Well, MAMA’S BACK!
I think every woman has a vision of how their pregnancy will go. I know I did. Fitness has been my lifestyle for the past 10 years, so entering into this phase of my life came with a plan of action. I’ve always planned on the extremely “fit” pregnant version of myself. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out to be exactly what I had planned. In the end, I have a happy, healthy, beautiful baby girl. My delivery, although a crazy whirlwind, went smoothly. Everything was a success! Now, I face the reality of getting myself back. It sounds so simple, but it’s certainly not easy.
Every pregnant woman dreads the inevitable… weigh gain. You know it’s all for the cause, but how much weight is enough? Before we even started trying to have a baby, I decided I was going to keep my current shape and gain only 20-25lbs. I would work out every day, keep my eating exactly how it was knowing you only needed an additional 500 calories per day. I knew if I stuck to this plan it would be so easy to take off the baby weight especially since I planned to breastfeed my little one. This was my vision of a perfect pregnancy.
Insert buzzer sound (here). I know I don’t have to tell some of you that getting pregnant isn’t as easy as it sounds! After a year of trying, nothing. After experiencing fertility meds, depression, stress I was already up 15lbs with no baby! When I finally did get pregnant, the depression and stress were gone. Now I could get back to my regularly scheduled perfect pregnancy, right? NOPE. At 7 weeks, I was told not to train until I was out of the first trimester due to some bleeding. So, my activity level was basically walking my dog. When second trimester hit, I was given the green light to get back to a modified routine. So, once again, back to my perfect pregnancy, right? NOPE! At week 18 I started to get horrible insomnia. I was only sleeping for 3-4 hrs per night. I wasn’t even half way through my pregnancy and I was EXHAUTED! Workouts became naptime. My activity level had rapidly dwindled. I ended up getting minimal, if any exercise at all during the entire 40 weeks that I was pregnant.
Now let’s talk about my nutrition. First of all, pregnancy cravings and aversions are NO joke! I, as many woman experience, wouldn’t go near raw foods (especially chicken) for 40 weeks! I couldn’t stand heating up left overs. I was lucky to drink ½ a gallon of water a day. I was consuming 3-4 meals per day. For the most part, they were healthy, once I was out of my first trimester anyway. A couple times a week, my lovely husband would receive my order via text message to pick up Raising Canes or Coldstone. Luckily, salads were my jam! I’m pretty sure Charlston’s stayed in business because of my 3 salads per week. Overall, I ate about 70% healthy, 30% questionable. The day that I delivered my beautiful daughter, I weighed (dare I say) 202lbs. I had gained 35lbs during pregnancy, 15lbs pre pregnancy for a grand total of 50lbs.
So why am I writing about my experience? Well, I want women to know that even as a professional in the health and fitness industry, I am far from perfect. I struggled with my image, self-esteem, and depression during this journey and at times I still do now. Did I have the experience that I planned and dreamt of? No. But my pregnancy was still PERFECT! I listened to my body and my doctor and did what I needed to do. I am healthy. My baby is healthy. Everything is PERFECT!
At 4 months, my postpartum journey has just begun. Adjusting to #momlife has had its ups and downs thus far. Did I return to the gym the day my Dr. released me? No. Is my nutrition on point? Absolutely not. Am what is this thing called sleep that everyone is talking about? I’d love to try it! Through these blogs, you will read about my goals, my meal plan, my workouts, my mental state, my struggles, everything! I want all mothers who think their baby weight is permanent to follow my journey for motivation. Know that you can change! I will change! We can do this!
Just because I life sends you in different directions, it can still be beautiful!
I’m going to leave you with a list of my goals for the year. Yes, I said year! I’m not in any kind of a rush. I didn’t put this weigh on overnight, so I know it won’t be gone before Christmas!
Goal #1: POSITIVE SELF TALK. I am no longer allowed to put myself down, especially to my husband! I have to remind myself that even though I’m not in the body of my dreams, this body created and delivered a baby, NATURALLY! That alone is pretty bad ass!
Goal #2: Breastfeed my daughter for 1 year. This goal is a HUGE one. Any breastfeeding mama out there knows the trials and tribulations of breastfeeding and pumping. You also know the joy and connection that comes with it as well. The role of nutrition and hydration are imperative to this goal.
Goal #3: Eat enough food. I never thought I’d be one to skip meals. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left the house after getting baby ready and realized that I didn’t eat! Is it time management? Possibly. But are you ever really managing your time wisely with kids? I guess I’ll find out!
Goal #4: WATER, WATER, WATER! Pre pregnancy I used to drink at least a gallon of water a day. When I got pregnant, water was DISGUSTING!! I struggled so badly to drink even ½ gallon. Now, I’m working my way back to camel status!!
We must remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took me over a year to get pregnant. I was pregnant for the longest 10 months of my life, so I’m dedicating the next 8 months to getting back in my groove. If weight loss happens, FANTASTIC. My true goal is to mentally and emotionally get in a groove. Once my baby girl, Fiona hits the 1 year mark, I will focus on molding and shaping my body into what I want it to be. I constantly tell my clients to remember their “WHY.”
She is my why.
