Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Pamper Your Mother!

First Adventure’s Mother’s Day Candle Workshop, May 11
Become a chandler (candle maker) for the day and design your own scented eco-friendly candles with Sally from Beanmade Candles and Rebecca from First Adventure. This is a fun, creative, and educational activity for you and your child on Mother’s Day. All ages. RMB 398 (1 child/1 parent pair), RMB 528 (2 children/1 parent). 9.30-11am. Upper East Side, East Fourth Ring Road C1-1-58.

Making Memories at Chapter This Mothers’ Day, May 12
Our moms deserve to be celebrated! Bring the family together and spoil all the mothers in your life this Mothers’ Day at Chapter. Indulge in a variety of delicious starters followed by a huge selection of all her favorites and enjoy free flow wine, beer, and soft drinks. Each mom will receive a special cocktail and a lovely dessert to take home. All ages. RMB 328 per person. Noon-2.30pm. Chapter.

Mom’s Day Off at Kempinski Hotel Beijing, May 12
If you’re wondering what to give your special mom, head to Kempinski Hotel Beijing on Mother’s Day.  Show your adoration with Kempi Deli heart-shaped sweets, cakes, like the best-selling favorite strawberry cheesecake, and more. Or let the mothers in your life know you appreciate them while the kids play at Via Roma’s Little Italy Sunday lunch buffet play zone. All ages. Prices vary for the Kempi Deli sweets. RMB 288 special buffet price for mothers. 7am-11.30pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at BActive, May 12
A mother’s body undergoes changes when she becomes pregnant. This leads to changes in posture that remain if no strong postpartum correction or external postnatal postural intervention is done. With the correct exercise method, the issue can be rectified. BActive will show moms how it’s done at this special class on post-natal exercise. The class with a group lunch at TRIBE restaurant, with discounted prices for mothers. Adults. Free. 11am-6pm. BActive, Building 6, Sanlitun Soho.

Mother’s Day High Tea, May 12
Appreciate Africa Network’s (AAN) Mother’s Day High Tea and Mom Awards celebrate single moms at their finest. Come join AAN for an elegant high tea and fun-filled inspirational event. Adults. 2-6pm. 16 Liangmahe Road. (RSVP: 151 0151 7496)

Events This Week

Raffles Medicafe Mental Health Seminar: Saying No, May 8
How many times in your life did you say yes and regretted it immediately? And how many times were there when you didn’t say no, although you wanted to? Clinical psychologist Birgit Mathon conducts a mental health seminar to help you say “no” during the important moments of your life. You will also learn how to express your feelings, to decline without rejecting others, and to be self-confident to stand by your decisions. Adults. RMB 300. 11am-1.30pm. Raffles Medical Beijing Clinic.

YCIS Beijing May Open Day: Early Childhood Education, May 9
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding an open school day in May. Visit their downtown campus, located by the beautiful Honglingjin Park, on May 9 for their Primary and Secondary Open Day to learn more about the exciting learning taking place every day in their Learning Communities. All ages. Free. 9-11am. YCIS Beijing. (8585 1859, info@bj.ycef.com)

Study in the US: Succeeding in US College Applications, May 9
Are you planning on studying in the US? Learn how to build a resume that will give you the best shot at getting into the school you want. Get help with picking your extracurriculars, and then learn how to do research on schools and find the one that’s best for you. Ages 16+. RMB 550. Visit this page to register or for more info. 1-4.30pm. The American Chamber of Commerce, 6/F, Tower AB, The Office Park, 10 Jintongxi Lu, Chaoyang District.

Mentor Walks, May 10
The Australian Chamber of Commerce brings back Mentor Walks, a morning event designed to connect established and emerging women business leaders in a low-pressure environment. Join women from a variety of backgrounds and industries and become a mentor, or get career advice from someone who’s been there. Adults. RMB 50. Buy tickets here. 7.45-9am. Ritan Park.

