Pregnant with twins?

Ok, so not everyone out there is like me...pregnant with twins. But all of us have unique challenges that make our problems with health and nutrition unique. The most important part of being a holistic nurse and doing holistic nutrition, is understanding that holism means mind-body-spirit, and THAT means....what ever you say it does! Many of us can get very hung up on judging others simply because they are not doing what they "ought" to. All this means is that they are not doing what YOU want them to do. Forcing someone to do something against their will simply does not work...even if your throw in guilt, risk of eternal damnation, or cookies (rewards are manipulative too). That being said, bribing yourself (or guilting yourself) also doesn't work!

Figuring it out
So what are you to do? Figure out what you want and why. When making change isn't working, really figure out why - name it. Don't be content simply saying well, I got past it and I'm back at it again. These barriers will creep back into your life if you can't see them coming, so figure it out.

For this mamma with twins on the way, my biggest barrier to eating is I simply don't feel like it. With twins I don't have a lot of room inside, so my stomach feels full quickly. Another problem is cravings: I'm convinced that these kids have opposite cravings since they change from Yum to Yuck by the time I get to the kitchen. So I know the problem. For others of you, you may want to quit smoking and "don't feel like it," or need to go to the gym but "don't feel like it." Others of you will have barriers unique to you. Perhaps you don't like certain foods, or do crave junk foods. Perhaps, you have a physical limitation or injury. Perhaps you believe that results can only occur in one way....starvation, becoming a gym rat, surgery, spending a fortune on fancy foods, clothes, and equipment, or that it's out of your hands because of what you believe about your past attempts or about what you believe your body "ought" to do (get skinny, fast or bulk up like the HULK).

Make a Plan
So you know the problem, great! Now figure out a way to over come it! Have a wall in front of you, and everyone says you have to climb over it? Why?! Find a way past it that works for you: around, under, through...dynamite, whatever. Build a new road around it, if you have to! Going back to myself as the example - I don't wanna eat and can't eat in bulk. So find the foods you do want to eat, eat them in small, but reasonable amounts, wait a while and then have more, and when you are hungry - eat! This plan can work for you too. Don't want to stop eating cookies? Eat your cookies in smaller amounts then, and when you do feel like eating well - eat! Shovel in the good choice foods, and maybe when cookie time comes...you won't feel like it!

All barriers can be overcome - patients in nursing homes or in wheelchairs can still do yoga, swim, dance, play competitive sports, etc. What is your excuse? If you need help with a limitation, I can help you! There are activities for everyone, even with back problems, sports injuries, blindness, arthritis, and even the "I don't wanna's." Don't like sweating? Go swimming (you still sweat, but don't notice it)! Don't like running? Hop on a bike, go for a hike, join a town intramural team! You get the idea.

Respecting your body
The best part about this approach, is that not only do you learn more about yourself, but you have a set of tools that you can use the next time a barrier comes up. So you find an exercise that you love, but then get injured. Now what? Find a new way to exercise, while giving the injury time to rest so you can get back into your routine. Having twins and banned from exercising? Get over the idea that you worked out until the very end with your singleton baby, and recognize that your body is changing (aren't they all) - respect your body. If it is injured, let it heal. If it is hungry, feed it. If it is making two people, rest it. If you are more tired one day, take it a little easier. That's ok, and you will feel better in the long run. If you force your body to go against what it is telling you it needs, it will rebel - and isn't that the whole point of where we started? You can't force it! But if you respect your mind, body, and spirit you will be able to work out well the next time, eat well when you can, and feel less stressed and self-critical in the process. That's good for everybody!

Be well, and respect your body!