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This may seem like an odd topic for a foster care and adoption blog, but I have found out that this is one hot topic for foster and adoptive parents.
The daily life of a foster parent or special needs adoption parent is very hectic. We run kids to appointments, meet with social workers, fill our reports and documentation, not to mention all the normal responsibilities involved in caring for a child.
I know that I hit the drive thru and grab a burger far more often than is healthy. We grab what we can eat in the little bit of time that we have. We cook “kid friendly” food that may not always be the best for weight loss or diets.
We’ve all see diet pill commercials where they talk about cortisol, stress, weight gain and various other things. Is there any truth to this? Whether or not it contributes to “belly fat” is rather up in the air, but cortisol does affect our attitude. This report indicates that cortisol can put us on edge and act in ways that we don’t like. This report indicates that it can affect insulin and blood sugar levels.
So what should we do? The simple answer is reduce stress, but let’s be realistic. There is no way to eliminate stress from our lives.
The real answer is one that I have blogged about many times; taking care of yourself and making yourself a priority. Yes, I know all the excuses. I’ve made them myself. I’m still not crazy about exercise but I now do it every day because I feel better. I have more energy, I sleep better, and yes, I’m losing weight.
I cook meals for my family that are healthier versions of the old standbys. I’m fortunate that my kids are not terribly picky eaters, but I do eliminate some recipes because they contain ingredients that other members of my family don’t like.
I could give you all kinds of instruction on how to lose weight and what to do, but you already know all this. We’ve all been taught the food pyramid, and we know that we need to avoid fried food, sweets, etc.
I also use a couple of websites to help keep me motivated, to track my food and find recipes. Come and join me on these sites.
Sparkpeople.com – I am Zebramom1
Wellfolio.com – I am Zebra
Sparkpeople even has an adoption message board.
If you feel that you’re being selfish by taking time for yourself, remember that you can’t be a good parent if you don’t take care of yourself.
