Thursday, March 18, 2010

The post where I lay it all out there...

So the weight loss...

I think this is something I've been avoiding posting about because it just kind of depresses me. I hear all over about new moms getting back to pre preggo weight within the first few weeks or months after having their kiddos. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened for me. I think the worst part is, they didn't even have to work for it to get down.

So here I am, looking at 5 months postpartum and I still have at least 10 lbs to lose until my pre preggo weight and an additional 20 lbs or so to lose until I'm back to my "normal" weight. Ugh!
I think the worst part about all of this is that I keep making excuses- I need to take in so many calories because I'm nursing, I need to make sure my workouts aren't too intense because I'm nursing, etc. You can see where this is going, can't you? All these excuses just add up to me NOT losing ANY weight and instead I'm stuck in a rut I'm afraid I can't get out of. I've never really struggled with my weight until TTC and it's a completely foreign concept for me to HAVE to work out and HAVE to watch what I eat.
Each day I start with such purpose and motivation and somewhere by the end, I've lost it all and end up snacking (usually veggies, but lately it's been chips and hummus) until I go to bed and NOT working out. I hate myself for it. What kind of an example am I to my daughter, if I can't keep myself healthy or follow through with anything?

So today's the day I change things. Today's the day when I stop making excuses (yes I know some of those things ring true, but I can't let them be a stumbling block). Today's the day when I finally STICK to something and do something for myself. Today's the day I get my a$$ in gear, work out, eat healthy and become a better person for it.

Here are the stats:
Normal weight: 125-130
Pre preggo weight: 149
Weight on 10/20 (day before B was born): 197 (yes that's an almost 50 lb weight gain- how my doc said that was okay is BEYOND me!)
Weight as of this morning: 160 (no clothes on, first thing after I woke up)

Here's the game plan:
Eat HEALTHY- this doesn't mean I can't indulge once in a while, it just means I won't make it an everyday occurrence. I will make better choices and watch my portions. I will learn to COOK! (Haha- I cook a little, but nothing too complicated) ;-)
Exercise! We have P90X and I am going to use it. I may not get to it everyday, like the program entails, but I will do it AT LEAST 4 days a week. I realize it may take me an hour and a half to get through the hour works outs (thanks to Miss B) but I WILL do them! On days when P90X seems a little too daunting, I'll pull out the old Wii Fit and do some aerobic exercise on there (I'm begging Batman to get me the Biggest Loser "game" for it).
Adopt a better self view- I HATE the way I look and for some reason that has equated to me not caring about the way I look. And then I don't follow through with taking care of myself (yes I shower!). So instead of getting down about my new mom body, I will remember that this is just temporary and I WILL reach my goal!

Here's the goal:
Aside from just being more healthy, I need to lose a few pounds. My ultimate goal is to lose the weight. Period. But my short term goals are to lose 15-20 lbs by June. That gives me 11 weeks at 1.5 to 2 lbs a week. That is definitely doable.

I'm going to take a cue from Kitty (and I'm sure many other mamas out there) and post a weekly weigh in to keep me accountable as well as posting my daily food intake. I think having it all out there will help keep me in line and help me reach my goal.

I wish I had tips and tricks, but I don't :( Hopefully there's someone out there that can give me a little advice?

Thank you all in advance for your support!!

14 comments:

Melissa said...

Sorry to hear the postpartum weight loss has been such a battle, but now that the weather is warmer it's a good excuse to get outside and get moving. Taking your baby on strolls through the neighborhood will definitely make a difference.

As far as snacking goes, go in your kitchen and throw out everything that's unhealthy. I know it seems like a waste of money to throw out perfectly good food, but seriously, that's the only way to stop unhealthy snacking. Out of sight, out of mind.

Good luck & just try to take it slow. It's good to have small weight loss goals (5 lbs at a time) and just take it from there. Good luck!!

Shannon said...

Don't some of those mom's make it look so easy?

I was in the same boat as you. I got up to 200 lb before I had my daughter. I put on 50 lb with her. Then I put on 40 lb with my son. I'm just now finally down to 130 where I'm comfortable.

My son is 2 1/2 though! I was at 140-150 for quite some time. I finally had to get to the point where I really wanted to do something about it.

The thing that really helped me was just portion control. Cooking and eating healthier was only going to work if I only ate one serving instead of 3.

It sucks some days and there are days where I pig out on junk, but then I have to have more good days to follow. I'm sure you'll do really well, just don't be too hard on yourself.

Emma said...

