September’s Kid’s Directory is focused on helping families get healthy and maintain good health. Today we have a special Monday Mom’s Edition to share! We interviewed local mom, Hannah Carter, to learn how she has incorporated health and wellness into her lifestyle as a stay-at-home AND work-from-home mom of two busy little boys! We are so inspired by her journey!
- When did you first start your fitness journey?
- I started my journey in January 2014. Baby steps in the beginning.
- Why did you start your journey?
- I was tired all of the time and wanted more energy to be able to keep up with our two little boys. Plus, I didn’t feel good in my own skin.
- What is your favorite exercise?
- I LOVE to run! I never would’ve imagined in a million years that would be me, but I love it best when I get to run with my hubs or a few friends. I also love strength training and have a favorite class at my gym that keeps me motivated to come back for more!
- What did you do to stay motivated when you wanted to quit?
- Well, it can be so discouraging in the beginning when weight doesn’t fall off super quickly. I remember thinking “this is just NOT working” and then I’d suddenly be down another pants size! So, fitting into new clothes and shopping in fun boutiques I’d not been able to shop in before was huge for me! Plus, getting the energy to actually outrun my two boys is super fun too! I guess the best piece of advice I’ve got is just to stay the course. Changes are being made. The longer it takes weight to come off–the less likely it is to come back because hopefully that means real changes are being made in your lifestyle.
- What is the biggest piece of advice you can share to other parents looking to start their own health and wellness journey?
- Find someone to support and help you through your journey. For me, I enlisted professional help to keep me accountable and guide me through what I needed to do. I still workout with my trainer (the fabulous Lynn Hancock) once a week because she keeps me sane and gives me perspective and attainable goals. I remember that’s one thing Lynn always talks about. Your goals need to be smart. They need to be real, attainable, and probably most importantly, measurable! Small changes add up to big changes over time!
- How did you balance working out while raising two kids?
- I’m so thankful for a gym with amazing childcare provided by my husband’s employer for a minimal cost. Plus, my husband and I work our schedules around time with kiddos.
- I hear you got your husband to join you in the journey; how has that helped or changed your relationship?
- It has definitely impacted our relationship for the better! We are both on the same page as far as getting healthier and generally keep each other on track. I won’t lie and say that I’ve never been jealous of how easy this seems for him and it took him no time at all to lose weight! Ha!! Probably just a guy thing though.
- What’s your favorite new food or snack?
- Well…this is tricky! Before, I was a “junkfoodaterian.” I mostly ate junk and was super picky. Part of my journey has been changing EVERYTHING about how I eat! I do really enjoy just simple grilled chicken with salads. It’s easy and tasty!
- What were your original goals, what have you accomplished, and what are your new goals?
- My original goals were pretty small. I think it was to lose 30 pounds and I wanted more energy. I’ve lost 60 pounds and have SO much more energy. It’s not easy–always a struggle! My ongoing goals are to maintain my current weight (at a minimum)–since this is more about lifestyle changes, I’ll never be “finished.” There’s always room for improvement! And, I would like to be able to do pull ups! That’s one thing I cannot do!
