First Day Back to Work
Four months ago I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl named Quinn, but about a year ago when I found out I was pregnant, I already planned to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight by the start of the fall 2013 semester when I returned to work. The semester just started, and I made my goal! I had about 35 pounds to lose and about 15 inches, give or take to shed from my waistline, so how did I do it? Before I got pregnant I was already in good shape and worked out regularly even while pregnant, but I believe these tips that worked for me can apply to anyone:
Me at Eight Months Pregnant
1. Dispel the myths and statistics: Though losing that pregnancy weight along with that jelly belly can be difficult, do not buy into those notions of it being impossible or highly unlikely that you will return to your pre-pregnancy weight. Be aware of but disregard the statistics about most women struggling to lose the last ten or five pounds. Refuse to accept the statistics as absolute. Listening and accepting the myths and statistics will give you an excuse for not shedding the pounds.
2. Believe: You must believe that you are capable of losing the weight regardless of what anyone else says. Believing starts in the mind, heart and through your actions as well. As you believe, you must stay motivated.
3. Be an idealist and go for what’s not realistic: Of course, you want to be safe about it, but go for the unrealistic goal! People may say give yourself at least a year or two, but why? Once you give yourself that timeline, you just might use it as an excuse for why your weight hasn’t budged much since you gave birth.
4. Exercise: It is obvious that exercise is needed, but it is essential to find exercises that include the baby to avoid additional stress of trying to find time or a sitter in order to work out. My baby and I do the “Happy Baby Work Out,” go for walks, with her in the stroller, everyday, unless it is raining, and she does patiently watch as I do my “Hip Hop Abs” workouts. She seems to really like some of the exercise routines. I also, find that it is best to workout in the morning if possible. It gets the heart pumping and metabolism kicked into high gear.
Happy Baby Workout Lunges
5. Eat Healthy: This is another one that is a no brainer, but the trick is not to simply avoid junk food but to introduce more healthy foods. For instance, I eat a minimum of seven servings a day of fruits and vegetables. After meeting or exceeding that goal, there is not much room left for the junk. Also, I am always thinking of healthy alternatives. Did you know that maple syrup has about 220 calories per serving, but the sugar free version only has about 20 calories? My husband even admitted that he cannot taste the difference.
6. Make it fun and your actual lifestyle: It’s not about going on a crash diet, completely denying yourself all guilty pleasures and dreading having to exercise, especially if you are breastfeeding, but it is about a lifestyle improvement. Getting back in shape has multiple benefits. It of course makes you look and feel good, but it gives you that extra energy to be there for your baby who you will soon be chasing after when she or he learns to crawl and walk.
I hope these tips prove to be helpful, and that you will be back..well sort of back to your pre-pregnancy weight before you know it. I say “sort of back” because I’ve decided not to stop there and plan to be in even better shape! Maybe you will do the same once you meet your goal ; -)
All the best,
Tanya
Journey of Anonomz 