I'm sorry that its been so tough! I am dreading that part myself... i'm up 50lbs at this point plus the 20 I gained TTC and have ALWAYS struggled with my weight. Hopefully reading about your weight loss will help motivate me. Good luck!!

Kitty said...

I'm with you T! I'm gonnna do the same thing! 4 days a week, eat healthy and no excuses! Even when it seems like we are doing everything we can. Anyway....thinking of you! You're beautiful inside and out. But I know how it sucks when you can't fit into those pre-prego awesome skinny jeans and getting dressed takes forever now.
:) Hugs.

Kiki said...

Hey I'm in the same boat. I had my baby at the end of Sept. I gained 50+lb, I'm usually around 130-135, with the baby I weighed 183, and now I've only lost down to 147-150... you are totally not alone on this! I know.. some women make it look so easy. grrrr...

someday-soon said...

Wish I had some magic tips for you. I've struggled with my weight all my life (since middle school at least) and the only thing I've found is a combination of diet and exercise. Sounds like you have a really good perspective on it and I wish you tons of luck, you'll do great =)

Unknown said...

Girl, you can DO IT! And forget about those other mamas who lose the weight right away...I honestly think there something to having a baby during the colder months. How can you get out and exercise let alone bundle up you and a baby to drive to the gym? Don't be too hard on yourself. Now that summer is here, you'll be motivated.

I hear ya on the pregnancy weight gain. My numbers were climbing at a fast pace so I had to cut out all ice cream and treats from our house.

Finally, you are beautiful. Remember that :) And if you ever look in the mirror and hate your body just remember that if was your body that fed, nourished and gave birth to your little girl. You have a lot to be proud of :O)

~Rachel~ said...

Good Luck - you can do it!!

I'm also trying to kick myself into gear to get rid of baby weight and TTC weight! Once the 6 month mark comes, we're not going to be preventing anymore - because who knows how long it will take for us to have a second baby. But I do not want to get preggo without losing the weight from the first!!

Christina said...

Sorry you are having a hard time. I'm one of those horrible people that pretty much lost all my weight already, I have 7 pounds left. I gained 60 while pregnant though. The biggest thing for me was walking and walking and walking. While I was still on leave I was walking 4 miles a day with Annika in her stroller.

Ella said...

Definitely feel your pain, sister... ugh, the PP weight-loss is a b*#ch. :/ I'm rooting for you, maybe you'll inspire me to join you!!!

Anonymous said...

I just had to jump on and leave this tip: COUNT YOUR CALORIES. EVERY SINGLE ONE. And stick with it. No excuses! My baby turns 7 months old on Monday and I FINALLY decided to lose my extra 10-15 lbs last Wednesday. I'm down 3-4 lbs already. Woot Woot!!! I write down EVERYTHING - even a stick of gum. It's that simple. I was ASTOUNDED how much I was eating before. WAY WAY WAY more than I should. And now that I count calories, I also eat MUCH healthier because I want to eat MORE. I'm definitely a quantity over quality type of girl. Haha. Buying a kitchen scale (I got one for just $9 at Walmart) has also helped tremendously as some things are only listed in calories/ounce. And when I want to eat out I research nutrition info online beforehand. Most fast food/restaurants have their own sites, but this site: http://caloriecount.about.com/ has been really helpful as well. GOOD LUCK!!!

CrazyMom said...

I have another 15 lbs to lose myself. ;) *HUGS* I think the ladies here have given you some good advice- especially the walking bit- it really works! I'll be going back to work so I don't know how I'm gonna get mine off yet- I work a sedentary, stressful job.

You can do it!!

Mandy said...

Aww, Tif - don't get down - I am with ya girlie! My pounds MELTED away...until now, and they aren't going ANYWHERE. I am still 7 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. And I really need to lost about 10 more pounds from that. Doncha love fertility treatments?? Noone talked about those secret pounds they added on. I agree-go outside with her! I am determined to use this nice weather and walk with the stroller. I got to go out three times last week and we walked for a good hour. I just don't think I could commit to P90. Its too much too fast. And its hard! Don't burn yourself out, but stay motivated! You can do it! And you're motivating me!

Anonymous said...

Hey T! I'm sorry you're so frustrated about the baby weight, but good for you for making a plan and announcing it to the "world!" We're all behind you!!

Every day when I pass by the tv and see the DVD player sitting there...I think about how I said I was going to start P90x again by the time Riley was 2 months old. Well, she was 2 months a week ago...and I have yet to do ANYTHING!

Urgh.