Namita Nayyar:
In August 2019, you gave birth to your first child. Tell us about your post-pregnancy weight loss? Five tips to manage family and work.
Samantha Hoopes:
During pregnancy I gained over 80 pounds! Wow! Extra weight was something new for me because I have always been pretty much the same size, plus or minus a few pounds. Being pregnant, I really took it easy and enjoyed the time, not focusing on how I looked or how much weight I gained. I was just focused on the health of my baby. After giving birth I was shocked at all the changes to my body. My body did not bounce back like all of the women I saw on Instagram. I was going to need to work hard to lose my extra weight and get back to some sort of shape. I also wanted to do it slowly since I was breastfeeding and wanted to maintain nutrients for the baby. It’s been an 8-month journey so far, and I am still on it. Excess skin, the extra pounds, sagging boobs and some new stretch marks. I do not look the same, I am proud of the new body that I have now! I have never felt stronger and more in control of myself and my life.
Things that I have learned over these 8 months of having my son would be:
- Life isn’t a race and we need to slow down. Don’t try to get everything done in the same day. Appreciate those who surround us for support. Take the time to enjoy their presence.
- There is no need to compare yourself and your journey with anyone. It’s not easy to balance a family, work, social life and everything in between but what helps me is taking things day by day.
- Don’t stress (too much) when something doesn’t turn out the way you want or expect. Especially, if it is something that you will not even remember after a few days pass. Sometimes things happen that take you to where you need to be, not where you want to be and those places may be better than you ever expected.
- Forgive yourself if you do not complete everything you planned for a day. Take time to pamper yourself, even if it is a small effort like a face scrub before bed.
- Do what you can when you can. Be the best you can be.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises is an integral part of your home workout routine? Five must-do mornings stretches?
Samantha Hoopes:
My home workout routine has been the same since I was in middle school. My favorite place to work out is in my bathroom before I shower if I’m trying to make it a quick one! I love planks, side planks, pushups and lying on my back while alternating legs in the air. You can even add a crunch to that!
If you are not familiar with these exercise terms, you can find examples on the internet. Once you are familiar with them, do as many as you can and then keep increasing your effort and rotations.
Namita Nayyar:
Your meal before and after a workout? Two supplements you must take.
Samantha Hoopes:
I don’t typically like eating before working out because sometimes it makes me feel sick or ‘burppy’ during the workout. I just make sure I drink a lot of water even sometimes coconut water for extra hydration. After my workout I love to take a green juice or smoothie if I’m in a rush. When I’m not in a rush I typically eat avocado, spinach, chicken or meat. I also love a small bite of raw chocolate for a nice treat after.
Collagen has many benefits. My go-to collagen contains ‘Type 1 and 3”, good for skin, hair, nails, joints, ligament and bone health. As it is a powder, I can mix it in with anything I have to drink.
Omega’s, rich is fatty acids that are great for you in many ways. Known to support your heart, brain and joints. I started taking Omega’s along with exercise to try to live a long healthy life.
Namita Nayyar:
Favorite meal of the day? What does it contain?
Samantha Hoopes:
My favorite meal of the day is breakfast! I love it so much because you can make fun things almost dessert like. One of my favorite breakfast even snacks is chia seed pudding. You can make it any way you want; I like to use dairy free milk; chia seeds and I add bee pollen with fruit puree. It’s so yummy and super easy to make!
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