Save Your Sanity: How to Find Peace as a Teacher or Parent, May 11
Are you a frustrated new teacher? Or are you a new parent wanting to learn parenting techniques? Or a veteran educator not understanding today’s students? Join Deborah Jones, a veteran teacher with over 30 years’ experience, in this positive discipline workshop, aimed at helping you learn and practice positive behavior techniques to become a stress-free teacher or parent. Adults. RMB 70 (includes a drink). Book a seat here. 3.30pm. The Bookworm.

DCB Founder’s Day 2019 Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich, May 11
Founder’s Day is the biggest annual event at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). This year, DCB will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and the famous International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents. All ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9033, harmony.liaumueller@dulwich-beijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 11
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to their annual Global Community Day (GCD), a school fair celebrating global citizenship and cultural diversity. Lots of fun activities, beautiful performances, great food, and artistic demonstrations will be on offer, as well as a new ‘wellness’ component for visitors to explore. This event is open to the public and admission is free. All ages. Free. 11am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.

Sweet Home: The Fangcaodi International School Spring Fair, May 11
Fangcaodi International School celebrates its 10th spring fair this year with a theme of “Sweet Home.” It’s set to be Fangcaodi’s biggest fair yet, with 120 stalls from nearly 60 countries, all giving visitors a chance to experience world culture through various activities and international cuisine for everyone. All ages. Free. 10am-3pm. Fangcaodi International School Ritan Campus.

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, May 11
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt lead this workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore the concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way. Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me)

Mission to Mars: The American Ball 2019, May 11
The American Ball this year is out of this world! This space-themed event features AmCham China’s famous silent and live auction, dinner at the Tatooine Cantina, and an out-of-this-world dance floor. Proceeds from the ball benefit the charity Educating Girls of Rural China. Adults. RMB 1,550. From 5.30pm. China World Summit Wing Hotel.

Art Workshop at Song Art Museum, May 11-25
Atelier will present English-language art workshops accompanying the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois at the Song Art Museum, surrounded by the ancient dancing pine trees. It is a full-day art workshop designed for students aged 8 and above. The class will focus on the theme of sewing in Louise Bourgeois’ corpus. The Eternal Thread, which is the theme of the exhibition, will be taken as a metaphor for the students to develop their own story thread, from the ideas suggested by the artworks. The teacher will show six artworks, of various scale and materials but all revolving around this theme. Ages 8+. RMB 675 (Atelier students), RMB 750 (regular price). 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum. (6416 1614, www.atelier.cn.com)

BSB Shunyi Early Years Open Day, May 13
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see the school in action and how they provide their students with an environment that enables them to thrive and progress and to be happy in their first school experience following the English National Curriculum. Talk to teachers and visit the school’s Early Years area and other facilities. Note that this event is open to prospective parents only, so only foreign passport holders, please. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3558, admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

Photos: Courtesy of Chapter (featured image) and event organizers

Celebrate at Café Swiss, Swissotel Beijing, 6.30-9.30pm
RMB 520 per couple (fine dining, including chocolate, rose, and two welcome drinks)

Take your loved one to a night of romance with an exquisite and memorable Valentine’s Dinner at Café Swiss. Their chef and his culinary team prepare a five-course Valentine’s western set menu, while Swiss Deli special design chocolate and gifts let you express your affection and enjoy the occasion. RMB 130 for a Valentine’s Heart Cake, RMB 48 for a Valentine’s Heart Chocolate Box. (The price includes 10 percent service charge and 6 percent value-added tax). Swissotel Beijing. (6553 2288-2127, restaurant.beijing@swissotel.com)

Treasure Your Love @ Kerry’s Kitchen, 5.30-10.30pm
RMB 338 (buffet per person), RMB 1,588 (set menu per couple)

