until I get this tummy together!!! Work to do!!!!

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  3. Needed that today... Thanks for sharing and always keeping it real.

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  4. Needed that today... Thanks for sharing and always keeping it real!

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  5. Thanks for the information and the encouragement...I needed that today. I will be trying some of the tips you listed...cutting back on the sodium does help tremendously, in addition to lowering your blood pressure . I know that I have to get back into the gym as well...I find that I HAVE to move!...You look great!

    Thanks and God Bless,
    Sharon

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  6. Great Job MiMi,
    on the days you dont feel like heading to the gyn
    try riding a bike, hiking, swimming, indoor rock climbing, and my new fave going to the trampoline Park...
    I'm a fitness professional and sometimes for me the gym can be a tad redundent
    Good LUck

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  7. Thanks for your honesty and your encouragement, you look phenomenal!

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  8. Thanks Mimi for all your inspiration

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  9. Hey Mimi, I love your blog. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. Your soul seems so pure and genuine, and I wish you and yours the best in every endeavor. I am also 37 yrs old with 7 children. Girl, How do you do it? Keep being you, because you are the best! BTW my b-day in November 3.....Have you ever thought about a Scorpio's are sooo special birthday party....It would be so much fun! Could you imagine a bunch of "us" in one room?...LOL!

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  10. Thank you Mimi....I've begun my journey and it does feel good! Here's to us all.

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  11. Hey there Mimi!
    Great advice and you look phenominal! You have always had a great spirit and a wonderful heart!

    Keep being the beautiful and inspirational woman that you!

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  12. You are so inspirational! That's what us women need to hear from time to time, learning to love our self and stop trying to look like the next chick in the magazine. I'm 27 and just had my second child(a beautiful boy) a year ago and I'm just now able to lose my baby fat. For the most part I eat clean and I exercise which includes Leslie Sansone 2 mile walk 30 minutes a day and I also dance about 30 minutes every other day. This has been my routine for about 3 weeks now and I have lost 4 pounds and 17 inches off my waist! I'm not going to lie I struggle with my eating habits but it's nice when someone like you inspires us by sharing your meal plans. Keep giving us the good stuff Mimi, you're awesome!

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  13. thanks for the motivation girlfriend! Didn't know you were a teen mom, I love getting to know more personal things about bloggers, there is a realness about that :-) You are truly inspirational

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  14. Thanks for the inspiration, you look awesome! I'm also 37 and I have 2 children; I need to make more of an effort to get to the gym. It took me a minute to finish reading what you wrote because I kept scrolling back up to look at all the amazing shoes in your closet! lol!!

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  15. Thanks so much Mimi! You look fab! We are not ready for bikinis yet, here in Canada, soon though!

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  16. Mimi your in great shape, its hard to believe your have 3 children. Thanks for this post, its so inspiring. Man, I need to sleep more.

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  17. Great Post! Thank you for your honesty and encouragement

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  18. Thank you Mimi for being a fresh breath of air. You are such an inspiration. You have brought such joy to my life being the reason I wanted to learn to sew. You inspire me to lose this new found weight that I have put on since I will be hitting 40 this year. LOL! Thank you for being you!

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  19. Hello Mimi you are such an inspiration. I love your style and your personality. Keep up the good work

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  20. Thank Mimi for the tips !!! You sound similar to me !!! I'm just trying to remind myself that I have to be healthy and I want to get a handle on it before 40 !!!! I went from 203 - 168 in 10 months (it will be a 1 year in June). I was so miserable and I'm '5 8" !!! I'm so proud of myself 8 more lbs to go then I can focus on toning mostly !!!! I will be 38 this year in September !!!

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  21. thank you for sharing your story and being a inspiration to us all but I have to ask how is that your stomach is stretch mark free? I so wish my stomach was as beautiful as yours instead of it looking like it needs an iron to it lol smh. Can you please give me advice on What to do to get rid of them or make them less noticeable.

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  22. No one ever tells you about what happens when you turn 30...It really is a game changer.

