I'm not the first person to struggle with body image post pregnancy and I'm certainly not the last, however, because I lost so much weight thanks to nursing (I lost 16 additional pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight JUST because of nursing). I didn't really change my eating/exercising habits so guess what happened when I stopped nursing? I gained 10 pounds--almost overnight.
When I noticed this rapid weight gain I decided I should do something about it--that was two months ago and until recently did I actually DO something about it.
I don't really feel like I need to lose weight necessarily. I'd like to trim the extra pouch on my midsection but I'm really focusing on toning rather than weight loss. I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred twice, both times giving up after days 4 and 5 (way to go) but thanks to my friend Candace and her documentation of the process I've had more motivation and have therefore completed 7 days.
The 30 Day Shred is an intense, 30 minute work out video by Jillian Michaels, one of the trainers on NBC's The Biggest Loser. It really is intense. She says that by sticking with the work out everyday for 30 days you can lose up to 20 pounds. I believe her. I've read the reviews, I've had several friends do it, however, where I'm at right now and my goal to tone and not lose weight, I've also decided to walk nearly 3 miles daily.
I combined this with a Low Carb diet, eating six small meals a day and cutting out many fats and sugars.
I wasn't expecting a change overnight, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed when, much to my surprise, I GAINED 5 pounds the first week. What. The. Heck.
A few people have suggested that it might be muscle, but I don't think I'd be able to build up five pounds worth of muscle in that short amount of time. I'm hoping it is more water weight because I drink about 4 pints of water daily because I'm working out so much more--and HELLO it is September 20th and 105 degrees outside (again...what the heck Las Vegas)
Either way, I'm going to stick with it. I've committed to myself that I'm going to do it. It is a great work out--but it is only the beginning. I'm doing the 30 day Shred to get in shape for something even more physically exhausting: P90X which I plan on starting November 1st. Yes I'm scared but I really want to get in the best physical shape that I can because eventually I am going to once again do something that really requires a lot of physical strength: pregnancy (no that is not an announcement--I said EVENTUALLY and I mean it!
3 comments:
When I saw this blog post I just had to laugh because I really do seriously de-spise Jillian Michaels. I'm sure her work out is knock-out great, but her personality just bugs the heck out of me. Every time her treadmill commercial comes on the TV I moan because she bugs me so much! My kids and Rob thinks it funny that I dislike (Okay Hate) Jillian Michaels because she just seems so bossy and know-it-all and in charge. Why does that bother me? I DON'T KNOW, SHE JUST BUGS ME!
Good luck with the work out and your plans for the ultimate goal of physical strength! Also good luck with surviving the rest of September and your 100+ days.
You're brave! I'm totally trying to buff myself up post pregnancy so that #1. I look and feel bettre and #2. so that I can prep for baby #2 also...but not for a while!!! I think i've learned a lot about pregnancy and hope I can make some better choices next time around. If you ladies that are doing the walking start going a little later ever again (like 9) when it gets cooler let me know cause I would love to join. Currently my little guy isn't awake til about 8:30 or 9 so the 8 am isn't working for us.
Georgia I completely understand your hatred. Melissa hears it all the time from me. I mostly struggle with how manly she is. Her face looks like a mans face and I can't look past that. Her voice is obnoxious. Yes, her personality is also frustrating. As Melissa has learned the workout she doesn't pay so much attention to the screen or what is being said, so I don't have to see or hear so much Jillian. Also, I learned to not come downstairs while Melissa is working out so I don't bother her about how much I dislike Jillian.
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