Kerry’s Kitchen has got you and your loved ones covered this Valentine’s Day. Couples can dine to their heart’s delight at Kerry’s love-filled buffet dinner while being serenaded by melodious saxophone music. Or opt for an intimate candlelight four-course set dinner with our platter options that come with a bottle of Rose Sparkling Wine. Couples also stand a chance to win a rose-gold pendant set from ZHAO Fortune Cookie Collection. Kerry’s Kitchen. (8565 2088)

Sizzling Romance at RED BOWL, 5.30-10.30pm
RMB 688 (hot pot dinner per person, including free-flow of appetizers and hot pot ingredients)

Turn up the heat on your romance with a sizzling hot pot dinner filled with premium ingredients and perfect for sharing at dynamic dining spot RED BOWL. Start your enticing evening with mouthwatering appetizers like Poached Chicken with Peanut, Sesame and Spicy Sauce; Sichuan Pickled Vegetable; and Spiced Duck Liver before creating your very own hot pot sensation with free-flowing specialty seafood like Argentina shrimp, Dalian scallop, and king crab leg, and meats like Australian wagyu M6-7 brisket, Australian boneless beef short rib and New Zealand lamb chop. Unlimited fresh vegetables like local sagebrush, Chinese baby cabbage, daikon, and organic sweet corn add to the fabulous flavor, while RED BOWL’s signature ingredients like spicy venison, egg dumplings, and crab roe tofu packets, along with their hand cut noodles and freshly rolled dumplings ensure each bite is a tantalizing treat. Rosewood Beijing.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Buffet, from 7pm
RMB 998 (per couple)

Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day with a dinner buffet at the N’Joy Restaurant in the Nuo Hotel. The buffet features free-flowing red, white and sparkling rose wine and beer, plus a range of delectable dishes and candle-lit culinary romance. (5926 8888 for reservations). N’Joy.

Valentine’s Mountain Escape
RMB 2,188 (for two people)

The Brickyard Retreat Center is offering a special rate of RMB 2,188 that includes private transfers from/to Beijing for two people, a superior queen Great Wall view room, a complimentary bottle of imported sparkling wine, breakfast for two in the Lodge, and two 60-minute Chinese massages. As a guest, you’ll have full privileges to soak in the Great Wall view jacuzzi as well as enjoy the Garden and Health Center. View details and book online here. The Brickyard Retreat Center at Mutianyu Great Wall.

Valentines Acroyoga, 7-8pm
RMB 200 (per couple)

Bring partners, lovers, or friends for this loving workshop through the art of AcroYoga. All levels of yoga experience are welcome. Enjoy chocolates afterward! Scan the QR code below to register. B Active Fitness Dongzhimen.

Photos: kdzwonek via Pixabay; courtesy of Swissotel Beijing, Kerry’s Kitchen, Rosewood Beijing, The Brickyard Retreat Center

Two months ago I started this crazy journey in Beijing, documenting how I want to get back to a more healthy lifestyle. I’ve had so much support from many people and organizations, but I am far from done, I have only lost two kilos over the last two months. Honestly I wished for at least 20 kilos to drop off my body, but the good news is that Halie (my personal trainer at B Active) made pictures of me before we started my 12 session workout regime, and last Wednesday we made the after pictures.

The difference is so real! This was the next push that I needed, because what I felt in my body is evident in these pictures. No worries, I will at some point reveal these almost naked pictures of myself, but not today. My belly is smaller, my butt is smaller, and my arms look strong instead of fat.

And thats what I feel, stong. I won’t lie, I had many hiccups during the past couple months. I just love nice food, enjoy going to restaurants, and having one or two frozen margaritas. I am a chef at heart, and will always have a fondness for eating. But that does not mean I have to eat it all. Now, I make selections, and limit my wild eating habits to the weekend. I have actually made some “rules” for myself.

