Losing the Last of the Baby Weight

 That right there is my inspiration body.  I look at it often for encouragement to run or not have seconds.  I mean her body is amazing.  Does my body look like this?  Nah not even close but it provides me with some killer inspiration.

Today's topic is a reader request.  I have actually gotten several emails about this, so I wanted to take the time and write about it.

  I always welcome suggestions so shoot me an email if there is a particular topic you would like me to write about.

Today we shall discuss losing the last of the baby weight and how hard it is.  I am proud to say I finally lost those last 4-5 lbs I was struggling with a few months back.  I actually weigh less now than I did when I got married.  But it took time to get to this point and it was not easy.   I have reached my goal weight but I will be honest I still don't feel totally comfortable in a bikini, my stomach is saggy and I have cellulite.  I do however love my body saggy tummy and all, it housed two healthy babies for 9 months each and that is damn incredible.  What our bodies do is a true miracle.  I will most likely never look exactly like I looked before I had my kids (I know my belly button won't) but this is the new normal and I am ok with that.

The first thing I want to say is truly give your body nine months to get back to normal.  It took you nine months to gain that weight and for your body to expand so it takes time to get back to your pre-baby body.  I remember even when I lost weight my hips and shoulders were still too big to fit in many of my clothes- it takes time for it all to shrink back.  A lot of weight will come off in the beginning and then you will hit a plateau, that holds true for most women.  Don't get discouraged and compare yourself to others or celebrities who seem to bounce back a few weeks after delivery,  that ain't real life.   Your body housed a baby for nine months it will take time to get back to what feels normal for you.  I would say it probably was around when Frances turned one that I hit my goal weight and felt really good about my body.

For me (and remember everyone is different) my weight loss comes more from what I eat than exercise.  I weigh more when I workout more because I end up eating more.  Like right now I am up 2-3 lbs because I have been running more.  I always tend to gain a few pounds when I start exercising more but then it evens off and my body looks way better and tighter.  The initial weight gain is from muscle so don't let it freak you out.  I love to workout for the mental aspect mainly.  I am much happier and I have so much more energy when I work out.  Just last night before I went to bed I told Matt I was feeling so much better since I started exercising more.

I am no expert in this field but wanted to share a few things that worked for me.

ONE | You don't have to workout everyday but when you do workout make it count.  Sweat.  When I workout I workout hard.  Running for me and my body is what works best and burns the most calories and tones me.  It is a full body workout.  Yoga is great too but I have a hard time fitting in time for a class.  Running is easy because I can walk out my door while everyone is still sleeping and be done in 30-40 minutes. I aim to burn around 500 calories when I exercise.

TWO | Make time for exercise.  I go thru phases where a get in a rut and in a bad mood from not working out.  A few weeks ago I thought to myself you are the problem, get your act together.  Now I make it a priority and every other day I wake up at 6:20 and run.  Personally if I don't workout first thing in the morning I will blow it off and make an excuse.  Plus it is a great start to my day and I don't have it hanging over my head all day.  I feel energized and ready to tackle the day.

THREE| Hot lemon water first thing in the morning.  This flushes out your body and helps you digest food easier.  I have stuck with this and really look forward to my water first thing in the morning.  I drink this before my coffee and before I eat anything.

FOUR | Avoid processed foods.  You all know I love food and I would never diet but I do try and avoid eating too many processed foods. Of course if the kids are eating goldfish I eat a few but otherwise I try to stick to fairly clean meals.

FIVE | Eat grapefruit.  I don't know if this a myth but I read somewhere grapefruit ups your metabolism.  I swear when I started eating it in the mornings I lost my last few pounds.

SIX | Try not to weigh everyday it will just drive you crazy.  I weigh about twice a week and sometimes only once a week.  I do feel like it is important to weigh once a week to keep yourself in check.  If I am up a few pounds, I cut back on my eating.  It is a good wake-up call.

SEVEN | Squeeze in exercise when you can.  For me if I don't work out very first thing in the morning I will not get it done.  But often times on days I don't work out, I still try to do squats and leg lifts before bed.  Every little thing helps

SEVEN |Make a new playlist every few weeks.  New music really motivates me to exercise. 

Here is my current one and I have to say Work B**ch is an excellent motivator (gotta love Britney).

EIGHT | Cut back on alcohol- we all know this is hard with small children. I try to have a few days (let's be real two days a week and sometimes that is only one day but I always make that one day happen) with not a drop of alcohol.  It saves so many calories.

As far as meals go here is a typical day of what I eat (this is actually what I ate Tuesday)

Snacks included some crispy peas and two dark chocolate and sea salt squares. 

I only drink water and unsweetened green tea during the day.

I really try not to snack too much.

BREAKFAST

Bread toasted with peanut butter, sliced banana and honey. I also have a cup of hot lemon water and 1 cup decaf coffee.

LUNCH

Veggie sandwich from Atlanta Bread Company + small bag of chips

DINNER

Tuscan Chicken Cakes  + 2 glasses of Rose

There is honestly no quick fix to lose the weight it just takes time.  But exercise and eating clean does help.

I have shared this quote before and I love it.  It relates to so many aspects of life from being pregnant, to having kids and losing the baby weight.  I tell myself this often.

Good luck to all you struggling to lose the last few pounds I know it is hard but it will happen!

Stay confident and love your body!