Motivation For Our Babies

Dear Kids,

This last year and a half, no, probably two years, I have really struggled with keeping my eating correct and under control. We have been under a lot of stress as a family for quite a few years, so many up's and down's... and without realizing it I have been turning to food to help me feel good. I have never been an emotional eater... but I have trained myself to be one.

I have tried over and over in the last 6 months to get the motivation to change my eating habits and take control over my health again. But, to be honest, a huge part of my issue has been this - I know we have another baby to add to our family. My thoughts have been, "Why should I lose weight if I am just going to gain it back again?"... or "I am not worrying about losing weight until after I have our last baby."... or "If I cheat every once and a while (which turns to all the time) then it isn't a big deal."

Last week while I was allowing myself to 'cheat' AGAIN on some cheetos I had a thought hit me across my face, "Having another baby is EXACTLY the reason why you shouldn't eat like this!!" I have taken such good care of myself through the years, and I know that my kids are so healthy, smart and strong because of how seriously I took my stewardship over my body. What a shame it would be to just give up and NOT have the same strength for my next baby.

That jolted me out of my few-year-funk. I can be healthy for my baby. It is through the power of motherhood that I have motivation again. The motivation for our babies can be unlike anything else in this world.

And so, I am eating raw. I started this last Monday. The motivation of losing weight didn't do it for me. The motivation of 'you need to be healthy' didn't do it for me. It is the motivation of knowing that HOW I take care of my body right now will reflect in the body I am able to create for another.

There is nothing else like motivation for our babies.

I love you all,

Your Mom