• I eat healthy during the week, and on the weekend I have two or three cheat meals. I order in, or go to a restaurant and have a drink. I indulge myself.
• I work out three times a week and plan my life around this. Work and being a mother come after my time in the gym.
• I make pictures of the food that tempts me, but I don’t need, or is very unhealthy. The picture above is from a rainbow cake I chose not to eat!
• I remember everything I craved to eat during the week, and if its still on my mind on Saturday night I’ll have it. Somebody gave me this tip and its working pretty well so far.

I have also seen a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, Shelley. I was so sick a month ago and she recommended a couple rounds of acupuncture to help me regain my energy. Funny enough I thought  moving to China would make me do Chinese medicine every week and I would be able to find them on every corner of the street. Like a pedicure but better. Turns out Chinese medicine is not like a pedicure and finding the right doctor might take some time. It was important to me that I could understand my doctor, so I asked around and found one lady that came highly recommended by many expats and made an appointment with her.

I assumed that this doctor would be Chinese and speak English but she is from the US and has been residing in China for a long time. Shelly is very kind and welcoming and we spent the first 30 minutes speaking about everything that was wrong in my body and mind. She patiently wrote it all down and prioritized my flu like feelings and the wish to loose weight and have extra energy. I have no fright of needles as I have been poked around in hospitals a lot. I laid down on a massage table and she gently started putting needles in various parts of my body. For me it felt like a mosquito bite. She then left the needles in my body and left me alone in the room to relax with some spa music. This was all an incredible painless experience and costed only RMB 300 per session. Also, some insurance providers will cover this if you get the fapiao.

I am very certain that these two sessions put me in a good way with my energy and I am going to keep seeing Shelly throughout the rest of my time in China. I can highly recommend taking advantage of living in Beijing by trying some things foreign to you. Because, guess what? Warm water is really so much better for your body!

This is the location of my Chinese doctor

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that it’s possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, Tribe Nutrition, B Active Fitness, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.

Picture Credit; Pauline van Hasselt www.cravebits.com

My personal trainer at B Active had me on the treadmill running for 45 minutes last week. I did some pondering while I was there. Where had I come from? Where am I now? I have finished one month of Tribe Nutrition food and stepped into a balanced healthy lifestyle after – I say balanced as I still have pizza and dessert, just not every day. I have finished 10 sessions of training alongside a trainer who put up with me bouncing around like a ball.During this I was sick for almost two weeks, fighting a bug while detoxing.

Walking and Running

I was so unsure about my body and went crying to the hospital, feeling weak and emotionally drained. The doctor ran all the tests, and prescribed antibiotics and rest. Then he sent me to a lady in the hospital who would “help me breathe”. Now I was already breathing all day long, so what was she going to do? Turned out to be a lot actually. I broke down having such a bad day and needed some extra help taking a breath.

Hailie, my personal trainer, likes me to breathe all the time. I seem to forget often. Beijing has made me think about breathing more than anywhere else, as the air makes it hard sometimes. Somebody pointed out to me that we breathe more than we eat so it is important that the air is great. I have 10 air purifiers in my home, and the gym I work out at promises clean air. My work environment has over-the-top air purifying equipment, and the air is at a constant AQI of 1.

A balancing act

My doctor at Oasis Hospital sent me over to Nathalie Sophrologue, a mindfulness and stress management practitioner at the hospital. I was happy to see her. I needed somebody to be there for me that day, and she provided a safe space for me to reflect and recharge, making time to just be with myself and my own breathing. I started with telling her my story in brief. She then started with a simple guided meditation and helping me focus on my breathing. She explained that meditating is a ongoing process of learning and I should aim to practice everyday. I voiced one concern with her: that I wanted to stop using food as a excuse to celebrate my pain or happiness.

Breathing and actually feeling emotions seems like the way to go. My new way got tried and tested to the max last week, and I had some occasions that NEEDED chocolate. I tried and I succeeded in shifting my feelings. I usually get to eating as fast as possible when I get upset or happy, but not this time. I just felt through the emotions and worked through them. And I cried, I cried like a toddler. In the middle of a workout session I broke down, I cried while finishing my 10 bur-pees. Then I biked for 20 minutes while I cried some more. And that was that: no food, just tears.

