The other day I heard a story about postpartum weight loss. A new mother was 6 months pregnant and was nervous about getting her figure back when the baby was born. She asked her friend what will happen afterward. Her friend replied, “I heard a mother will keep 10lbs per child.”
It’s funny how these stories get started and just because we see something on social media or heard something doesn’t mean that it’s true or that it’s “normal.” Since I had 4 kids that means I should be 40lbs overweight.
Toward the end of my pregnancy with the twins, I weighed right over 200lbs. Like I stated in this post here, fitness was the last thing on my mind the last 4 years when I was pregnant with the kids. And honestly, after the twins were born I was in “survival mode.” Not only had I just had twins, but Luke was 18 months old and Elise had just turned 3. We sold and moved into our new home when the twins were 3 weeks old and Elise also had started school the week after the twins were born. On top of that, I went back to work when the twins were about 6 weeks old.
In April of 2016, I slept trained the twins when they were 8 months old. This allowed me to have more time for myself. This was finally my time to get my weight back down and work on myself! When I weighed myself in April I weighed 160lbs. Since my life is so hectic I knew that going to the gym was not an option for me. I began to do Beachbody workouts at home and watching what I ate/drank. I was in the habit of having the “excuse” of eating whatever I wanted for literally 4 years!
Making the changes below really helped me:
Make a schedule
Write down or add in your phone the days you want to work out and what time. At the beginning of our journeys we normally get super pumped and want to workout every day, but instead, do something that is manageable.
Write Your Goals Down
Writing your goals down on paper and make sure you see them on a daily basis reminds you of where you want to go. You can also post pictures to keep you focused on your goal.
Stay Positive
Have positive people around you and people who motivate you and lift you up! Facebook and other social media are a perfect place to get this. I love following Angela Waskom and Lee Lee VerHoef. These ladies are both Beachbody coaches and they are such an inspiration to me. They encourage and help me stay on track of where I want to go! Having a community to support and encourage you through your journey is crucial. I highly recommend going to both their Facebook pages, linked above, and let them help you on becoming the best person you can be!
Write Down Everything That You Consume
Writing down everything that you eat has so many benefits.
- Track what you are and aren’t consuming
- Holds you accountable for what you stuff in your face
- If you don’t want to write it down then do not eat it
I currently weight 146lbs! I cannot remember the last time I saw anything under 150. My goal is to be at my pre-baby(ies) weight of 135. Just 11lbs to go!
Yes, life somehow always seems to get in the way, i.e. sick kiddos, teething twins, ect., but I’m keeping my eye on the prize. I’m not letting these be excuses! However long it takes me, I will get there. Making excuses is so easy and it makes yourself feel better for not accomplishing your goals. Yes, I have 4 kids, Yes, I work full time and I’m EXTREMELY busy. Yes, after everyone is asleep at 8:30 pm I’m exhausted and just want to watch TV or go to bed. But you know… I don’t want to be normal…I want to go against the grain and show that no matter your circumstances and your goals you can get there!
What are your fitness and weight loss goals? What are some of the excuses that are stopping you from achieving them?
Inspiring!! I’m trying to get myself together lately and having you as an example is awesome!
Thanks Amy! You got this! If you have any questions let me know!