Fit Mama Friday – Meet Kelly

Meet Kelly

Today on Fit Mama Friday, I’m featuring Kelly McNelis, a fit mama I find inspirational! At 33 weeks pregnant with her third child with her husband Andy, Kelly has been staying fit by running throughout her pregnancy (550 miles so far). Daughters Cameran, 3 years, and Isla, 2 years, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new baby brother or sister in late November. Kelly is the owner and founder of New Leaf Wellness, a website offering wellness coaching specifically aimed at mamas! I’ve just recently discovered her site, but I’m loving her recipes and healthy living tips already. Here is Kelly’s story:

 

Kelly, please tell me a little more about your business, what it offers, and how it came about. 

To say healthy living is a passion of mine is an understatement.  I have my PhD in social-personality psychology and even my PhD research project focused on what motivates people to keep exercising.  After my second daughter was born, I decided to get certified as a wellness coach and combine my loves for psychology, healthy living, and motherhood into a wellness business for moms called New Leaf Wellness. I’m a social-personality psychologist, certified wellness coach, and cookbook author.

(My cookbooks are titled ‘15-Minute Freezer Recipes’ and ‘Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes.’)

You’re obviously working out through this pregnancy, since this blog post you wrote about running during pregnancy includes an awesome collage of baby bump workout photos! Were you active during your previous pregnancies as well?

Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to have three uncomplicated pregnancies.  I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant with my third baby. I’m working with a group of midwives and I’m hoping for an all-natural birth at their birth center. Experiencing three fit pregnancies has taught me to appreciate my body and to listen to it and trust it.  I haven’t even had an ultrasound this pregnancy!

You were a runner before pregnancy, as well. How much are you running while pregnant?

I’ve run a total of 10 half marathons (four while pregnant!) and one full marathon.  This pregnancy, I’ve run about 550 miles so far.  During my last pregnancy I ran over 600 miles and ran my last 5k at 38 weeks 4 days.  (I continued running until my daughter was born – 10 days past her due date.)

Right now, I’m running twice a week with my 2 year old in a jogging stroller while my 3 year old is at preschool.  Then, I run by myself on Saturdays and Sundays when my husband is home.  If any of those workouts doesn’t happen, I can add a run at home on my treadmill during the week.

At this point, working out regularly is a part of who I am.  I can’t imagine a life without it.  Probably my favorite part of running is how I feel while doing it.

As a wellness coach and healthy cookbook author, eating healthily is obviously important to you as well. What’s your regular diet like? 

I believe it eating all things in moderation, but I like most of our meals to be prepared and enjoyed at home.  My husband and I always plan our dinners 1-2 weeks in advance.  I grocery shop once every week or two and post our list of “weekly family dinners” on a chalkboard in our kitchen.  I cook dinner six nights a week and planning ahead is key.  Between my blog and cookbooks I have at least 25 meals that I’m planning to freeze before my new baby arrives so I can relax and bond with the newest member of my family.

I should point out here that I follow Kelly’s Facebook page for New Leaf Wellness, and her meal planning posts and pictures are unbelievable. I wish I was this prepared:

So you’re clearly super organized, which is obviously key to keep up with exercise and eating habits. What are your challenges? As a mama to (nearly) three, you must have some obstacles for working out.

I own my own business, stay at home with my two young daughters most of the week, cook dinner six nights a week, keep our house semi-clean, and workout regularly…all while being super pregnant.  The truth is that all moms are busy.  The only way to workout consistently is to make it a priority in your life.  If working out isn’t one of the top items on your list, you’ll never find time for it.

How has your fitness positively impacted your family life?

I appreciate being in good shape because I can run around with my daughters and keep up with them.  It’s also important to me to be a good example of a healthy, happy, and confident woman.

My husband and I both workout regularly and are daughters are aware of it.  Our daughters also spend a lot of time with me in the kitchen cooking. We want them to grow up thinking exercise and home cooking are “normal” parts of life.

Any goals before baby arrives?

Last month, I ran a 5-mile race at 29 weeks pregnant.  I’d like to run another race or two before my new baby arrives in November.  Then, I’m looking forward to six weeks off and lots of cuddles!

Thank you so much for being featured on Fit Mama Friday, Kelly! I’m such a fan of your business. Congratulations and best of luck with the upcoming birth! 🙂

Follow Kelly on Pinterest for recipes, mama tips, workouts and fun stuff.

Follow New Leaf Wellness on Facebook for more recipes, articles, fun preggo workout pics, and inspiration.

Follow Kelly on Instagram for meal prep photos, fun family photos, and workout shots!

Follow Kelly on Twitter for tweets of all of the above, plus random musings and questions. 🙂

 Do you want to be featured on Fit Mama Friday? Or do you know someone you’d like to see featured? Please contact me for details!