Breathing like a ninja

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that it’s possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, Tribe Nutrition, B Active Fitness, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.

Pictures Hailie the trainer

It’s been a month since I started my very public heath journey. I have spent almost half of this time feeling very sick and tired. This was partly due to detox and partly to catching a bug which had me floored. I went to the doctor several times, and left with a bag of medicine and antibiotics. For a few days I wasn’t even able to work or go to BActive to work out. I ate rice and chicken soup on my “cheat day.” I went to a Chinese medicine doctor; she gave me acupuncture twice and finally I started feeling like myself again. I felt discouraged and sad, getting healthy lifestyle surely should make me feel better not worse?

This month of not having to make any food decisions has been a blessing disguised in paper boxes delivered every morning at 7am to my door. Tribe Nutrition certainly is very creative, keeping my taste buds on their toes with new and spicy dishes, filled with superfoods like kale, cia seeds, berries and other interesting ingredients. One of the things that has changed, and is something that I noticed within the first week of solely eating healthy and organic food, is that my skin went from teenage breakouts to soft and no break outs at all; no need for foundation that will melt in the Beijing heat. These are some of my favorite dishes that I will try to recreate for sure:

-Greek Chicken Salad with Couscous.

–Chicken and Olive tagine with flatbread.

–Teriyaki Salmon with grains

-Carrot Oatmeal Porridge

-Salmon Frittata-

-Zucchini Toast 

-Orange Quinoa Salad

-Cranberry Chocolate Cookie

A days worth of Tribe food

My emotions have been all over the place this month, so I’m grateful for the support in Beijing; even at Oasis hospital they know about my journey and my fight. But this has made me also scared. What if I fail? What if my heart can’t take care of my big body? I feel sad sometimes when I work out as I feel it will explode. There are so many people in the gym that look so amazing and are doing moves with ease I can only dream of.

But then I feel change too. With my workout, I can do so much more than the first time I walked into the gym. I surprise myself with the strength I have. Lifting my toddler, pots and pans in the kitchen has left some muscle. I can do squats with ease; before I would hurt my back when I would attempted them. I almost feel ready to join a group class again, but I’m waiting because I still feel insecure. My weight has not changed but I feel my body has changed already so much. I hoped to lose 30 kilos in this month, I wished it would fall off like a heavy wet outfit, but this is reality. Hoping won’t get anybody anywhere, we will have to work.

Cursing my small feet, they work so hard keeping up with my weight.

This month has made me think about the way the world portrays women, the way we are programmed to think about ourselves and about food. Not eating is good, eating is a sin. Skinny is pretty and fat is ugly. I still want to be skinny, I won’t lie, I would love to fit in my old clothes of Forever 21. But much rather I would be healthy and happy. How do you change the idea that happiness should be rewarded with food, how do you change the idea that sadness needs comfort food? I have been trying to find solutions, different ways to “reward” myself. I have been searching for help in different directions: life coaching, mindfulness and breathing. It’s been a strange fight as food is my biggest friend and biggest enemy. I hope we can find peace one day and that I won’t be afraid of explosions in my battlefield called “life”.

One of my favorite exercises

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that it’s possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, Tribe Nutrition, BActive Fitness, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.

Tribe Nutrition offers a promo of 5% off for anyone that purchases a meal plan that’s 2 weeks or longer from www.tribenutrition.com . Promo Code is “TNPAULINE5”  Get on that healthy train with me!

Pictures by Pauline van Hasselt and Pixabay

Food has been very important to me. I have worked as a chef for 15 years, so my life has revolved around food for some time. My mother is a very healthy cook and we had no unhealthy snacks or fizzy drinks around at home. As a teenager does, I would go out to buy unhealthy food, and when I left home at 17 the culinary world was my oyster – or at least the chips and candy lane at the grocery store. My food obsession did not end there. I always had a super healthy appetite, but luckily never really gained weight; I always was thin and stayed around a healthy 60 kilos.

