My weight loss journey has been full of ups and downs. As any mom can tell you, pre- and post-baby weight fluctuations can vary widely.
With my first pregnancy, I had hyperemesis gravidarium and I struggled to gain enough weight up until I delivered. I managed to lose quite a bit of weight around the time my daughter turned 2. Then, when she was 4, we decided to have another baby.
My pregnancy was much different this time around. I gained weight very easily and quickly since my nausea wasn’t so bad. After the birth of my son, I was at my highest weight ever.
My son is 18 months old now, and I’ve managed to lose about 20 pounds since he was born. With the new year well underway, I am determined to stick to my new routine and keep losing more weight. Just in the last few months I have learned a few things that have led to my weight loss.
From one mom to another, here is what has worked for me personally in regards to losing weight:
From one mom to another, here is what has worked for me personally in regards to losing weight: -
I Have To Exercise
I have learned that getting 45 minutes of intense exercise every day does wonders not only for my body but for my mind as well. I do a mix of kickboxing and resistance training classes. The endorphins I get after working out help me to feel my best all day long. I have learned that I absolutely need this exercise every day to be at my best. It’s hard some days, especially since this involves me waking up at 5 am every day, but the results I have seen motivate me to keep with it.
The weight loss seems like a bonus on top of the benefits I’ve felt mentally! My mind is clearer and sharper, I feel so much happier throughout the day, and I have more energy to get things done now. When I wasn’t exercising regularly I felt so intimidated by the idea of working out. The key is that I found something that works for me.
2. Eating Right
I have learned that with my new workout regimen, my body requires a specific diet. Six times a day I eat a protein and a carb (with a few vegetables thrown in there). I found an easy tool online that helped me calculate how many proteins and carbs I should be eating at every meal based on my weight and body fat percentage. This has allowed me to fine-tune my meals and eat exactly what my body needs- no more, no less.
I used to just eat whenever I felt hungry, and I had no clue as to what nutrients I was putting into my body. When I was basing my diet off of my personal food preferences I naturally gained weight because I was eating things that tasted good but weren’t ultimately good for me. Now I have the flexibility to choose from a multitude of options that actually fit what my body needs as fuel.
3. Drinking water regularly
The benefits I feel from drinking water encourage me to stick with it. My entire body functions properly when I’m adequately hydrated. Sure, it means lots of trips to the bathroom, but it is so worth it. It was an adjustment to learn how to drink water all day, but now that I’ve been doing it for a while it feels effortless!
It’s not rocket science. It’s just common sense. These simple yet drastic changes are what have helped me lose some weight. With the new year coming up, hopefully, my story can encourage others to kickstart their weight loss journey.
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