One of the goals that I set for myself this year was to lose the rest of the baby weight. My body seems to go through a viscous cycle after birthing a small human. First, because of the nursing, I get super skinny. It's wonderful. Then my head convinces itself that because I have lost all the weight that it can begin consuming plates of chocolate chip cookies and other yummies. Eventually, I stop nursing and then, wham-o, the weight comes flooding back on until I'm miserable, bloated, and more or less not pleasant to be around. (Perhaps this isn't baby weight...more like postpartum chocolate chip cookie weight?).
Anyway, in January I decided to work really hard to try and earn back the body I had pre-Adeline. Here is what I'm doing to make it happen:
Eat healthy. Duh. I don't need to elaborate on this. I try to eat healthy more often than I eat non-healthy. I use the My Fitness Pal app to log my calories (I try to stay at or under 1200) and track my weight. If I want the pizza, I eat the pizza, I just don't eat the whole pizza.
I took up running. This has been the biggest achievement so far for me. I have never been a runner, and I'm not sure that I'm allowed to call myself that even now, but I am up to 2-4 miles at-least 4 times a week. I'm not worried so much about pace or winning any races as I am about keeping my body moving consistently. I have noticed so many changes in my body (and mind) since I started getting out for 30 minutes to an hour each day and just moving my body.
I log my miles and calories. The Map My Run app has really helped me to see how far I am going and the pace that I am running at. I love that i calls out distance intervals and that I can change it as my mood depends. On my shorter runs I like to hear my distance every half-mile, for longer ones I will change the setting to every mile. It keeps me motivated and I can listen to some of my favorite podcasts, like this one, at the same time. You can also add friends to your app and help keep each other motivated, share routes, etc.
I work out to YouTube videos. I used to do Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, and it works wonders, but as much as I love good ole' Jillian, the monotony was getting a little old. So, instead I have found an awesome YouTube channel, XHIT, and I do 1-2 videos 2 times a week. I have noticed definite changes in my body. My favorites are here and here.
I walk with my girls. My double stroller is my best friend. On hectic days that I know I am not going to have much time for a full run or workout I load up Adeline and Eleanor and do a walk around the neighborhood. It's perfect for walking up hills in my neighborhood and it's compact enough that I don't feel like I have to shorten my steps to keep from kicking the bar in the back.
This has worked for me and I am seeing results which is awesome. I do my workouts mostly in the evenings but now that's summer I am trying to switch gears and run in the mornings. The girls have been sleeping like champs in the morning so if I take the time to run while Landen is getting ready for work it will free up some of my afternoons. Eating a consistent lunch has helped too. I am in a routine of having two soft-boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, a small salad for lunch, and then whatever we have for dinner. Landen has also started making smoothies so that is an evening snack after dinner. Eventually I would love to get a Fitbit but we will see.
How are you guys getting fit this year? Is this your year to make healthy choices too?