My friend Yesenia Whipple writes the blog A Tastier Life, a source for fitness and healthy eating inspiration. She lives in Florida with her husband and two-year-old Aviana and 11 month old Everly. While balancing life as a mother of two lively girls, Yesenia carves out time to focus on her fitness goals and healthy eating plan. She’s in amazing shape! So, when Yesenia agreed to share some insights into how she maintains a healthy lifestyle, I jumped at the chance! Here, she explains her approach to portion control, exercise, juggling life as a mother of two, and her favorite skinny pop…
What motivated you to get back on track with your fitness and healthy eating goals after giving birth to your second daughter? I have been into health and fitness for as long as I can remember. I look back to when I was around 7 years old and instead of playing dress up with princess dresses, I would dress up in a lilac leotard, pink sweat bands, white tights, and leg warmers. I would pop in a Jane Fonda VHS (yes I know it was THAT long ago, ha!) and I would work out with Jane. I knew having kids was going to take a toll on my body. I also knew the longer I waited to get back on track with health and fitness, the harder it would be to start. So I started mentally preparing myself early on and just went full speed as soon as I got the o.k. from my doctor.
Can you recommend any specific online resources dedicated to healthy living to help keep someone motivated and on track with their goals? Do you use any online resources to stay inspired? Eating Clean Magazine is an amazing online resource for clean eating. Girls Gone Strong (free workouts, nutrition and lifestyle information for women) is also a great online resource. I am obsessed with my Fitbit which syncs to My fitness Pal. I can’t live without either and I am on those Apps throughout the entire day.
How have your fitness goals changed now that you’re a mother? Do you have any tips for new moms trying to get back on a fitness routine and/or healthy eating plan? It is definitely hard to establish a fitness routine when you are a mom. Finding the time can be really hard, but you really have to find the kind of workout that motivates you and just do it and commit to it. As for an eating plan, I recommend researching healthy versions of the foods you already cook. It’s an easy way to start transitioning to a healthier, cleaner diet for you and your family.
During a typical week, what is your exercise routine? Do you switch it up or stick to a schedule? I used to be a gym rat. I would spend 1-2 hours at the gym each day, whether it be a spin class and strength training, bootcamps, etc…Once I became a mom I no longer had the time to spend that long at the gym so I started doing 30 minute workouts at home. I became a BeachBody coach and started doing programs like the 21 Day Fix and PiYO and that was really when my body started transforming. The programs incorporate entire eating plans and different 30 minute workouts each day. It truly is like having your own personal trainer. Being a personal trainer myself I can definitely say that with confidence. :)
What’s important to remember about portion control? How much you put into your body is just as important as what you put in your body, and portions vary drastically depending on your fitness goals. If you want to maintain your weight your portions will be different than someone trying to lose weight. And also keep in mind that your (current) weight, gender, and activity level also play a big role in food intake.
What guidelines do you follow to help maintain portion control? I am not looking to lose weight but rather maintain a healthy weight where I can stay fit and tone up with moderate exercise. My daily portions are based on my current weight and fitness goals.
- Lean meats, fish, and proteins: 4oz-5oz portion 4 times daily. I recommend getting a food scale. It will come in handy.
- Fruits: 3 servings of fruits with portions measuring 1 cup (e.g. for bananas that equals 1/2 an average size banana).
- Greens and vegetables: 4 servings daily measuring 1 cup.
- Starches: 3 servings daily. I keep starches between 1/3 cup and 1/2 cup per serving. My starches include whole grains, sweet potato, brown rice, and quinoa to name the staples.
- Healthy fats such as nuts, hummus, avocado, and cheeses: 1 serving daily keeping it around 1/4 cup. This can be split between different healthy fats. It does not need to be all one of the above.
- Dressings and seeds: 2.5 tablespoons per day.
- As for things like peanut butter and olive oil I stick with 4 teaspoons daily of these types of foods.
- I cook with fresh herb and spices and maintain a low salt intake using only sea salt when appropriate.
What are your favorite treats? I indulge in things like chocolate, wine and my favorite sea salt Skinny Pop. I just choose to indulge in moderation. :)
Thank you, Yesenia!
Please keep in mind that Yesenia Whipple is not a registered dietician. She enjoys sharing her healthy living and fitness journey with others, and these guidelines are based on her personal goals and experience.
PS. Photos from the 2014 NYC Marathon.
(All photos are from Yesenia’s Instagram account.)
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