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The time has come for me to get rid of the weight I gained during pregnancy. Initially, I was going to give myself three months before I started worrying about weight loss. But, I had a shitty birth experience, so I gave myself one more pity month.
But now? It needs to come off.
I need to be healthy for my daughter and have energy to do things with her. She's only going to get more mobile and more interested in the world around her and I need to be able to take her on many adventures (indoor and out). I also need to be a good role model by living a healthy lifestyle. Right now I'm fat and I'm self-conscious about it. Those are two things I do not want to be as this child grows up. I want her to see a healthy, fit, confident mama!
Before I got pregnant with Elliot, I lost nearly 50 pounds by working out with a trainer. I can't afford him now, but I do remember many of the strength/resistance exercises he had me do and I do know at what level I need to work out in order to lose the weight.
I'm embarrassed to share them, but here are my stats:
Current weight: 213
Weight before pregnancy: 178
Pounds to lose: 35 (GULP!)
Strength exercises: push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
Aerobic exercises: Walking, climbing stairs, Tae-Bo
Schedule: EVERY DAY
When I initially lost weight, I did it by eating a very healthy diet and not missing one, single day of exercise. Of course, some days are harder than others. Some days I'd just go for a hike in Portland's West Hills, and some days I would walk the stairs above Portland State University (I swear I lost about 15 pounds on those stairs). Soon, I will be on those stairs at least twice a week. I will also walk the steep hills in my neighborhood with Elliot in the BOB. And, maybe, I'll start running once I'm in better shape. I really hate running, but when I did it with my trainer, I found it was the most effective exercise for losing weight. I know that running can change the taste of my breast milk, so I may wait to do that until I stop breast feeding.
What I discovered when I successfully lost so much weight was that I had to let go of food. Food is only a source of energy, and not a source of comfort or a reward. I have to break that habit again because food became so important during my pregnancy and during the early months of breastfeeding.
However, I will not be dieting. I will be making smarter choices for snacks (carrots instead of cookies), but I don't want to screw up this breast feeding mojo we've got going by eating too few calories.
I don't have a timeline on when I'd like to lose the weight because I'm not sure how my body will react to this new plan. One of my brothers is getting married in early August and I'd at least like to feel confident about my looks by then.
I'm going to update my progress on a regular basis and post a photo each month with a rundown of my successes and failures (let's face it, there are always setbacks). For every ten pounds I lose, I will give myself some sort of reward that does not involve food. Probably a pedicure or a piece of clothing from Title Nine.
If you want to join in, send me your updates and your photos and I'll include you in the Baby Weight Challenge 2008!
Anna -- I just want to offer my encouragement. I know you can do this. And no matter what the scale says, you're still beautiful.
-Dawn
PS: Another great hill to walk is Vista, starting at Burnside. It might be a mile or two (I never checked). I used to do this walk nearly every day when I lived nearby. It was great for the legs.
My baby was born 10.1 and after 6 weeks bedrest, a c-section, 3 weeks of commuting to the nicu everyday, and then the holidays, I'm having a hard time getting back into shape too. I know I can't commit to everyday, but I want to start doing something. Maybe you are the inspiration I need to get started!
Good luck!
p.s. love the blog! thanks for sharing your struggles, someone has to be honest about the reality of less-than-perfect birth and mothering experiences.
You know I'm with you ! We'll motivate each other. I want Xander to only know his momma as a healthy, motivated and active person. Good for us and good for the babies !
I am right there with you too! I have these 10 pounds that just won't seem to go away and it's been over a year. Well I am going to do everything in my power to get rid of them!! My goal is the end of May...I am in a wedding and I need to fit in my dress.
I think that it is great that you are setting a goal and telling as many people as possible. It makes everything more accountable and real. I am doing the same thing, telling as many people as I can, changing my eating habits, and working out as much as possible.
PS Your little one is SO adorable!!
May your resolve never fail! All the best to you on this endeavor. Best thing is to take it five or ten pounds at a time. As long as your breastfeeding, the hormones will keep you soft and disinclined to lose weight. But, that doesn't mean you won't lose weight or you can't be more active and feel more energetic and vivacious. Kids are truly the best motivators for us to step up to base and change our lives. You might even be surprised at how much easier it is this time in comparison to last time.
Well you know I'm there with you too, I will walk those stairs with you twice a week. I have 25 pounds to lose from my Cooper pouch so we can motivate each other while our kids smile,laugh and nap together.
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Good for you! I'm at 8 months post, and while I've lost the weight, I'm definitely not happy with what I like to call "the softness" of everything. I was a pretty hard-core runner before, so it's killing me that I haven't had the time to exercise. And each time I've tried, we've hit hurdles in our household (teething, illness, etc).
With a new year though, I'm trying to get back into shape. I have a "me day" off of work on Friday, and the daycare is all in place, so I'm going to treat myself to a great yoga class or something to kick-start my new exercise regime.
Good luck. If I manage to find a picture, I'll send it along. Maybe it will keep me on track
Jen