Previous post here.
14 months ago, I wrote a submission following the birth of my second son. Well, my baby boy just recently celebrated his first birthday, and it got me thinking about the memoir I wrote so many months ago. When I posted my story, I was, like many mothers, exhausted, adjusting to life with a new baby, and struggling with my self image. This past year has been a wonderful whirlwind, but as a mommy to two busy boys, I found it extremely difficult to find any time for myself. I wanted to lose my baby weight, but never seemed to have enough time in a day to work out. I would try to early in the morning before the kids got up, (5:30) or at night when they went to bed. It was difficult to be consistent and I was often dismayed that I wasn’t seeing any results.
I decided that I would do the best I could, when I could. But most of all, I decided to revamp what I was eating. I may not have had much control over my schedule, but one thing I could control was what I put into my mouth. I started eating clean, well – as clean as I could! And just tried to eek in a workout whenever the kids would allow – even if it was 10 or 15 minutes during the day. Well, here I stand, 65 lb lighter, and the healthiest I have ever been. And I have never felt so good about myself. I wanted to post this for all the moms out there that are feeling the same helplessness that I felt. I never thought I would lose the mommy tummy. I was resigned to the fact that I would probably have a little poofy pouch under my shirts for the rest of my days. I said I was ok with it, yet like many women on here, I researched alot about tummy tucks!
It wasn’t a quick process. It didn’t happen over night. It took 14 months of “trying” to get in a workout. But what made the biggest difference of all, was changing my eating habits.
Because I am happier with myself, my happiness spills over into many other facets of my life – most importantly, my role as a wife and a mother. To all the amazing and beautiful mothers on this site who encouraged me inspired me, and lifted up my soul when I needed it the most, thank you so much.
Good job mama. You look amazing!!! You are such an inspiration to me. I need some serious toning in the tummy area. Which workouts did you do to tone your tummy?
Wow, how great you`re looking! I`ve also got 2 boys, my youngest is 6 months old, and I want to start to work out. Can you give me any tips for tummy-crunshes?
You look amazing! I know how good it feels to change habits and see changes, but most of all FEEL awesome! Keep it up mama!
You look beautiful! I love it! Yes, this is what I am talking about, no one has to settle and feel that this is the shape of a mother, this is what i was left with so what i must settle for. NO! You can eat as clean as possible and set a work out routine for even just three days a week. I do it and I have lost all my baby weight and I am working on toning and getting it all off and I am not four mths postpartum yet with the third child.I wish that more mothers would look at fitness as a priority as well, not just to look good but to be healthy and fit to keep up with these little ones. You look super and I feel better knowing that other moms want to look and feel great as well. Way to go!
Helpless is a perfect word for this feeling. I am in a city where I have no family or friends and I am alone most of the time because my husband is away working for 2 weeks out of 3. Time for working out is something that I simply cannot seem to find. I had the time today and the resolve to workout…..and then I put my back out shovelling snow and now I have to be alone for another week with my boys with a bad back. I am frustrated. All that to say that it’s encouraging to know that you look that great and feel that great with clean eating and working out when you can. I am feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time. Thank-you so much for sharing. I am so happy that your satisfaction with yourself is showing in all parts of your life. That is a beautiful thing.
you look awesome!! food is so powerful! so maany women run to surgery as a quick fix..but they fail to realize that we truly “are what we eat” …good job!
Dang!!! You look AMAZING. I have never had a child but I am quite flabby. :-( This is just the inspiration that I need to know that I can have the body that I want. Thanks for your help girl! Keep up the great work, you look spectacular.
Lookin’ good!!!!
You look amazing. I am pregnant with my first child and I am so worried about my post body. I have read so many article about woman not feeling like themselves after a pregnancy. That really scares me. I want to feel like a hot man. I know I will have to work to get my old body back. Any advice besides eating right and exercising?
hi everyone. thanl u so much for your thoughtful responses. The biggest change for me was my eating. I would eat 5-6 smaller meals a day spaced 3 hrs apart, and each meal usually included veggies, protein and a small portion of carbs like brown rice. And loads of water!!! I cut out refined flour, sugar, and opted for small servings of fruit instead. Once a week I allowed myself a cheat meal to keep me on track.
As for exercise, I walked alot with the stroller outside, and then in the winter, did sprints, jogging and power walking inyermittently on treadmill on an incline.
I also began weight training which helped me tone up and get stronger. The more muscle I put on, the more calories I burned.
As for my stomach, I did plebty of crunches, etc But to be honest, there is no miracle exercise that it is going to dissolve that tummg fat. Someone once told me that abs are created in the kitchen, not the gym. This is so true. You can do all the crunches in the world, but if you are eating crappy, you will never see them.
As far as effort goes, I would say it was 75% diet and 25% exercise. Still a work in progress, but I am pleased with my results. I hope this helps.
just read my post… wow alot of spelling errors! typing on my phone and didnt proof before hitting submit. apologies!