Name: Lauren Abt - Age: 26 - Career: Stay at home Mom
Give us a brief bio about yourself:
I currently live in Philadelphia with my husband Dave (married in 2008), almost 2 year old son Davey, and new dachshund mix puppy Dilly. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, but Dave was accepted into medical school here in 2009. We find out in a month where he'll be doing his residency. I'm looking forward to knowing what the next step in our life will look like.
What or who is your fitness inspiration?
Definitely my son and our future children. Growing up, my family didn't eat all that badly. We rarely ate out, rarely junk food, but most of what we ate wasn't real food. I didn't really know anything about nutrition until I had been living on my own for a few years. I want better than that for my kid(s). I want them to have the tools to have a healthy life from the beginning.
What are you doing now to maintain an active lifestyle?
I'm a member of the YMCA and I go there 3-4 times a week. I love the abs and arms classes. When it's warm, I run at a local college track or along the river.
What are foods, meals or snacks you would recommend to those looking to maintain a healthy diet?
Definitely incorporating shrimp has been helpful to me in maintaining a healthy diet - it's lower calorie, and it can be done so many different ways. I also think that it's important to eat real food - even if that costs you calories. I always choose real sugar over non-calorie substitutes.
What does a sample menu of your day look like?
Breakfast: Trader Joes pomegranate yogurt with granola, half of a banana or whatever Davey won't finish
Lunch: usually a prepared salad - love the southwest salad from Trader Joes or the Asian wonton salad from Corner Bakery Cafe
Snack: I don't snack a lot. But if I do, I try to just have a piece of buttered toast or cheese or chips and salsa
Dinner: My arch enemy. Somehow every day, 5pm rolls around and I'm at a loss on what to make that will fill my husbands man-hunger, that Davey will actually eat, that won't push me over my calories for the day, and is quick and affordable! So...suggestions please! Haha...but seriously, I love chicken or shrimp with rice and veggies. I could eat some combo of that every day.
Name one fitness item you absolutely have to have:
A decent hairband to keep my mane out of my face/off my neck!
What would be your best piece of advice you’d share with someone who might be struggling?
Weight loss is simple and yet it isn't. People start to diet everyday but sometimes it just doesn't stick. But then sometimes it will. So try your best - but know that if you fall down, you're not alone, and you can try again tomorrow.
When we aren’t working out, we’re normal people too. Name your favorite, feel good beauty product:
Organix Coconut Oil shampoo. Best thing ever. Also love EOS lip balm.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life (don’t have to be fitness related)?
I am pretty proud of giving birth to my son without medicine or intervention. No one thought I could do it, everyone thought I was crazy, but I did it and I'll do it again. Through it I learned the mantra "you can do anything for a minute." And when I'm struggling in a workout, I often remind myself of that. I'm not good at many things but being called a "birthing rockstar"? That makes you feel good!
What keeps you active?
How good I feel after! I was hit pretty hard by some postpartum/general crappiness depression when Davey was about 10 months old. I thought I was super crazy because who gets PPD that late?! But joining the Y really really helped...not just the physical activity (although that is 90% of it) but also having some "me time" once I drop Davey off at the Y's child care!
What is your go to activity to get in your exercise?
Running. I can do it for 10 minutes or 40. I can do it day or night, inside or outside. I love fitness classes but running is where it's at.
Thank you Lauren! And I have to say, I love EOS lip balm too. The best!
If you would like to be a part of Monday Motivation, please message me via Facebook or email me at cassie.baillie@gmail.com.
-Cassie
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