After posting this  #mombodsunited picture to Instagram last week I couldn’t believe the incredible response I got from so many like-minded mamas.

Mama tired of the negativity, criticism and constant shaming associated with our postpartum bodies. Bodies that should be celebrated for the amazing job of childbearing and now also child-caring. Instead, however we stay behind the camera, feeling bad and ashamed of the way we look, hiding ourselves (and our feelings) from the world and at times really beating ourselves up because we can’t enjoy life as we once did.

I am one of those mamas but in 2018 it’s all about to change! I want to feel strong and live a healthy life while taking care of my tribe as well as MYSELF! This is a new journey that will be filled with challenges and I want to share it with YOU! Every single mom (and woman) that has stood in front a mirror hating her body or just feeling too tired to do anything.

I’ll be posting weekly updates, sharing tips on living a healthy life and telling you more about some great product finds too. Don’t expect a diet (I hate those) or a 10 step program. I don’t do well with restrictions and too many rules. Quick fixes also never last. Instead, I’ll be doing this step-by-step making changes towards a better, healthier life in which I love my body and myself a little more.

Taking the 1st steps to change…

Before any exercise, I start building my body from within. I have 4 “go-to” products that I’ve tried and love using. Snacks and supplements that will make sure your body is getting all that it needs.

1. Anastellar Stellar Mama Pre-Conception, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Multivitamins

We make sure the kids take their vitamins daily but ever so often we forget to take our own…

The new Anastellar range of health products targets the body and its functions in a holistic and comprehensive manner and focuses on the nutritional requirements of women specifically. They have products ideal for every stage of womanhood and after meeting Anastasia Dobson-Du Toit, (Pharmacist and MD) I decided to give their Stellar Mama prenatal supplement a try.

I  take 3 tablets daily; one multivitamin at breakfast and a calcium and omega 3 soft-gel capsule at night with dinner.

Usually, I  forget to take pills but it’s really just about getting into the habit of taking them daily and after only 2 weeks of use I have become pretty good at remembering. Best of all, Stellar Mama will provide you with all the important goodies to get your body healthy before, during and after pregnancy and with Active Extrafolate-S and Mayo – Inositol (fancy ingredients that are extra good for mamas and babies) there’s no need to take an extra folic acid supplement too.

Another non-health related reason we love AnaStellar Brands is that it’s owned by women and proudly manufactured and packaged in South Africa. Always a bonus when we can support other local girl bosses! Buy your monthly supply at Dischem Pharmacies.

2. Motherkind Glow Mama Body Tonic – Pure Collagen Powder

I only recently learned more about the amazing benefits of collagen, especially for mamas and have been using the Motherkind Glow Mama Body Tonic for about a month – 2 heaped teaspoons daily added to my morning tea. (Or whatever you prefer, coffee, a smoothie, anything really…)

With the goal to help mamas feel their best from the inside by giving your body what nature intended so that you can “glow” and look your best on the outside. This tonic gives your body a boost with natural, minimally-processed and clean label bovine derived collagen.

Being an important source of protein, collagen is crucial for healthy muscles and strong bones – very important seeing as a woman loses bone mass and density with age. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also taking its toll. I have also seen a huge improvement in my skin and taking the Glow Mama Body Tonic has even lightened the hormone spots left behind by 3 pregnancies. My once brittle nails are also much stronger and I’m sure my dry post-pregnancy hair is starting to look better too. After only 2 weeks of use, I felt better and less tired.

I love how easy it is to use this product and now that I exercise, I’ll be increasing my dosage to twice a day. Available to purchase online at Motherkind for only R250, it’s a must-use product for all mamas, during and after pregnancy. Keep an eye on the blog for a full review soon.

3. Snacking on Vivex bars

Okay, these are actually meant for the girls but somedays this mama needs a chocolate fix too and who can resist a yummy snack…?

Also made in South Africa, Vivex is the world’s 1st probiotic snack product, and if you’re a mom I’m sure you’ve heard how important probiotics are for “good gut health”.

“The first and most overlooked reason that our digestive tracts are critical to our health is that 80 percent of your entire immune system is located in your digestive tract! That is an astounding percentage. In addition to the impact on our immune systems, the gut is the second largest part of our neurological system. It’s called the enteric nervous system. This is why it’s called our second brain! Health issues, such as thyroid imbalances, chronic fatigue, joint pain, psoriasis, autism and many other conditions originate in the gut.”

Your gut bacterial health affects every physiological system in your body and Probiotics should be taken daily by the entire family.

These bars are super tasty, convenient and boast with 52 benefits like;

• Improved digestion, production and absorption of vitamins and minerals.
• Detoxifying and gut cleansing.
• Slows the process of aging – YES PLEASE!
• Improved mental focus and concentration, helping reduce preggy-brain.
• Boosted immune system meaning less colds and flu.
• Weight loss.
• Reduces inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Improves energy and mood.
• Reduces effects and symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
• Preventing and treating urinary tract infections.

These bars are also high in protein and calcium, low in sugar, made with natural ingredients and low GI too.

Available in 2 flavours; chocolate and chocolate crunch – the latter being my favourite. Buy them online at Dischem Pharmacies or in Joburg health stores such as Rosebank Health shop, Smart Choice Nutrition in Bedfordview and the Advanced Nutrition Pharmacy in Melrose. They’ll be expanding to Cape Town Health stores this year too.

Who would have thought “a chocolate a day could be keeping the doctor away”?

Flora Force fenugreek for the breastfeeding mamas

I take these as a precaution because although I want to exercise, breastfeeding is still my main priority. I have used other lactation medication but with side effects like weight gain, water retention, moodiness and low libido –  I’m not a fan. Being a natural product,  Flora Force Fenugreek works well and with zero negatives bringing me down. Available at most pharmacies and health stores, I order mine with our monthly groceries from Faithful to Nature.

That’s it! My 4 current favourite products are helping me get stronger and healthier in 2018. I’ll be posting more healthy tips and my exercise routine in 2 weeks. In the meantime, follow @justamamma on Instagram and Facebook to see weekly updates and also join our #mombodsunited squad of kick-ass mamas making 2018 their best year yet!