You know, my once laid-back lifestyle was completely upended by a tiny whirlwind who’s always trying to get into mischief—like opening the oven, tugging at the dog’s tail, or even nibbling on my makeup.
I was never someone who found it difficult to maintain my weight. I’ve never been one for sugary snacks, and I’ve always made time for meals. But then came my son, Leo, and everything shifted.
During my pregnancy, I gained about 45 pounds. Yet, within just a few months after Leo’s arrival, I found myself 10 pounds lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight without even trying! Breastfeeding helped burn those extra calories, and an overwhelming sense of postpartum anxiety pretty much zapped my appetite. Plus, I didn’t have time for my beloved baking sessions—those were a thing of the past.
Now, fast-forward to today: I have a lively 21-month-old. I stopped breastfeeding a while back, the anxiety has thankfully vanished, and I even squeeze in some baking now and then. Sure, I regained a few pounds after nursing, but I’m still a size smaller than I was before having Leo, even with less time for structured workouts. Instead, I’ve picked up some not-so-great habits, like snacking on the leftovers from Leo’s plate.
I credit this transformation to my daily life with a toddler. Before having Leo, I could roll my eyes at those celebrity claims of staying a size 0 from running after their kids. I still think it’s a bit exaggerated (and I’m definitely not a size 0), but there’s truth to it. Once your child starts moving, sitting down for more than a few minutes? Forget it! When I’m not playing with Leo, I’m busy toddler-proofing the house or preventing him from getting into trouble.
This non-stop activity has only intensified since we’ve been staying home to help curb the spread of COVID-19. With limited outings, Leo’s got all this energy to burn inside, and I’m often chasing after him around the house. When I take a breather, he’s usually off climbing on the couch or bothering the dog, so it’s only a matter of time before I’m back on my feet playing the role of “safety cop.” Even when he’s napping or sleeping at night, I find myself rushing around to tackle chores I couldn’t do when he was awake—like folding laundry without it being immediately tossed back into the hamper! It’s a far cry from the pre-baby days, where I’d lounge on the couch, reading or binge-watching shows on Netflix.
But it’s not just that my comfy, easy-going life was hijacked by this adorable little maniac. Having a toddler has significantly changed my relationship with food, too. If I had the time to whip up gourmet meals every night and savor them slowly with a glass of wine, I would! But, like many parents, my reality is different.
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In summary, embracing the chaos of toddler life has not only helped me stay active but has also transformed my relationship with food and self-care.
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