This is the post I’ve been putting off. Mostly because I’m still not comfortable with how my body looks, but it’s super important to take progress pictures. (And I’m the worst at remembering to do this.)
So the pre-baby picture is from about 2 months before I found out I was pregnant. I was working out everyday, (sometimes twice a day), and eating super clean. Middle picture is when I was about 30ish weeks pregnant. I stopped working out, and ate whatever I wanted. (Although I couldn’t really eat much because I would feel full after about 2 bites.) Last picture is now at 4 months postpartum. Although I’m only about 4 pounds away from where I was pre-baby, I still have a long way to go before I’m in the same shape I was pre-baby. I have lost most of my leg definition, my stomach has lost its abs, and I feel hungrier now then I was when I was pregnant due to breastfeeding.
I’ve started doing mini workouts at home while Braxton naps. He usually takes one nap in the morning and one in the afternoon. So I usually just do the same rotation twice. Today’s workout was:
- 10 squats
- 30 second plank
- 35 crunches
- 45 second wall sit
- 10 jumping jacks
- 25 lunges
- 35 sit ups
- 20 butt kicks
- 10 push ups
I want to start adding a jog/stroll everyday as well but right now the Texas heat is way too much for the baby, and by the time it’s cool enough, it’s his bedtime. I’ll also start adding in some dumbbell and weights into my routine.
I’ve also been trying to snack and eat better. Some of my favorite easy snacks right now are:
- Celery with peanut butter
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Yogurt
- Cheese Sticks
And lastly, I’ve cut out pretty much drinking anything but water. It has upped my water intake and cut so many unnecessary calories. The exception to this is protein shakes. Since I get so busy during the day, I don’t always have time to cook for myself (let alone make something healthy) I’ve started making a protein shake to drink after my morning workout. It tides me over to the afternoon and gives me lots of protein which is key in keeping your milk supply up while breastfeeding. Right now I have been using my husband’s favorite brand, Isoflex. But I am open to any suggestions others may have for a favorite protein shake. (I have a huge sweet tooth for chocolate so this is also where I get my sweet fix, which means it has to taste good!)
Like I said before, the scale doesn’t necessarily dictate your progress and I try not to even look at the scale. (I only know my weight based on doctor appointments.) The important thing is how you feel about yourself. And of course doing something about it! I just keep reminding myself, it took a nine months, so it’s ok if it takes nine months to get back. At 4 months, I’m happy with the progress I have made!