Happy Monday! There is something about the start of a new week that gets me feeling refreshed and motivated. Motivated to get stuff done, to work out, and to eat healthy! I always start off strong and then Friday night hits and it’s like give me all the popcorn and ice cream!! But life is all about balance and I feel like what you do the majority of the time is what counts. Anyways, I wanted to do a follow up post after I shared my tips for being a fit mom last week (you can read that here). I thought it would be helpful if I was more specific about those first steps getting back into exercise and diet after pregnancy.
Let me first start off by saying that every pregnancy and delivery is different, so what may work for one person might not work for another. Even my own two pregnancies were drastically different and I had a different attitude once that 6 week mark hit. With my first, I didn’t exercise for MONTHS. It was a big transition becoming a mom and I honestly didn’t feel back to my normal self for over a year. After my second, I was eager to start working out again and I did so right away. I remember taking a barre class at 7 weeks postpartum and my friends thought I was crazy. My biggest advice is to listen to your body, do what feels right to you and don’t be afraid to start small. Even just getting outside and walking on a daily basis is great! It took nine months to put the weight on, have realistic expectations about losing it… my youngest is almost two and I still haven’t lost it all. Also thought I should mention I tried to do some v-up sit ups (I think that’s what they are called) at an exercise class yesterday, made it maybe 3 inches off the floor. You are not alone!
As far as my diet is concerned, this is always where I have struggled. I am not a “diet” type person and I can never follow anything for longer than a day! Ha! With that being said, I just try to make healthy choices. I don’t keep junk food or desserts in the house because I know I will reach for those first. Keeping healthy options stocked in the fridge makes it way easier. I also try to be mindful about portion control. No matter what I’m eating I always stop when I’m full. I do allow myself to have a small treat here and there because if I suppress those cravings I will go overboard later! If you are nursing, you need to eat even more to keep up your supply, just continue to choose healthy options. I found that eating a salad or drinking some green juice greatly increased my milk supply!
I’m no expert by any means, but this is what has worked for me. We are all made differently and what works for one might not work for another. I think my biggest encouragement to you would be to stay consistent in whatever healthy habits you are creating. Consistency will create results!
One more tip, get some new workout clothes that make you feel motivated! I’ve rounded up a bunch of my favorites below. Since becoming a mom, I have especially loved high waisted leggings. They hold everything in…. yes please!!!
Here are some resources I have found/used. Hope this is helpful!
B-wom // This is an app for your phone that lets you record how you are feeling and gives you exercises for your pelvic floor and more! Pretty darn cool!
Mommastrong // This has 5 different programs including a program for during pregnancy and for diastasis recti and it’s only $2/month!
Lindsay Brin // She has a few FREE postpartum core stabilization workouts on YouTube!
The Vagina Whisperer // Sara is a great 1-on-1 resource that you can meet with online and she specialized in pelvic floor health. If you are having any issues at all post partum, she’s your girl. So friendly, down to earth and easy to talk to. She will be able to get a good idea of what is happening and be able to give you recommendations on where to start the healing process.
MUTU System // I keep hearing about how great this is! It’s a medically recommended post-baby recovery program and it looks awesome!