Self-Care with TinaMarie Clark

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you may remember TinaMarie Clark, friend, model and mom that we featured when we went to NYC last fall. She is incredible when it comes to taking care of her body. I really connected with her because she and I both gained a lot of weight with pregnancy- she with her first pregnancy only and I with all three of mine lol. She is pregnant for a second time now and has gained anything but a lot of weight, it’s actually crazy how small she is in comparison to round one. I’ve loved hearing and learning about her journey to self care and thought we should share with you.

Self care is of the upmost importance and oftentimes gets put to the wayside because we are so busy caring for others. Self care goes far beyond exercise and nutrition but is a great place to start and also an area that can quickly declare how you are taking care of yourself.

Without further ado…

You gained quite a bit of weight with Max, how did you get it off? Did you breastfeed? Did you lose the weight while breastfeeding? Can you share how?

Yes I gained 70lbs with Max and I totally thought it would just fall off like everyone said it would when you breastfeed…they lied! It took longer and a lot more work than I expected but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was forced to drop the weight the right way, because I was breastfeeding and couldn’t cut my calories too much or do a cleanse like I would do pre baby. I was forced to find a workout that I actually liked. I told myself that I would commit to 30 days on pilates and then 30 turned into 60 then 80 and then I was hooked.

Explain the importance of self care for women, especially for mothers.

It’s so easy to forget about yourself when you are a mom, you’re wearing so many hats and are expected to transition into all these roles with ease and I’ve found the only way to have that ease is to take time for myself physically, socially, and spiritually. I am a human first and when I take care of myself I can serve my family and the universe more authentically.

Tell us about your self-discovery journey…

I would say that I have always been a seeker by nature! I’ve always been interested in the human experience and understanding myself and others better. After years of suffering and causing pain to others from my own misguided perceptions I knew I had to do something different.

Which books/ thinkers/ authors/podcasts in this arena can you suggest?

Pema Chödrön
Marianne Williamson
Brene Brown
John Gottman
Untethered Soul audiobook by Michael Singer
Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

How did you start practicing yoga and pilates? How many days a week do you work out?

I started doing pilates and yoga 7 months after giving birth to my son, Max. I try to workout 5 days a week but some weeks it’s 3 times.

With a busy work and mothering schedule, where do you find the time?

I love working out indoors and I find the time even with a small child during his naps or when he is in class. If there is a will, there is a way. You must make time.

What is your diet like? Take us through a few days of what you eat to stay in this killer shape!

I eat a plant based diet…while typing that out it still sounds so weird to me. I was always the chicken fingers and french fry girl so it’s still crazy to me that I am vegan.

Why do you think it’s important for women to move their bodies?

I think that it not only keeps your body fit but it leaves your mind less stressed.

How crucial is it to feel good in your body?

Crucial!!!

What is a good motto or mantra we can remember to take the time to take care of ourselves, do you have one?

They don’t tell you this on an airplane for nothing…”Secure your own mask first, before helping others.”

Congratulations on baby #2~ Are you afraid of gaining the same amount of weight as your first pregnancy?

Thank you, we are thrilled. Yes this pregnancy I’ve been more mindful about what I am eating

What is the best advice you have for .a mother struggling with getting her body back?

Find a workout you love and do it everyday for one month.