The first time I thought I was fat in College

But even at this weight I felt overweight. Society, and the media, made me believe I was fat. We make our daughters think that they should look like the models in the magazines, forgetting that health and happiness are most important in a young girl’s life – most important in anybody’s life. Having had struggles with mental health problems and medical problems, I now know that looks are not everything.

But then I moved to Texas, and as we know everything is bigger in Texas, including the portion sizes. I always felt like I need to empty all the food on my plate, so slowly I started gaining weight. Food has always made me happy, cooking it, buying it and eating it. Finding a different way to achieve happiness is one of my new goals. Sugar and chocolate would be the greatest offenders making me as overweight as I am today. Keeping me awake and happy for short periods of time, sugar is the most addictive food group out there. I tried to eliminate sugar from my diet and the effects were like kicking a drug habit. This only confirms my fears that sugar is indeed a drug for me.

Tribe Cookie Without Sugar

I needed to step away from buying, cooking and ordering food, having failed many times in achieving a healthy balanced lifestyle. Tribe has created a menu for me lasting a month with no added extra sugars: three snacks and three meals a day, with varied and balanced dishes. Each morning a delivery arrives at 7am with my food for the day. It feels like a relief to not having to cook or go to 7/11 for lunch and then gorge on unhealthy stuff. The mission now is to start treating food as a way to nourish my body and soul, instead of using it as a celebration for happiness or a reward for sadness.

Tribe Nutrition Lunch

Tribe Nutrition Dinner

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that its possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, Tribe Nutrition, B Active Fitness, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.

Tribe Nutrition offers a promo of 5% off for anyone that purchases a meal plan that’s 2 weeks or longer. Promo Code is “TNPAULINE5”  Get on that healthy train with me!

Picture Credit Pixabay and Pauline van Hasselt

When I think about getting healthy again, I think about moving more freely, being able to play with my child without huffing and puffing. I dread sitting on the ground with her, because getting up is painful. Let’s face it, It is unhealthy to be 105 kg; problems with breathing and pain in your knees are some of the issues that are associated with a obese body. I wish I could be fat and fabulous, but it won’t last I am afraid.

Some of the other benefits of being morbidly obese (as the doctor called me): my Dutch grandmother calling me fat, and explaining that at least I will look forever young as my wrinkles are filled with fat. Chinese old ladies touching my belly because they think I am pregnant. Ripping out of your favorite jeans because the inside of your thighs rub together – I have lost countless jeans this way. Not being able to wear dresses because those thighs will rub together till they bleed. I broke a plastic chair in a ice cream parlor; granted it was already half broken and not great quality, but nevertheless very embarrassing when you want to sit down with your big butt and eat ice cream.

I always joke that I became a chef not because I love to cook, but because I love to eat. As they say, never trust a skinny chef. The joke has caught up on me, and is not so funny anymore. Food is not a substitute for love, nor will it make you feel better. I know that now, but it’s hard to break the cycle, it’s almost like a addiction. My thoughts before I go to get lunch at 7-Eleven: “I’ll get some sushi and salad.” My thoughts when I am in the 7-Eleven: “chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.” And it’s always a great idea to buy the chocolate as I “deserve it”… but do I really?

I needed a break from food, thinking about it, cooking it, and buying it. I needed some time to reset my brain, and tackle my food issues. Tribe Nutrition has agreed to take care of my food for a month, giving me the much-needed space to revisit my health needs, while nourishing me with three meals and three snacks a day. I already feel a weight lifted off my shoulders as I don’t have to “hunt” for my food, usually ending up in an unhealthy lunch and dinner.

