Work It

How to shed the baby weight, you ask? That’s a loaded question and I’m no fitness guru by any means (just my opinions and personal experience talking). I have no idea if it’s my genes, or this regimen, or maybe a little of both, to thank for helping me pop back…

1 + 2. DVD’s

When pregnant, I alternate between DVD series #1 “Element Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga” (T/Th evenings) and #2 “Lindsay Brin” (M/W/F mornings).  If I want to skip a T/Th, I pop in my #1 yoga session after my #2 cardio workout. I might add, I don’t workout during my 1st trimester – partly because I worry about the potential to miscarry (probably shouldn’t, but I do) and mostly because I’m sicker than a dog and any physical exercise makes it that much worse. But come 2nd-3rd, I stick to it. Let’s be honest, 4th tri is hit and miss. Carrying around ginormous baby bump is enough of a workout! ha!

Post prego, I mainly stick to #2 (M/W/F). Let’s be honest, extra time is at a bare minimum. But, I’ve found I can squeeze in 18 minutes. Yes, the workout regimen post baby only takes 18 minutes! #1 DVD is still used but only when I have extra time, need to relax, or on weekends.

3. Water & Eating Tips

Drink, drink, drink – it flushes away extra water weight your body is holding onto. But water can be nauseating in excess, am I right? I like to keep THIS carafe filled with water and fresh fruit on the counter at room temp. The rule is, it has to be empty by the end of the day. I hear you, it’s hard to remember to drink!  After using the potty (and of course after washing hands) drink a small glass. It’ll send you back to the bathroom in no time… the process will keep repeating all day!

Eat balanced meals so your body can let go of excess fat. It’ll store it if it thinks your baby might need it. Convince your body to stop being overprotective of your baby – by eating balanced meals (yes, this includes good healthy fats: avocados, olives, olive oil, eggs, fish). I wrote another post explaining a bit more, HERE.

I try to avoid carbs and refined sugars after 12:00 pm. It’s a simple little trick that’s easy to live by. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some desserts (duh)… 3x per week (and enjoy every morsel and minute of it).

TMI – I breastfeed. Not just for baby’s benefits but also my own. I attribute most of my post prego weight loss to breastfeeding. Now before everyone starts throwing bows, let me just say, I’ve heard/witnessed both sides of this topic and respect both. It’s not for everyone for many reasons and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with either side. But for me, it helped shed the weight that much faster.

4. Keep Taking Your Vitamins 

Your body and your baby need them. I take THESE, recommended by my nutritionist, plus a liquid vitamin d supplement, omega 3 fish oil, and a powdered probiotic.