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Life, Motherhood, Thoughts

5 Thoughts

June 10, 2020 By Robyn 12 Comments

1. our world

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling like 2020 has been a heavy year. Particularly the past few weeks with the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Social media, while it can be powerful and positive, has felt like a really noisy place for me lately. I have an aversion to performative allyship – it doesn’t sit right with me and so I’ve found it challenging to know how to both consume and engage on social media.

The change that needs to happen in our world is a marathon, not a sprint. The amount off change that needs to happen can feel overwhelming. I’ve been off social media for the most part recently and will likely be pretty quiet on there in the coming weeks. I’m not a healthy person when I’m trying to appease people by doing things I think I should – it leaves me feeling far away from God where my motives are very misaligned with my values. For me, it’s been most helpful to have really honest and vulnerable conversations with Nick, our small group at church and close friends. Safe spaces where I can lay it all out, process and get feedback, wisdom and gracious criticism. I think there’s a lot of heart work to be done and a lot of ways I can do better. Both personally and professionally.

These two IG posts I shared on stories last week really resonated with me.

I listened to a really powerful talk on black vs white maternal and infant mortality given by a black physician when I was at the NPWH conference in Savannah last October. That talk has stuck with me. He spent the majority of his talk on how racism and the oppression black people experience induces epigenetic changes that heavily influence health outcomes. And it’s foolish to think we’ve undone centuries of oppression and racism in the past 50-60 years. I watched 13th later that same week and also recommend that documentary (it’s on Netflix)

I really like the podcast To Birth and Beyond – it’s informative and IE/HAES aligned. Earlier on a walk this week, I listened to this episode with Tekara Gainey, a black doula and advocate for reproductive justice, and found it really informative and helpful. Charlottesville has an ugly history with racial issues. Where I’m at right now with social media and my real life – I feel the most impactful thing I can do is focus on the issues and community right in front of me. And as I come across helpful resources & information, share those on social media as it feels appropriate. I’m human, and deeply flawed, so even what I’ve said here I probably could have said better.

2. Summer Pregnancy

Late pregnancy during the summer in Charlottesville vs the winter in Boston is VERY DIFFERENT. I’m constantly sweating and wanting to change my clothes. Many of my shorts and shirts are tight and leggings are just a no-go right now with the heat & humidity so I’m finding myself doing laundry daily so I can wear the one or two things that fit on repeat. I want nothing tight on my body. What I really want to do is just lay around in underwear & a bra all day until this baby comes next month. I’ve really enjoyed going on walks + doing 10 minutes of Barre3 most days. Lately, I’ve been getting to bed a bit earlier so I can get up a little earlier and going out for a 3 mile walk after I drink some coffee, poop, eat a snack and read the bible for a few minutes.

I was doing some walking during Cal’s nap since Nick is working from home, but it was getting too hot in the afternoon and I found I was then really wiped by the time he got up from his nap. I like walking alone with a podcast vs hoping Cal will want to sit in a stroller for 30-45 minutes – that’s not enjoyable for me. I’m thankful Nick does morning + breakfast duty so I can get out for some alone time before the day begins because it makes me a more sane mom.

10 minutes of B3 is about all my body wants right now – more than that and I find it leaves me tired vs energized. I’m doing some Momma Strong here and there, but have found I really like the 10 minutes of barre best for now. I think the chiropractor (and doing the stretches and PT exercises they tell me to at home) and the Spinning Babies daily essentials have been really helpful in allowing me to still feel pretty good physically in terms of aches and pains. I think every woman has a different threshold and capacity with exercise when pregnant and this is mine right now. I have a friend who is due 2 days before me and is still doing some running which is something my body is definitely not up for, but her body is. I share what’s working for me because I find it helpful to hear how other women are respecting their bodies throughout pregnancy.

3. Homemade popsicles

I made these coconut pineapple popsicles for Cal and I to eat for afternoon snacks and they are GOOD. I wanted something with a good dose of fat so it was a more filling snack for him and found this recipe. I have a plastic popsicle mold that I bought a few years ago on Amazon but they don’t carry it anymore or I’d link it because it works really well. Next time though, I’ll half the recipe because I ended up with more that my 6 molds could hold.