My plan of attack is to tackle my food addiction and get myself to move more. I found a personal trainer at BActive, who will be training me three times a week. No daunting classes, but some one on one time to give my health a kick start. Over the course of one month my trainer will help me with five aspects to improve my health: stamina, strength, balance, coordination and mindset.

It looked so simple to sit like this…….. it’s not

I have completed three training sessions, and let’s be honest its daunting walking into a gym with all these fit people and bodies that are “done.” But I persevere, I do those five more crunches, I do that one more lift, I do those 20 minutes of cardio, and I sweat like a pig. I am embarrassed when I look in the mirror, I cry, because all this body is in the way of my making normal healthy movements.

This first week was extra hard, but my grandmother also said wise things: “If the beginning is really hard, it means that the rest can only get better.” And I hold on to that thought because it means that I get to play with my four year old daughter in good health.

Pain, Sweat, and Tears

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that it’s possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, Tribe Nutrition, BActive Fitness, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.

Picture Credit: Hailie Personal Trainer

When I moved to Houston, Texas at 21 I weighed 70 kilos. I did not realize it but my body was in perfect shape at that time. Society was telling me it was not; when I look back at pictures I realize I was just fine. I was young and able to eat and drink anything till I moved to Texas and became aware of my “empty plate syndrome”, always trying to finish whatever restaurants offered me. And attending culinary school in Texas was also a weight-gaining experience.

I returned back to Europe after four years in Texas with fiancé and an extra ten kilos. Then I got pregnant in London and gained another ten kilos. I worked full time in kitchens as a chef but had a horrible pregnancy and could not continue work for the last six months of my pregnancy. I delivered a very healthy daughter in 2013, but retreated into severe postnatal depression: using sugar as a way to comfort myself and to stay awake, gaining weight and unhappiness. Soon after I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I would stop breathing in my sleep 30 times an hour. Finally I figured out why I was so super-tired. And I kept gaining more weight.

It seemed like I was stuck in a circle unable to be broken. After a three year long battle with mental health in London, I moved with my husband and four year old daughter to China 11 months ago. Finally I reached a point in my life where I have a healthy mental state – just not the healthy body to show for it. Topping the scales at 105 kilos; having breathing problems and not being able to keep up with my four year old daughter; having a hard time adjusting to being called morbidly obese by my doctor; these are facts that do not fit my self-image.

Food has been a red thread through my life, with a mother who loves to cook, and me becoming a chef. Food has been a part of me the last 15 years. I know how to make healthy food, I know how to make it taste great. But I can’t manage to have a healthy relationship with food. I eat very fast and eat a lot. All-you-can-eat dim sum is one of my favorites. And every time I see a jar of Betty Crocker chocolate frosting I feel that I should buy it and eat it, like I used to do in college – mind you, I was not even stoned. I know that I eat because I miss motherly and fatherly love, But I am an adult now and I can’t keep blaming them for my mental problems. I am a mother and want to show my daughter that we are in charge of our own happiness.

Forgetting the years that have passed and the health issues that have contributed to me gaining weight. Forgetting that I might weigh over a hundred kilos, but I did survive severe postnatal depression. I am still here, I did not give up and abandon my life. I stayed, I fought many mental battles over the last 3 years. I have explored places in my mind I would not ever want to return to.

Sugar was an arm around my body, giving me motherly love and energy to keep my eyes open, and not jump out of a window. Together with Zoloft, extensive therapy, crisis interventions, loads of chocolate, an ever supporting husband, and a very healthy, happy daughter I fought my way back to happiness. Happiness can be found in strange places, and health in even stranger places. Beijing makes me happy and I know it will make me healthy again too.

Pauline is a passionate international mother who wants to show that Beijing is not a unhealthy city, proving that’s it’s possible to become a healthy mother and woman, with the right support and resources. Mommy friends, colleagues, family, and now the rest of Beijing will be her support, proving that every mother deserves to have a healthy body and mind; tackling her own food issues along the way and showing the rough, the ugly and honest way she does this.