The Power of a Strong Mom Mindset with Allison Smith
Have you ever wondered how your mindset can transform your fitness, nutrition, and overall postpartum recovery?
We’re diving into one of the most important (yet often overlooked) parts of the postpartum journey: your mindset. No one talks about it, but the strength of your mind plays a huge role in how you navigate this life-changing season. So let’s chat about how to build a resilient, empowered mindset that will carry you through motherhood with confidence and joy. Trust me, this is the one thing that will make all the difference.
In this episode, we will cover:
Why a strong mom mindset is the foundation for effective postpartum fitness and nutrition.
How shifting your mindset can empower your postpartum planning and boost your recovery.
The role mindset plays in overcoming challenges and staying consistent with self-care after baby.
… and a whole lot more!
The Struggles You’re Likely Facing (And Why It’s Totally Normal)
If you’re like most first-time moms, your mind is probably racing with all sorts of worries—how you’ll manage work and baby, how your relationships will change, and, let’s not forget, the looming fear of losing yourself. It’s overwhelming. And I hear you. This is the kind of stuff no one really prepares you for, and it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning under the weight of it all.
But here’s the thing: You are not alone. This struggle? It’s real. And it’s completely valid. Every new mom—whether she’s a perfectionist like you or not—faces these challenges. The pressure to “get it all right” can be suffocating, especially if you’ve spent your life excelling in every other area. But guess what? Being a mom is about learning how to navigate the unknown. It’s not about being perfect, and it’s certainly not about pretending you have it all together 100% of the time.
One thing that can truly support your journey through this mental chaos is shifting your mindset. Just like how Allison shared in her advice about fitness and nutrition, it’s all about letting go of that “all or nothing” mindset. In both physical health and nutrition, we often fall into the trap of thinking we need to make massive changes all at once or follow a rigid diet or workout plan to see any progress. But let’s be real: Small, manageable changes are often the most effective. Five minutes of exercise is better than none, and one small, healthy change in your diet can be more sustainable than trying to cut everything out.
So what can you do? How do you start turning this mental chaos into confidence and clarity? Let’s break it down.
Why Consistency in Postpartum Health Isn’t About Perfection
When we talk about postpartum fitness, one thing we often hear is the word consistency. But here's the thing: it’s not about perfection. It’s not about getting it right every single day. As fitness expert Allison Smith shares, consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day. It’s about showing up for yourself in a way that makes sense for your life.
Consistency That Works for You
Allison explains that when she starts working with her clients, she doesn’t throw them into a grueling schedule. Instead, she focuses on setting a manageable, realistic plan. Two workouts per week — about 20-25 minutes each — is often enough to build a habit. From there, it’s about customizing that routine to fit into the client's life. Whether it’s a walk outside, a quick strength workout, or even rollerblading (yes, rollerblading is totally fine!), it’s about finding movement you enjoy and making it a regular part of your schedule.
A Flexible Approach to Movement
It's about flexibility. Some days, you might only have time for a 10-minute session, and that’s okay. The point is that you are showing up for yourself, even if it’s just for a little bit. And here’s where it gets interesting: your kids can even become your accountability partners! As Allison mentions, when kids see you working out at home, they start holding you accountable. “Mom, are you going to work out today?” It’s pretty powerful when your kids start encouraging you to move!
This is why consistency is more about the act of showing up — regardless of the amount of time — than it is about following a strict routine or hitting a number of reps.
Shifting the Mindset from "Bounce Back" to "Feeling Good"
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there: the "bounce-back" mentality that floods us with guilt and frustration after baby arrives. As Allison points out, she struggled with the same mindset after her first pregnancy. It's tough not to compare yourself to those Instagram photos of moms looking like they "bounced back" in a few weeks. But the truth is, our bodies change after having kids, and what used to work for us no longer does. Allison shares that it took time to accept that her old methods — running, eating less — weren’t the answer anymore. Instead, it became about finding workouts that she enjoyed, ones that helped her feel stronger and more energized, rather than focusing on weight loss.
It’s a shift that goes beyond physical appearance: exercise can give you more energy, patience, and a sense of mental clarity — things that matter more than looking a certain way. And in the middle of postpartum, those things are priceless.
Nutrition and Mindset: Ditching the Diet Culture
As much as we talk about fitness, nutrition plays a huge role in our postpartum recovery — and just like exercise, our approach to food can be deeply affected by our mindset. Allison emphasizes that the traditional "diet culture" doesn’t serve us well. For so long, we’ve been taught that weight loss requires an all-or-nothing approach to food — but this is often unrealistic and unsustainable, especially for busy moms.
Instead of focusing on what you need to cut out (hello, juice cleanses and extreme diets), Allison advocates for adding in the things that nourish your body. It’s about focusing on adding more of what your body needs, like protein, rather than restricting yourself. For example, if you increase your intake of protein and whole foods, you’ll naturally curb those cravings for chips and sweets. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about finding balance.
A More Flexible, Intuitive Approach to Nutrition
It’s not just about what you don’t eat, but what you do eat — and the key is listening to your body. Allison encourages moms to keep a simple journal on how foods make them feel. For instance, when you eat a meal, how do you feel afterward? Are you feeling bloated, sluggish, or energized? This practice helps you identify patterns in your body’s response to different foods, making it easier to recognize what works for you and what doesn’t.
When it comes to eating, it’s also about slowing down. Many moms, especially those with little ones, eat quickly — often because we’re pressed for time. But eating slowly allows us to pay attention to our fullness cues. Wait 20 minutes after your meal before deciding if you want more. You might find that you feel perfectly satisfied after giving your body time to register that it’s full.
Taking It Step-by-Step
Allison doesn’t advocate for meal plans or strict calorie counts. Instead, she works with clients to make small, sustainable changes that fit their lifestyle. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather gradual progress. This could mean incorporating more protein, eating whole foods, and making better choices over time, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.
It's About Small Wins and Big Changes
Ultimately, both fitness and nutrition in the postpartum period require a mindset shift. It’s not about drastic changes but consistent, mindful choices that serve both your mental and physical health. Whether it’s through finding a workout you enjoy or fueling your body with the right nutrients, it’s about taking small steps that leave you feeling stronger, more energized, and more connected to your body.
So, if you’re struggling to get started, remember: every little bit counts. Consistency doesn't have to mean perfection, and it certainly doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once. Just take it one day at a time, and focus on the progress, not perfection.
Ready to Strengthen Your Mindset?
If you’re looking to dive deeper into building a strong mom mindset, I’ve got a challenge that will help you boost your confidence and feel in control of your postpartum journey. Follow Allison on Instagram @allisonhalliefitness, join her Strong Mama Facebook group, and check out her 21-Day Summer Confidence Countdown Challenge! It's designed specifically for moms like you—who are ready to take action, embrace the power of a strong mindset, and step into motherhood with purpose and confidence.
Need help figuring out where to even start with asking for support?
Grab The New Mom Reset: Simple Steps to Feel Like Yourself Again —a free guide with simple, practical steps to help you feel more like yourself again. 💛
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Have you ever wondered how your mindset can transform your fitness, nutrition, and overall postpartum recovery?
We’re diving into one of the most important (yet often overlooked) parts of the postpartum journey: your mindset. No one talks about it, but the strength of your mind plays a huge role in how you navigate this life-changing season. So let’s chat about how to build a resilient, empowered mindset that will carry you through motherhood with confidence and joy. Trust me, this is the one thing that will make all the difference.