Last year, after the IUD fiasco I was SUPER unhappy with the way I looked. I had just had 2 babies in the course of 2 years and my body had gone from big to small to big to bigger to... you get the point. I had a newborn and a new toddler, which mind you- neither one could do a single thing for themselves- and I was exhausted. I wanted to do something for myself and also for my kids. Every mom knows that the secret to being a good mom is being the best version of yourself that you can be. For me, I needed a self esteem boost and some energy.
I joined the gym last March-ish weighing 178lbs (give or take a few lbs to the exact start date). My highest non-pregnancy weight ever. Today, I'm at 145lbs and counting. While I do have a personal goal weight, it's not really about the number anymore.
First of all, I am NOT an expert in any of this, this is simply what has worked for me. There are NO secrets, just hard work and a little bit of advice. A little bit of knowledge I've learned over the years that I can share.:
1. First and foremost, it truly is all about how badly you want it. Wishing and hoping will get you nowhere. If you put in work, you will see results.
2. Change the way you grocery shop. If you're someone like me that struggles with self control, then you need to make sure you only have healthy foods at home. Granted, those of us with kids (or husbands like mine) can't always make sure that all the delicious treats are out of the house... so instead, I buy specific treats for myself and says "Hands off!" to Eric. Buying things that are specifically for me makes it so I don't feel like I'm missing out at all, and I actually look forward to being able to eat it.
3. Everybody has different weaknesses. Some people can't say no to sweets, some people struggle with portion control, ETC. Identify your weakness and conquer it. For me, I could go the rest of my life without having a candy bar or ice cream. i LOVE vegetables and salads, etc. My vice is salt, butter,etc... and portion control. So if I feel like I'm getting off track, I substitute with a meal replacement every now and then.
4. Ok, this is an area that I don't know MUCH about, but I just do what I can and learn along the way. Supplements & vitamins. Personally, I have tried a couple different protein powders and don't really notice that much of a difference so I go off popularity and price.
5. Exercise. Just Do It ;)
Ok but seriously, you have to. You will be much happier about the way you look and feel if you do. Weights + Cardio is key. You will lose faster and look better if you do. The thing with exercise is that you have to stop making excuses. Ok, so maybe you really couldn't make it into the gym or you can't afford a gym membership or whatever. Find the time to workout at home. Buy some hand weights, a Jillian Michaels DVD, search Craigslist for old treadmills, buy a jogging stroller, ETC. Do whatever you need to do to make it possible for yourself. Personally, I LOVE going to the gym. It's a win-win for both me and the kids. They go play for an hour or so, and I get "ME" time AND I get to blast my music. When I can't make it into the gym, due to sick kids or lack of planning, etc I pop in Jillian Michaels and get to it right there in the living room after the kids are asleep or during nap time.
Another thing I struggled with was not knowing what to do. I had never done any type of exercise on my own, outside of sports. I had never lifted weights. Personal training was really good for me, but I understand that it's not for everyone. So, get a Pinterest account and get to it :)
So, no excuses.
6. Keep it fun. Track your progress, get a workout buddy, buy cute workout clothes...wtvr it is that will keep you going.
There you have it.
That's all I got.
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