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  23. Mimi you look AMAZING! I'm a mother of 3 and my last baby did me in! Thanks for the tips! It’s funny that you mention in #3 that it's hard for you to cut out refined sugars and fried foods because I once had that problem. I have researched why we crave certain things and found out that it’s due to yeast overgrowth in our GI tracts. I started taking (now selling) this product called ProBio5 which provides a yeast & fungal cleanse, proper probiotic balance in the intestinal tract, proper intestinal balance which increases nutrient absorption and relief from typical yeast overgrowth symptoms (anxiety, recurring irritability, lethargy, allergies, acne, dry/flaky skin, migraines, and so forth). Since I have gotten my "gut" in check I no longer crave sweets or fried foods. Now I'm on my way to weight loss and overall total health, I just need to add in the exercising piece. Please check my website at http://tcalhoun.myplexusproducts.com/ for more information on this product.

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  24. Boy do I get it! I was 22 when I had my son and my body changed forever. My hormones have drastically changed and it really effects my weight. As long as I eat healthy and exercise everything stays in check (the tears and my weight) but if I have too much fun with food over a period of time it gets ugly.

    I have had to come to terms with my body type, I'm very much a pear thanks to the Latina and Indian genes my parents gave me! So I know I'll never be one of those size 00 with a "thigh gap" kind of girls. But then again, I don't see super skinny as being definition of pretty. I think being healthy with an appreciation for who you are is much more beautiful!

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  25. Well put, I'm clapping loudly---what wonderful advice, from such a lovely lady. Thank you.

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  26. Thank you! I am 48 and realizing what a hot gal I am.

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  27. I just found your blog today and I must say you are SUCH and inspiration. You look awesome and it is refreshing to see someone who posts REAL talk about struggling with food! Your clothes are great and you are being added to my list of blogs to follow.

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  28. I needed that Mimi. I really reeeeeally needed that. Thanks

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  29. Thank you Mimi !!! I have to attempt while reading your post, I just finish eating two Girl Scout Cookies it's midnight LOL Pray for me. : -) Stay Fabulous

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  30. Thank you so much for your post! Just what I needed! I'd just walked in from doing my gorceries and wondering why I bother trying to eat healthy when it cost me over $100 for just fruit, veges and some meat for myself but then reading your blog reminded me how important it is to treasure our body and learn to love it by healthy eating and exercise. Unfortunately bikini season is wrapping up here in Australia but hopefully I will look even half as good as you come next season!

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  31. You always keep it so real and honest. It's what I love about you most. Are there people who don't have to work to stay in shape, or who don't like the taste of sugar, fried foods, pizza and burgers? I'm sure those folks do exists but I haven't met one yet however I have come across many that will try to convince you that is who they are and that there is something wrong with you for not being that way. Instead, you inspire, encourage and uplift and that makes us all want to try a little harder. Thanks so much for all you are and all you do.

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  32. I appreciate your post. I have struggled with my weight for the better part of my adult life. I have lost 23 pounds but the next 36 seem to be daunting. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. I am going to set a few food and exercise rules and see if I can be one-piece ready this season and bikini ready next.

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  33. Love your blog and how candid you are Mimi. Thank you.

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  34. you look amazing Mimi..what is you take on those 50s inspired swimsuit i just want to hide my belly

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  35. Thank you so much for sharing and for your encouraging words Mimi! You look great and you are truly an inspiration.

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  36. I started a no carb diet and I lost 5lbs in one week without even working out..i am still dieting and working out at home and I have lost weight and I feel great

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  37. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this! You look amazing!

    Ursula

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  38. Mimi I just found your blog today! Can you do a video on making swimwear?!

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  39. Hi Mimi!
    Congts for your Post today! Very real, positive, and inspiring!
    I am IN LOVE with you blacj swim suit. Can you teach us how to make it????
    Thank you!
    Kisses from Portugal

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  40. Just found your blog and find ALL of it extremely motivational and inspiring. Just a seemingly down to earth woman with body concerns like all of us. Thanks for taking the to post for us!!

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.