4. Things I want to preserve from Quarantine

2020 has been an unexpected year, but I’ve learned discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for growth if I let it be. I don’t like discomfort, so sitting with it can be really hard for me.

There has been a lot of uncomfortable things about quarantine. But I also realize that overall, Nick and I have not been impacted by COVID like others have and man, I’m grateful. That is a gift. Some things that I want to keep when, one day, we are back to “normal” life again:

  • less hurry – I’m not a planner and instead prefer last minute plans, but regardless I tend to feel the need to fill my social calendar an/or keep things interesting and not repetitive – quarantine has shown me the rest & contentment that can come with more slow and mundaneness to my days and how sometimes the most simple things really are the most fulfilling
  • time in nature – since most things are closed we’ve explored what feels like every nature area in Charlottesville – most Saturday’s we head out hiking and most weekday afternoons Cal and I are at a creek – I wouldn’t have sought out nature this much if it wasn’t for quarantine because we’d be on playdates or at the library or splash pad or pool more often
  • family time – I’ve been really thankful for how much time we’ve had as a family of three before this baby arrives since Nick isn’t traveling for work and our socialization is limited – there are many parts of that I want to hold onto

5. Enneagram

I’ve never been into the enneagram. Finally, a couple weeks ago after I had several friends tell me I needed to know my number, I took a test and also read up on each type to see what resonated most. I’m a 7 wing 8 and knowing that (especially the weaknesses of that type) has been so helpful for me. I’m excited to dig into it more to grow personally, but also my marriage and relationships in my life. I think it can be one tool for understanding yourself and others, but I don’t like to think of it as the end all be all of who I am.

That’s what’s on my mind. Would love to hear what you’re thinking about these days in the comments!


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Comments

  1. Mady says

    June 10, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    I definitely agree on your thoughts around social media right now! Personally, I never post stories or posts on my instagram, and use it mainly as a way of staying informed and connected. Now more than ever, that has felt like a relief to not have the pressure of sharing things regarding antiracism, so that I have more headspace to learn, process, and have hard conversations with my friends and family and act accordingly.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 17, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      We are all navigating this the best we know how and what we feel called to do – I think the most important thing isn’t necessarily what you’re doing (we need everyone to play a role because not everyone can do everything) but rather that you are doing SOMETHING. Thanks for sharing where you’re at!

      Reply
  2. Erin says

    June 10, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Just here to be the person who oogles at Cal’s sweet curls! Adorable. Thanks for recommending 13th! I think it’s a must-see for everyone! xoxo

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 17, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      haha they are hard not to love 🙂

      Reply
  3. Savanna Conrad says

    June 11, 2020 at 12:34 am

    I love the comment of having coffee, pooping then going for a walk. Lol talk about relatable content! I’ve definitely stepped back and had to delete the FB/IG apps off my phone because it’s so tempting to open them when I need a distraction. But man, my mind hasn’t felt this loud in so long. It’s difficult because I love seeing positive posts about many things(like yours) but there’s so many other messages mixed in from other sources so sometimes it’s easier to cut it out completely. I look forward to more posts here by you!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 17, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      it’s the morning routine 🙂 I hear you in knowing how to draw boundaries with social media – I too want to just cut it out all together but then I realize there are positive parts I want to preserve. It’s a never ending push and pull!

      Reply
  4. Nancy says

    June 17, 2020 at 11:16 am

    You are such a voice of reason during this and any season. I only read your blog, no others, as yours makes me feel more peaceful, wise,and thoughtful. Keep writing, as life permits, because you truly make a difference.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 17, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks for the encouragement Nancy – it meant a lot to me. <3

      Reply
  5. Grace Oetting says

    June 20, 2020 at 8:59 am

    Aw, I’m a 7 wing 8 too! I found the enneagram to be a super helpful perspective/guide for self-analyzing why I may feel or react in certain ways. I hope you enjoy exploring it! Love your posts always <3

    Reply
  6. Crystal Karges says

    June 28, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Resonated with so much of what you shared, Robyn – thank you for sharing your wisdom and thoughts. Praying for you and your precious family, mama! I’m a 7w8 as well! 🙂 It’s been so helpful for me to learn about this in navigating motherhood, marriage, etc. Blessings to you and yours!

