Fit Mom One-on-one: Jesi Verchota

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were so glad to have Jesi Verchota (@atruisticyogoni) share with us about fitness and life in general as a new mom recently. As a yoga and pilate teacher, Jesi's experience will surely inspire many of us. Happy reading and stay fit and healthy![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My name is Jesi Verchota, and I am a yoga and pilates instructor. You are welcome to check out my Instagram @altruisticyogini. I have a two children, Leo 2 and half yrs and Miles who is six months old. We live in Chicago.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

How would you describe yourself in one word?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Vibrant.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Weight

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 What was your pre-baby weight?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]120 lbs.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What was your weight before giving birth?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]150 lbs.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What is your weight now? And what is your ideal weight?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Currently 125, as far as ideal weight this time its not about the number and more about how i feel. I want to feel healthy and fit and the best way to do that is stay active and eat healthy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Exercise

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When did you start to exercise?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I started 3 days after I gave birth with simple breathing exercises that help tone and strengthen the transverse abdomens (TA). Deep inhale through the nose allowing your belly to fill up with air, followed by a long exhale pulling the navel in towards the spins and then a short PAUSE before inhaling again. These are your deep core muscles that are also a part of the pelvic floor and act as a corset and bringing everything in and back together![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What exercise did you start with? And what exercises do you do now?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In addition to the TA breath work I also LOVED clamshell. Now I do yoga, Pilates and Mamalates at home. I am 6 weeks postpartum and getting back to running this week and I just started a stroller fitness class![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

How many times do you work out per week, and how long per day?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I try to do some sort of movement every day. Some days its  20 min others its an hour.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What is the most effective workout you recommend?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pilates![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

How do you find time to exercise as a new mom?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Mamalates and Stroller Fitness is great because its all about incorporating your little one into the workout![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Who do you follow on social media as workout / lifestyle inspirations?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]@kerispilatesroom and @jjweeks_pilates @randilynngreene @kristinmcgee[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Breastfeeding Diet

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Are you breastfeeding/Did you breastfeed and for how long?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Yes, I breastfed Leo for 16 months and my goal is one year with Miles.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What does your diet look like when you breastfeed?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My husband and I just started a performance and plant based meal kit company called TB12 Performance Meals (also vegan and gluten free). We are obsessed with the different options and its family bonding time as we all pitch in to make the meals.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Do you feel like you are hungry all of time?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I get a sudden urge to eat and drink as soon as baby latches. I learned quickly that before I sit down to nurse I make sure my water bottle is filled with water and I grab a granola bar, banana bread, or fruit to possibly snack on while nursing.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

How do/did you keep up with your milk supply?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I drink liquid gold tea by @pinkstork and I notice a HUGE difference in supply when I do! to mix it up sometimes a brew a big batch and then do half tea half iced lemonade. Its perfect for hot summer days![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sleep

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What time do you go to bed and get up?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I go to bed around 11pm, there is something about having quiet time or down time after everyone (including hubby) goes to bed![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

How many hours do you sleep per day?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]8-9 hours of total sleep but imagine that broken up every few hours for nursing sessions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What coping mechanisms have you found to be helpful with regard to lack of sleep and fatigue?

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Tell us what your typical day look like.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I wake up and meditate in bed alongside Miles (we co-sleep).  Leo wakes up around 9am and we make breakfast and then play inside for a while. We pick up our activities inside and move it outside where I water plants and pull weeds while leo runs around, if that doesn't need to be done then we go for a walk to the park. We make lunch and then Leo goes down for a nap. I will do a workout with Miles and also try to relax or rest during this time. Once Leo is up we play before its time to prep dinner. After dinner its bath-time for the boys and then we read before bedtime. My husband and I will talk about our days, play a game or watch a movie before bed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A few more questions

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Do you like dogs or cats?

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What brings you the greatest joy?

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What is on your bucket list?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Teaching Yoga on a Yoga Retreat Or Traveling Vacation.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What is the biggest challenge you face in terms of time management?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is an important one but getting ALONE time with my husband is very challenging for us, something I hope to improve as I believe its important to have a strong foundation in order to be the best you can be for your kids.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What do you enjoy the most as a mom?

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What does motherhood mean to you?

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