Eating Healthy and Losing Weight - An inspirational story by the founder of BookieBoo

Have you ever struggled with weight or adapting a healthier way of eating? Have any of you ladies had to lose weight after having babies? Still need to? And you guys out there, do you have wives, lady friends or moms that have struggled losing the baby weight? So many of us can identify with that struggle so I thought it would share the story of Leah, the founder of BookieBoo.com who lost 100 pounds after adapting to cleaner way of eating and of course, exercise. Also, all of you ladies (guys, tell the women in your life) should join in for support in your journey to lose weight or to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also, in case you missed it, here is my first article as a contributor to BookieBoo.com.

This is an excerpt from a recent interview of Leah:

1. Please share a bit about that as well as your motivation for starting Bookieboo?

I was 253 lbs. when I gave birth to my first son, whom I refer to as Bookie. (When he was a baby, I called him Bookieboo.) I lost over 100 lbs. after he was born. I did it the old fashioned way: diet and exercise. I did it slowly, taking it 5 lbs. a time, and it ended up taking me two years. Fitness and healthy living have become my lifestyle now. It’s something I enjoy doing and something I enjoy sharing with my family and friends.

After I lost all that weight, I decided to combine my interests and create a site that was helpful to moms. I couldn’t find a go-to place where moms could share their struggles staying or getting into shape. I thought moms would enjoy the concept, so I created Bookieboo.

Bookieboo has over 40 contributors, posting about fitness, weight loss or healthy living. Many are certified personal trainers, but all are moms. No boys please. Bookieboo also has over 100 discount codes to share, as well as weekly giveaways, and great women.

I just had another baby, so the moms on my site are losing weight with me again. This time I only have 20 more pounds to lose. Come join me!

2. How do you stay motivated to exercise and eat well?

Oh, that’s easy. I’m an absolute shrew without exercise. It’s like when you don’t have your coffee in the morning. I’ve noticed that I’m far more patient with my children and family and are able to handle more. It makes me feel good throughout the day. The days I’m not getting any exercise, I’m totally dragging. Would that be an endorphin addiction? Hmmmm….

The eating comes with it. When you exercise a lot, you crave foods that are good for you. I’m not joking…it happens.

3. What do you think is universally the biggest challenge for moms when it comes to being healthy and/or losing weight after pregnancy?

Having children and getting into shape is tough. I’m finding it tougher and tougher with two. I don’t have all the answers. What works for me may not work for everyone, which is exactly the reason I have Bookieboo. It’s about how to do it all with kids from many perspectives. Moms supporting moms. I get a lot of advice from my own members.

4. Tell me about MomActive and any other projects you are working on…

MomActive is the new radio show hosted by myself and Fiona Bryan from The Bantering Blonde. Our premiere is June 19th at 11am pacific standard time. We are going to have weekly guests that talk all about the same sort of stuff on Bookieboo--How to stay fit or live a healthy lifestyle while being a mom. I’ve already gotten a lot of interest in the show and am going to be bringing on some incredible guests. You won’t want to miss this. I’m going to be my eccentric self and Fiona is going to be her witty self and we are just going to make a go of it, so I’m hoping you all can join us.

To celebrate the launch of the radio show, Bookie Boo is hosting a Twitter party this Thursday from 5-8 PST (8-11 for us east coasters). Please follow the link and join in the fun!