    Reply
  7. Sierra says

    December 9, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    Thank you for your posts, Robyn. They always bring me a little peace and comfort. They feel validating and remind me to find softness even when things are uncomfortable. Hope you and your family are well. 🙂

    Reply

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 two babies are asleep at the same time in their beds (and not on me) for the FIRST TIME IN 7657 DAYS and dear lord I could cry tears of relief straight into this latte and bowl of chocolate chips bc I woke up this morning exhausted and weary and told Nick I didn’t want to parent today 🤣 Not even calling this self care. It’s sanity right now. And even if it lasts 5 minutes it will be 5 minutes of freaking glory. p.s. yes that brick is crooked bc v uneven floors are part of the charmed package of this old house
Learning over and over again in this season that f Learning over and over again in this season that feels unsettled and chaotic and longgggggg that sometimes, you just need the viewpoint of a toddler to remind you that the seemingly insignificant things & moments really are....straight up magical. And that yes, these mundane days are packed full of goodness & beauty if I keep my eyes fixed on what actually matters.
Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, Spent two hours at Lowe’s this morning and wow, wowww 🤯 Asked at least six people where to find something and their opinion on all the options bc holy decision fatigue. Nursed my newborn on the floor of the paint aisle. And BLESS my new contractor friend Matt I found in the lumber section that pushed my cart around and helped me avoid the mistake of buying exterior wood for some DIY bathroom shelves.
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I’m giving all our bathrooms a DIY makeover and I couldn’t be more of a rookie. So shoutout to all my Lowe’s buddies and YouTube 😜 You’re making this happen.
We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t We are now officially homeowners. WUT? We didn’t plan to close on a house 10 weeks after having a baby, but here we are. And we are so, so grateful.  And I’m also terrified. We’ve moved three times and lived in three different states since we got married three years ago. After six years spent living in New York City and Boston, moving back to Charlottesville was really, really hard for me. I cried a lot those first six months because my heart ached for the northeast and for city life. I wanted to pack up and go back to Boston ASAP. It felt so different and so quiet here and at times, very lonely. Even though it felt like the next right step, I second guessed our decision A LOT.
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But here we are 10 months later ready to continue investing in this neighborhood we’ve come to love. And this community of people that have become so dear. Ten months later and it feels so, so right. And although committing to settling down here for a good bit feels really scary to me, it also brings so much peace to know we aren’t moving again anytime soon. We are here to plant and grow. And raise our babies in this house as we make it a home. It’s also really fun to have one of your best friends be your realtor. We love you @kelli.teter.nesting 🤗
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Now, to see if we make it out of this kitchen renovation all in one piece 🤪
my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in my go-to breakfast these days is two fried eggs in ghee with sautéed spinach (also in ghee) and an english muffin with more ghee + some sort of jam on half for that sweet & savory combo. we discovered these local english muffins (from The Bread Basket) and they are doughy and delicious and we are obsessed.
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I’ve found that I need a solid source of protein and lots of fat for breakfast to keep me full while breastfeeding this time around vs with Cal, I was so into big bowls of pb & chocolate chip banana oatmeal. just goes to show our bodies know what they need and change cravings accordingly. also, just a psa: go pick up the maple butter from @traderjoes bc it is bonkers 🤤 and lastly, shout out to my husband bc a lot of mornings he is making this bfast for me while I nurse & try to pull myself out of bed - don’t for a moment think I’ve got it together 🤪
I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brai I’ve had many thoughts rolling around in my brain of if/how to use this platform in a way that aligns with how I want to live my life. I’m finding it tricky to discern that when 90% of my use on this app is for professional purposes. But I’m not sure if even professionally, it makes sense for me. Because I feel more aligned with what matters to me when I’m not regularly present here.  I’m not really sure what things will look like moving forward, but for right now I’m here to share with you that I somehow found some spare minutes between newborn & toddler life to write a post with some semi-coherent thoughts on life lately. 🤪 You can head there by clicking the link in my profile.
