Fabulously fit mums in the UAE

Judith Muthoni, Kenyan

Judith Muthoni, who runs a ladies salon, says eating right is the most important factor for mothers to stay healthy. “My mother was my guide, though I pick my fitness ball out of habit. My mum always insisted that as a new mum you need lots of rest, so sleep when the baby sleeps and don’t worry too much about losing the weight; when the baby gets into her routine you can organise yourself better and fit in some exercises at home to help you get back in shape.

“By this time your body also recovers. Not getting enough rest can lead to stress or postpartum depression, which may eventually make you crave unhealthy foods.
 “While breastfeeding you feel responsible for the quality of nutrition that your child is getting. Her only source of food is me.”

Marketa Hamalek, Czech

When 41-year-old Czech model and fashion choreographer Marketa Hamalek found out she was going to be a mum for the first time, she was on cloud nine. She delivered her bundle of joy three months ago but already looks ramp-ready.
“It is a myth that you should eat for two when you are pregnant. You don’t need many extra calories,” she says.

“You just have to watch what you eat and stay active all nine months. The right diet means a lot of vegetables and proteins. Fruit in right amounts too. Lots of people think if they eat plenty of fruits they won’t gain any weight. This is not true. Fruit contains a lot of sugar and it can make you gain weight faster. So eat everything except junk food as you don’t get any nutrition from it and neither does your baby,” she adds.

She also worked out religiously. “I worked out at home. I did pre-natal Pilates, took long walks with my husband and swam a lot. So if you take good care of yourself during pregnancy it is much easier to lose your extra pregnancy weight. Now, three months after delivery, I am back in my jeans! And I was suffering from gestational diabetes, which make it really hard to stay fit and not gain a lot of weight,”
she says.

 Nisha Varghese, Indian

Small changes go a long way. Indian mum Nisha Varghese, an artist with a background in sociological research and a mother of two girls aged twelve and seven, says the secret to fit mums is how effectively she moves on to her new role. “Just eat healthy and keep smiling; it will make you glow.

“Motherhood is as close as we can get to mother Earth … the nurturing of a little life in us and its flowering into a new human being: the one who carries the baton from us into the throng of time. As a woman I took it most sportingly; my doctor was as good as a mother figure, who let me be free, advised me to be healthy, active and safe at the same time.

“After childbirth, breastfeeding is the easiest diet plan and the best health insurance a mother can give her child at that time. So I would advise all new mummies to simply enjoy motherhood, be with your baby as much as possible, eat healthy, do your crunches together, take your prams out on regular mummy-daddy-baby evening walks and thus make a game plan to come back to your pre-pregnancy weight in not one, but less than one year,” says Varghese.

Sara Jacob, Indian

Sara Jacob, a 35-year-old banker from India, was shocked to see the readings on her weighing scale after having a baby. “One week after giving birth to my son I stood on my bathroom scale to check if at least a quarter of what I had gained over the past 12 months melted during my labour pain workout. Not at all! The scale took me way up to 95kg, taking my mental scale way down to depression,” says Jacob. She was naturally worried at that point but forced herself to workout no matter how tough it felt.
 “A special programme for mums by VLCC is what truly helped me. I religiously followed their weight-loss regime, even though my body was initially showing no change. Eventually I got back to 60 kilos — my weight when I got married. I can proudly say that I still maintain it and have influenced so many other moms to try it out.”

Inez Moutarde, American

Pregnant with her third child, American national Inez Moutarde is 39 years old and glowing. She belongs to the team behind two popular social groups — Real House Wives of Abu Dhabi and Fitness4mums. She says it is only through fun that you can achieve fitness and longer-lasting results.
“Pre-natal glamour — is it possible? It is hard to feel glamorous when your body is changing. My tips for making yourself feel fabulous: watch what you eat but do eat a weekly luxurious dessert, keep regular hair appointments, have a mani/pedi, go for a massage, and most importantly — exercise.” Consult professionals qualified in natal fitness. “It is vital to have trainers who are educated and certified in prenatal fitness, as these guys know what they are talking about,” she says.

Angelique Goldsworthy, South African

Angelique, a 45-year-old English Course Facilitator from South Africa with two boys, Liam (21) and Chad (18), has an enviable athlete’s body.
“My advice to new mums is to value motherhood and the precious time they have with their children. It is over so quickly, so enjoy it while you can. Also, we need to support each other as women. Each mum does her best, whether we choose to breastfeed or not, whether we choose natural birth or C-section. It’s not a competition, so be supportive of each person’s choice.”

Sara Belhasa, Emirati

Emirati mum and businesswoman Sara Belhasa says the right eating habit is the only way out. “After struggling with severe acidity I realised how important it is to watch your diet. I am careful of what I eat, especially before going to bed. Post-pregnancy I worked out regularly at Fitness First. I do yoga and go for walks too. I particularly love walking in the sun every morning, after which I meditate. This really helps me kick-start my day on a great note,” she says.
Sara says the popular honey and lemon drink early morning is a brilliant way to lose weight. “After my favourite honey-lemon drink, I have presoaked almonds. I believe in being the right example to those around me, especially my children,”
she says.

Poonam Kakkar, Indian

To all anxious new mums, Indian artist Poonam Kakkar has an unfussy tip. The 51-year-old mother says: “During and after pregnancy you need to just keep calm and eat right. That is mostly where all the secret lies.”
Kakkar recommends a regular workout routine complete with a diet plan that includes lots of fruits and veggies. “Remember to have loads of calcium,” she says. “You need strong bones to ease into a demanding routine with the little one around. As we know, calcium helps bones become stronger, but it also keeps aches or pains away. Snack on nuts when you feel like eating something crunchy.”
Exercising just some self-control can help you get back in shape faster than with dangerous procedures such as tummy tuck, which a lot of youngsters go for these days, she says.

Sharon Alvares, Indian

While some mums struggle with their new bodies, Sharon Alvares, a PR professional from India, has an inspiring story to share. “The birth of my daughter was a real motivation for me to get fit and healthy; after all I want my daughter to look up to me, plus taking care of a baby is quite a physical task.
“I hired a personal trainer at Fitness First for six months as well as worked out at Real Pilates. Along with four to five days of exercising (gym, Pilates) I also ensured my diet included lots of greens, fruits, fibre and protein. Small and regular meals are key as they increase metabolism. It takes drive (with realistic goals), dedication, and a diet (healthy and nutritious),” says 30-year-old Alvares.

Disna Pasea, British

Another super happy and fit mum is Disna Pasea, a 47-year-old British jewellery designer and model living in Dubai with her five children 21-year-old Khyara, 17-year-old Jake, 13-year-old Leanne, 11-year-old Aidan and 8-year-old Sienna.
“I had Khyara when I was 26 and then all the others with a comfortable gap between each. And after each delivery I waited until I had stopped breastfeeding to start any exercise and diet. I would start by walking to ease my way back into any kind of exercise, and then gradually start jogging.”
Pasea has chosen to stay at home since her second child was born. She left her full-time job to run her jewellery enterprise from home. “I am happy that I was able to be there for them at any time. With five kids, they require a lot of attention and almost every week I have to make extra trips to the school for either a forgotten gym kit or book or to pick up a sick child. And I have never missed any of their school plays or any event they participate in,” she says.
Despite the demanding times, Pasea makes sure her children have a balance of all elements one needs to live a happy life. “I would like to say that I am a relaxed mum. I don’t panic if any of my children have a fall or something. I want them all to be strong.”
She also gives credit to the support from her husband. “He is a one-of-a-kind person. If I am soft with the kids sometimes, he will talk to them very calmly and put the point across without being stern,” she says.