Many new moms tell me they feel they have lost themselves and are no longer pursing their passion or fulfilling their own dreams.  My advice is to be kind to yourself.  It takes a while to adjust to being a mother, and it can be very overwhelming.  The first step to “finding” yourself is to write down what you miss doing, and/or what you would like to do.  Once you understand what it is you want to do, take baby steps towards reaching your goal.  For example, if your goal is to have your own business, your first baby step would be to research online possible business opportunities, or to call a friend who has her own business.  Breaking down your big goal into smaller pieces makes it do-able!  Every baby step you take builds momentum towards your larger goal.

Many pregnant women approach me with concerns about their body fat.  They say they had weight to lose prior to getting pregnant and now they’re pregnant and afraid they’ll get even “fatter”.  My advice is, It’s not to late to start exercising!  As long as your doctor gives you the “ok”, start exercising.  Take up walking.  Walking is something you can do from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way to the end.  Also, try prenatal yoga.  Don’t use the excuse, “but I’m not flexible” because that’s how you get flexible!  The key is to start doing something now!  The sooner you get started, the quicker you’ll tone up.  It IS possible to lose body fat through eating healthy and exercising even while pregnant.  So don’t delay…start today! 

Having trouble losing weight?  Did you know that stress can actually make you fat?  The reason why is because when we’re stressed our bodies crave quick energy.  So the foods we typically turn too for fast energy are high in fat and high in calories.  So what should you do to reduce your stress?  1. Get Your Zzzzzzz’s.  Research shows that when we get don’t get enough zzz’s we crave quick energy foods.  2. Exercise- Exercise produces a natural high from hormones called endorphins 3. Breathe- Deep breathing brings oxygen to your body and naturally reduces stress.  Take up yoga for the ultimate stress reducer! 4. Nourish Your Body- Eat high energy foods such as almonds, and whole grain cereals and breads.

Did you know that by doing yoga it can increase your sex drive?  Several postures increase blood flow to the pelvis, and increased flexibility leads to more creative sexual postioning.  Also through doing yoga you’ll have a greater sense of body awareness and confidence. Try this simple yoga posture, prenant or not to increase your libido and your connection with your partner.

Prenatal Yoga posture to Increase Libido and Connection with your Partner:
Face your partner and sit comfortably (you may place pillow underneath your bottom) with your feet together.  Allow your knees to open to the sides (i.e. butterfly stretch).   Place your right hand on your partner’s heart center, while your partner places his hand on your pregnant belly.  Focus on the love you have for each other and the life you created.

Note: If you’re not pregnant than have your partner place his hand on your heart center as well.

In this weeks Woman’s World Magazine you will find my two 10 minute exercises featured on page 16 (right before Oprah’s feature on her thyroid).  Check out my “Total Thigh Toner” and my “Easy Fanny Firmer”.  Both moves are modified kickboxing moves that tone the outer thigh, hips, buttocks and low back.