I’ve been completely disconnected from social me I’ve been completely disconnected from social media and that’s been vital for me during this tender postpartum period of transitioning from a mama of 1 to 2. But today, I’m bopping on briefly to share how Teddy entered this wild world with you - if you’re into a lengthy, detailed birth story, the link in my profile will lead you to the blog post 💙
Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our famil Theodore “Teddy” Lars Nohling joined our family at 12:48am on Wednesday after a quick and swift labor & birth at home 💙 Thank you Father for another healthy baby boy & your abundant, tender love for us. What an undeserved gift.
Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his Very grateful to be carrying another baby past his due date, but also....LET’S GO DUDE. Still over here eating dates (check out the @ebbirth article on the research showing dates can help ripen (aka soften) your cervix, reduce the need for medical intervention in labor and can overall, improve birth outcomes) drinking red raspberry leaf tea and sleeping as much as possible with a 19 month old running around. And also trying to survive July in VA without public pools or splash pads bc it is BLAZIN HERE (and I’m a wuss with the heat 🤪)
#AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from ti #AlignPartner A huge plus of transitioning from tiny-apartment-city-living to house living is this screened in porch. This little oasis sold me on renting this house when we moved from Boston to Virginia back in November. I dreamed about this becoming our outdoor living room for at least half the year (because also, summer comes earlier and stays later down here - which has a its pros and cons 😆)  During Cal’s afternoon nap, I set up shop out here with my computer + something refreshing to drink and get a little bit of work done before my brain turns to mush and/or a find myself napping instead of working. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I can only drink so much water during the hot months before I’m over it so I’ve been mixing it up with either seltzer + juice, iced tea or @alignprobiotic’s new Kombucha On-the-Go powder sticks - all you do is mix one of the packets into ice cold water and stir. Then sip!  With quarantine life, we aren’t on-the-go much these days, but it’s still nice to have a nonperishable drink option always around. Flavor wise, it’s like a fizzy iced tea with a zingy, refreshing lemon ginger flavor.  I think it’s important to know that not all probiotic supplements are created equal. They all aren’t backed by evidence, but the Align brand is and could be something helpful for you if you feel like you need some digestive support - but talk to your healthcare provider first. I try to incorporate probiotics into what I eat - and that mostly comes in drink vs food form. Tell me how you’re staying hydrated in the comments ...because these days, it’s the little things 🤪 #AlignProbiotic **Use as Directed
Lunches for the past month or so have been some re Lunches for the past month or so have been some rendition of a sandwich + chips + fruit. SUMMERTIME 😎I’ve switched to open faced only bc there just ain’t much room left in there for food at 38.5 weeks 🤰🏻90% of the time at the end of a meal, no matter how “small” the portion, I’m feeling stuffed and like the food is in my throat (just what you wanted to read on this lovely Tuesday afternoon 🤪) but my point here is...intuitive eating doesn’t mean find-the-perfect-fullness and eat-only-when-hungry. Sometimes it means eating when you’re not hungry and feeling overly full often and trying to eat foods lower in fiber and higher in calories.
Found this photo on my camera roll today from a wa Found this photo on my camera roll today from a walk I took a month or so ago. Between quarantine and spending my days with a toddler, life is much less hurried and a lot more mundane these days. But those two things are helping me to stop & notice and to chill out on checking things off my to do list and instead just being present with whatever is in front of me. I want to have the curiosity & wonder my 18 month old has as I go about my day - with my surroundings and people I encounter and really, everything. Life is way more meaningful that way. Ending my evening with that reminder and a white chocolate chip cinnamon blondie covered in vanilla ice cream before I go take an Epsom salt bath and read.

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