Tell us about your philosophy about health and wellness. Are you focused on performance, on holistic wellness, or on something else?
I am focused on overall health and wellness. I think it’s important for women to do what feels good. I think taking time to move your body is so important, so whatever that looks like for you is wonderful.
I also believe that it’s important to take care of your body from the inside out. Getting enough rest, fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods, and of course movement!
Do you have any particular rules around diet, and if so, what are they?
I definitely don’t have rules. I think the moment you start restricting yourself too much is when you create bad habits with food.
If anything, I like to practice an 80/20 rule.
Eighty percent of the time I eat nutrient-dense foods and 20 percent of the time I allow myself whatever I want. This way I never feel deprived of anything and nothing is off the table.
Did you workout during pregnancy? If not, why not, and if so, what did you do?
Yes! I basically continued the same training that I did before I got pregnant. Being active was so important for my overall and mental health while being pregnant.
Specifically, I stuck with bootcamps with a local company called Thrive Active and modified my exercises as I progressed through my pregnancy.
What are the common beliefs and attitudes about exercise in your region? Do many women exercise during pregnancy? Why or why not?
I think we are getting much better with this. In the past, it was believed that you should not exercise while pregnant, now doctors and advocating that women stay active which is fantastic!
There are tons of prenatal fitness programs available or even free workouts on YouTube. There are so many resources out there to keep pregnant women active.
Are there any must-have products or services that you relied on that are related to fitness during pregnancy?
A good set of maternity leggings and a sports bra is a must! I also found that a maternity support belt helped quite a bit towards the end of my pregnancy since my belly got quite heavy!
If you already gave birth, what was the post-pregnancy recovery like for you?
I have been very lucky to have had easy recoveries for all of my babies. My first baby was my longest recovery but my next two were very quick. I truly believe staying active helped not only in my labors, but also in recovery as well.
What is your secret to balancing everything – childcare, work, extended family, friends – while staying healthy? Is it possible?
I’m still figuring this out honestly! Some days it seems easy, other days it’s impossible. However, the one thing that I always do and ensure I am making time for myself.
No one will do that for you. I make the time to exercise because it makes me feel good and it is imperative for my mental health. I feel better when I fuel my body properly. I try to remember that and it helps a lot!
What’s the best way to follow you, and what do you usually post about?
Our Instagram page @bottlesnblondes is the best way to keep up with us! We post about motherhood and our lives and like to keep it real.