Do you make the time to eat, exercise, and energize? Rate how you do on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being most excellent and 1 being pretty dismal) in each of those areas ... do tell!

Right now, thankfully, I am. I walk every day, I've cut white sugar, caffeine, and all wheat out of my diet (a test to see if aches disappear, which they are) and I water fast once a week just to give my body systems a rest.

I have to say that I'm a 4 on the eating scale. I eat pretty well when I do eat, but I skip so many meals in favor of getting things done that I'm often running on empty, or on cheese and crackers and leftover kid snacks.
In terms of exercise, I'm a 10 in my book at the moment! I'm fitting in a lot of running and weight training, am sticking to my goals, and feel great about it all.
Energizing? Not so good, perhaps a 6? I'm not spending time in the mornings on myself or praying like I'd like, and I'm definitely not getting to bed in time to get real sleep! I hate to miss any quiet time in the evenings.

One more thing since I posted in November. Check out T-Tapp exercise program. It is excellent! Gotta run. Flying tomorrow to Ireland for two week vacation.

In the context of my life, I was a 2 out of 10 on the eating scale and now I'm about a 6 (used to eat a lot of junk food but have been pretty junk food free since last summer when we visited NY), losing points only for habits that are hard to break and that crop up in times of stress.

About exercise, I was a 1 out of 10 and now I'm like a 6 - I work out at Curves 3 times a week, and I walk the dogs and go to the park with the kids, and (this sounds so cheesy and insanely commercial) I do the WiiFit every day.

About energizing myself - depending on the day I am anywhere between 1, and 10. I am generally pretty good on the whole, but there are days I am LOUSY. Then there are days when I'm AWESOME.

You know, they always say that you should "put the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting the children", but it's hard to really put that in the context of real life. Sometimes, I am not looking after the kids needs first and STILL I am not looking after my own needs either. That's my big struggle at the moment.

I don't, but I am trying to.

Since I stopped nusing I have packed on 35 pounds. I started a new blog to help me keep track of what I am eating and to serve as a diet journal: www.enlighteningmybody.com

I am a full time working mom, so fitting in time to do yoga has not been easy. I am hoping to find a way this year.

What I do make time for is some essential grooming (a.k.a. waxing, manicure/pedicure). I need to make more time for getting my hair done every 3 months instead of every 6 months.

So, all in all ... I could do much better in taking care of myself, but I am starting to make "me" a priority again.

I am probably a 4 on the eating scale. I try to eat well, but often forget to eat, or skip meals because I am too busy. I am cooking more though and making an effort to do better.

I am also exercising more - Pilates is my method of choice - it is addictive, and I love the results. It makes me feel so much better.

I need to make more time to relax, and be better about regular haircuts and coloring. (Like Nicole said, every 3 months instead of 6) A lot of it for me is trying to get past the "guilty" feeling of taking time for myself.

I think I'm about a 2 on all categories unfortunately.

I haven't completely figured out HOW to eat, exercise and energize AND keep us in clean clothes, make sure we have clean plates to eat on, bills paid, emails answered, thank you cards written, bible studies done, errands run, meal planning done, keep kids bathed, diapered fed and happy, and the basic house cleaning done. After these BASICS, I have about 6 hours left in my day which I use to sleep. I do eat 2 good meals a day and walk when I take the kids to the park, but thats it right now. Since I have put us on a schedule, things are getting better, but we're still working out the kinks. Can a mom really take good care of herself and good care of a young, growing family - or is it like having your cake and eating it too? How are they both accomplished without something lacking somewhere?

It is so difficult for me to meet my most basic needs with two young boys running around. To brew a pot of coffee is a major accomplishment most days! I'd love to have a meal sometime that was inspired on my love of cooking and not my body's desperate need for the first thing I can shove in my mouth. Rising earlier in the morning would elevate my scores on all levels - eating, exercising, and energizing. Plus I could get that coffee brewed and maybe get a sip in (while it's still hot!) before the boys get up. So my goal is to work on that.

No
No
and
No.
As a single Mom, I have neglected myself
I also have a serious spinal condition where I never know if what I do will set off a painful 2 week crisis.

Hopefully I can get some motivation here!!!!
Per Redbook's May editon, 75% of ALL MOM'S work full-time. Plus, we all know Mom's take on a lot of the parentin chores.....so I come last.

I need to change that really!

Maye a 7 on eating...eat pretty well most of the time, but indulge on junk too often. 5 on exercise...I really would like to get in some regular exercise. I do park far away from stores, takes stairs, etc do get in a little bit. I also am up and down our stairs a lot.
Need to head to be earlier on a regular basis, I'm not getting enough sleep.