Let’s start this post with a bit about my day. It was boring! My daughter woke up very happy and cuddled up right against me. We snuggled in bed for a bit before my husband joined us for 10 minutes, it was a nice family moment for a Monday morning. The rest of the day was fairly quiet. Play time, nap struggles, prepping some hard boiled eggs and bacon so they are on hand, saving the bacon grease (Liquid Gold!), a nice long walk and dinner made. Prepped some spicy taco seasoned ground beef for quick meals for hubby as well.
As you can tell, we are trying to make meals a bit healthier and easier. Especially for myself; since I’m on a bit of a health journey again. So, let me get real with all of you.
Before I got pregnant, I was on a weight loss journey. My initial motivation was to look good in a bikini and not feel ashamed of my body any more. It had only been about four or five months before I found out I was pregnant. Throughout my pregnancy I ate healthy, putting on about 10lbs and having my beautiful healthy baby girl. Despite certain doctors looking down on me for being plus size and pregnant. Though, I was constantly told by my family physician I needed to lose weight, without offering me suggestions or help. Anyway, sorry about the bit of a rant, but back to the topic at hand.
My motivation has since changed and I’d like to be able to run around with my kids and not be out of breath. I want to live a long healthy life and set a good example. If I’m eating crap and my kids are eating healthy, what kind of message does that send?
Not to mention, as your pregnant your body changes, you gain weight and yes, thankfully you lose some weight once the baby comes out. BUT…I was stressed with breastfeeding and gained some weight back from it. Stress does terrible things to your body.
I’ve taken matters into my own hands: downloaded a calorie counting app, did some grocery shopping, increased my water intake and trying to be a little more physically active every day. Baby girl definitely helps me with that. I have decided to do more than one walk in a day and hopefully soon I can get back into the gym to lift weights again. That literally made me so happy to have that hour and a half of just focusing on weight lifting, taking care of myself, relieving some stress and spending time with my husband. To see the changes in my body, both physically and mentally, was impressive. Needless to say, I can not wait to get back in the gym.
I’ve learned that a good support system and consistency is key to changing your life. Also, don’t let anyone discourage you from changing your life for the better. Just because you are plus size, people presume that you are unhealthy, lazy and so many other negatives. You are beautiful (at any size!), strong and can do anything you set your mind to.
Prove them wrong! Find your why and stick to it. And you can accomplish anything. And please don’t think you need to start it as a new year’s resolution, you can start any time and not just in January.
To be honest, most people who start resolutions, especially those who start extremely restrictive diets and exercise regimes, tend to fail and quit shortly after starting. My advice, find what works for you because everyone is different. What works for Nancy down the street, might not work for you. I know I can’t give up my pasta and breads, so calorie counting works for me. And find an exercise you enjoy, don’t just go to the gym and have no plan. Plan out your workouts, for the week, it makes life so much easier! Last but certainly not least; a buddy system helps as well, not only for accountability, but support when you need it most.
Now here is where I’m starting:
- Weight – 247.4 lbs, my starting weight at pregnancy was 240 lbs
- Calorie intake per day – 1,771
- Exercise – approximately 5000-6000 steps a day, 1 walk with baby girl
- Diet – Lots of lean protein, veggies, fruits, nuts and little bit of carbs
- Measurements – Haven’t done them yet…woops!
- Progress photos – Haven’t done those yet either…eek!
- Water intake – about 10 glasses a day
- Sleep – What is that?! I get what I can, when I can. Baby girl dictates my sleep some nights…and some days as well as a matter of fact…
- Number of days into my journey – Two
Now before I bore you to the absolute high heavens, I will call it here. But if you are starting a weight loss journey too, I will be your support buddy. Let’s take this roller coaster ride together!
Ciao!!
Mama on the Move 