One Year Postpartum

What a difference a year makes! I can't believe it has almost been a whole year since I was pregnant last (and while I miss being pregnant, I'm really loving having my body back to myself!).  I can honestly say that the weight was slow to lose right after Alli was born (probably due to breastfeeding-I tend to hold onto weight when nursing!), but right around 5 months postpartum, the weight started falling off. People would ask what I am doing, and I think it is mainly because I never have a chance to sit down all day (except during naptimes). My diet is the same as it was during pregnancy, although I don't think I eat quite as much quantity-wise now (because I was always starving when I was pregnant!).

I am a HUGE advocate of exercise and fitness, so truthfully, that makes ALL the difference in losing the weight (I never really get a break in my daily workouts, because chasing these two girls around is a workout in itself!!!). Now, I also understand that my recovery with Alli was MUCH easier than most people have it, so I was able to get back on the treadmill only 3 days after having her. After having Lila, my workouts started a week after I got home from the hospital due to a slightly harder recovery. I'm definitely not saying that's normal, and I made sure it was okay with my doctor's before beginning again.

I used to teach Jazzercise (which is an aerobic dance program with a strength training and stretch component as well), and I have always been passionate about fitness ever since joining my first gym in college. I strongly believe that if you are active EVERY DAY (yes EVERY day!!), then you will find that it is much easier to regulate your body weight. Now, I'm not saying you have to run three miles or workout for an hour everyday, but you must get off your heiny and MOVE every day, whether that be a 15 minute walk around the block or carrying your baby up and down stairs several times per day (which I know many of you do anyways!!).

Another thing that I feel strongly about is dieting. I DON'T believe in diets, nor do I participate in them!  Now, I'm not saying that I eat Big Macs and peperoni pizza for every meal either! BUT, I don't eat salads every day, or even once a week for that matter. I LOVE mayonaise, and I'm not scared to eat it on my club sandwiches three or four times per week (I'm serious, y'all!). How can I eat what I like and still be at my happy weight?? Staying active EVERY DAY, that's how!

This post isn't meant to sound patronizing or pushy, I just want my readers to understand that they can be at their happy weight without making themselves miserable simply by finding the time to hit the gym, or the courts, or the treadmill, or whatever activity that you ENJOY doing. Enjoying your workout is the MOST important thing too, because if you don't enjoy it, you won't do it! Simple as that. Find a workout buddy, or just find a way to squeeze in 15-20 minutes of activity into your already busy day by taking the stairs, parking farther away, or carrying your heavy babies around the house.

If you are struggling with your workouts and want a personalized workout plan, I will be more than happy to help you create one that will work with your schedule and goals! Just shoot me an email: kbfgentry@hotmail.com.