Bump Day: Losing the baby weight

This weekend my husband and I went to one of our very good friends' wedding reception.  While we were there I received a lot of nice compliments about my appearance since I hadn't seen many of those who were there since Colton was born. Their nice compliments light a spark under me to write this post.

I think one of the most scary things to think about when your pregnant is "what am I going to look like after I have the baby?"  and "am I going to get my body back?"

There is no one answer to those questions that is the same for every woman but what I  believe makes the difference is our mindset.  I have always known that I want to be a good-looking and healthy mom for both my husband and my children.  My parents were complimented often about how young and good-looking they were (and still are). This was important to me when I was younger, especially in high school and college.

Pre-Pregnancy 2013

I was also raised to be healthy and was taught to take care of myself.  These became priorities while I was pregnant with Colton. I didn't allow myself to think "I might as well eat it because I'm going to get fat anyhow." (that's not to say I didn't eat ice cream or sweets ever...)

Instead I took notice of what I was eating and I quickly noticed that my body would tell me what it needed by the things I craved which was often fruits and vegetables.

I also kept up my exercise routine.  In the early  months of my pregnancy I worked out 3-4 times a week, combining cardio and weights.  As my pregnancy progressed my workouts naturally adjusted to more walking/cardio, less weight lifting.  By the time I got to a week or two before Colton was born I think I was just doing cardio and only 15 minutes at a time because my pelvic muscles were sore - probably from my body getting ready to have a baby.  The point is, I didn't quit exercising just because I was pregnant. I think I was even at the gym the week Colton was born.

 Even though I exercised and ate well I still gained weight!  At the dr. appointment I went to a few days before Colton was born I weighed in at 190lbs - 40lbs over my normal weight! My husband was in disbelief that I weighed that much.  Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable.

Pregnancy 2014

Colton was born on June 21. It's taken 6 months to feel back to "normal." And "normal" hasn't come without work and dedication.

Some of the baby weight is going to come off naturally. The remaining weight you need to work at losing and it takes time. That's ok.  Believe in yourself and find your confidence.

When you have a newborn, it's kind of like an excuse for not doing anything.  Colton only served as my excuse for a little while, until I realized I needed to get out of the house so Colton and I went on a lot of walks on a local walking path and sometimes, at night, Adam would send my out for a walk with the dog while he spent time with Colton.

I also ate well and took time to make lunches for myself that were healthier than a sandwich and chips. My sister was training for a half-marathon and changed her diet so I asked her for a few suggestions.

Once I went back to work I started getting back into my old exercise routine of cardio and weight lifting.  Six months later I weigh 155 (I'm 5'6" for reference).  I still have weight to lose but all of my favorite clothes fit so I say that's a win plus I've started a more regular weight lifting program which may contribute to the 5 lbs that are still hanging around. I am back to size 8. I'm comfortable here.

Post - Pregnancy 2014

Here are a few things that worked for me and I'd encourage you to use as a starting point.
1. It's ok to buy clothes that fit after you have the baby - you need to feel confident and beautiful, not frustrated.
2. Don't tell yourself you can't eat something, just eat it in moderation.
3. Exercise when and how it fits your schedule.
4. Ask one of the trainers at your local gym to write a workout plan for you.
5. If you don't have a gym membership try out the Nike Training Camp app - it's awesome! I use it on days that I don't make it to the gym.
6. Enlist people you perceive as "healthy eaters" to help you find good things to eat. Follow healthy.food.choices on instagram for ideas too!
7. Schedule time to go to the gym. I always have 'gym + lunch' on my outlook calendar at work that way no one schedules over that time.
8. Avoid the scale - judge by how you feel rather than how much you weigh
9. Do your hair and make up, you'll feel better when you feel good about how you look
10. Find inspiration. I follow Mama Laughlin on Facebook - she is truly an inspiration!

You can do it... I promise. Just believe in yourself.

Linked up at: Serenity Now