Fortunate

As I get older, health and fitness are becoming a bigger part of my life than ever, but I was lucky enough to have an early start on the process.

With both my parents being marathoners, I was raised in a household where exercise was just an ordinary step in their daily routine, as well as incorporated into healthy activities with me -such as hiking, biking, and walking the dog. I was also raised on the "protein, carb, and vegetable" meal plan, which I believe built the foundation for my uber-healthy eating habits today. Now, that's not to say my parents left no wiggle room; I still had my fair share of McDonalds fast food and candy bars throughout my childhood, just more moderated. 

I ran my first "race" when I was about 6 years old; it was a lap around Elm Park, and I came in 3rd overall, and first girl. Mind you, at 6, that didn't mean much since half of my competitors ran to their mommy's when they saw them on the side lines, or ran after a leaf in the wind. But, I still like to think of myself as some sort of young champion. I ran here and there for fitness growing up, but it wasn't until high school that I did it competitively - which was short lived once I needed 2 knee surgeries and suffered a fractured hip. 

Once I became pregnant with Lyla, my real health-nut-self kicked in. I went overboard with my servings of fruit, veggies, whole grains, protein, you name it. If it was good for the development of my baby, I ate it; even seaweed salads. I kept up the health food after having her for several reasons; nursing, losing the baby weight, and to keep me feeling energized to keep up with the demands of this new little life (and that extra-shot expresso helped, too). 

I began running again the summer I met Eric; my joints seemed to have rebounded after having Lyla - they seemed relieved to not be carrying that extra 30lbs any longer, and allowed me to run for exercise comfortably. We even raced my brother and father in the Fairhaven Father's Day 5k last summer. Not to brag, but, I won. 

Now pregnant with my 2nd, my eeating habits are more strict than ever. I add tofu to all my smoothies, wheat germ to all my cereal, and eat plenty of fatty, omega-3 rich foods daily. I've also added yoga and some light pilates to my 3-day-a-week gym routine. And, keeping up the moderate splurging I was brought up with, I have a cookie here or piece of chocolate there throughout the day - all natural, of course ;) 

I've never felt better, and am very fortunate to have been brought up with such good eating and exercise habits. It has paved the way for a healthy life style for both me and my family for life. Lyla loves her veggies, and I can't help but smile when I ask her what she wants to eat, and she responds with things like "lentil soup!" or "crackers with hummus!". 

Thanks, mom & dad :)