Weight Loss Journey Part 2

Let’s be real ladies ( and men.. If you are reading this too!), it’s called a weight loss journey because it’s an ongoing process, and you know.. because calling it a life sentence is probably a bit too dramatic and sad, but you know poTAto/ POtato. We all know that with any kind of weight loss program, you have to make it a lifestyle choice and not just a momentary “diet” decision. Who can live off of shakes/ smoothies or soups for ever? NO ONE..So I have been working at finding what is the right combination for me, so that I can live a balanced life. Now that I am going to be 40 next April, my body definitely reacts differently to certain workouts, and foods. And I really want to be done with fad diets and 30 day challenges..(The quick weight loss they all promise are sooo tempting, but not sustainable)  I want it to be easier. I want to be able to enjoy desserts, pasta, potatoes or a few glasses of vino every once in a while, ( I just found a new Pinot Grigio that’s soooo delicious..ahhh a nice crisp cool glass on a hot day… mmmm – Eek it’s tough to stay on track!!) and here’s the catch.. Without feeling deprived and/or starving the rest of the time. But most importantly, I think we need to accept our bodies the way they are during the process, and appreciate what these bodies have done for us thus far.

I REALLY struggle with that and want to be back into my pre baby NOW and, you know,  that may never happen. And I will admit, that is hard for me to truly accept. (Especially the jiggly bits..) But I’m working on it. 

I am now 10 months postpartum and I am really ( ok I’ll be 100% honest, somewhat)  proud of how far I have come. I’m still not in my “Pre Baby” body, but I am ok with that. (ok… somewhat ok with that). Good news is that I am sooo close to it, and that keeps me motivated to keep going.  But I’m not gonna lie; the fact that I was in great shape going into my c-section, and that it was my breastfeeding meds that essentially caused my large weight gain still causes my blood to boil, but I am trying to let it go, as holding on to that negativity will not help me in the long run.. But still.. Grrrrrrr…( Ok I am taking a deep breath and letting it go… ahhhh.. better!) 

For those reading this and asking themselves “What was she taking that made her gain weight??” Well I’ll tell you, and please share the info because I was NOT aware that this was a side effect, until my Chiropractor told me, as she is also a Certified Lactation Consultant.  It was Domperidone.. So check with your doctor before you accept to take it.. Unfortunately I couldn’t produce enough breast milk, and no natural remedy would help. However, this medication also increases appetite and can cause weight gain (exhibit A: I weighed as much at 5 months postpartum as I was at the end of my pregnancy and there was NO baby in me!!!)  And hey, if you took the meds and you didn’t gain any weight..awesome.. But for me, that’s what happened. 

In any case, Breastfeeding was a struggle, so I weaned my baby girl in February, and at that point, I was at my heaviest by far, in my whole life. Truth be told, I didn’t actually weigh myself.. I was too scared to see the number. But given how my maternity clothes were tight on me, I knew something wasn’t right. I was kinda hoping that I had some weird 15 pound growth inside me.. ( I know.. Shame on me..) But sadly it was extra fat.. Fun fun.. I was frustrated, and down, and wanted to give up.. Lucky for me I had a great trainer that was so positive and helped me see how much stronger I was getting with every workout done, so I kept on trucking..  If you are in this area and are looking for a seasoned, qualified and knowledgeable trainer, contact Harminder Sodhi . You will be very happy with the results! I highly recommend this avenue if you can do it.. It’s a great way to stay on track and have motivation to work out..for me it was the best way to ensure I took the time to exercise.. Or get a gym buddy.. I had one before my wedding and it really helped get my butt to the gym! 

 For those with me that have had issues with their weight, we can all agree that trying to lose more than 20 pounds at any age is a struggle. At age 39, it feels like an uphill battle, with large boulders running down trying hit me, while simultaneously get attacked by killer birds.. Yea.. that kind of battle.  Trying to lose just one pound, seems impossible, given how hard I have to work and how well I have to eat to do it. If this is you, my only advice is this; Don’t give up.   

Getting my body back to pre baby weight and into it’s ultimate health includes choices I need to make every single day to stay on track.  It’s hard not eating the oven fries I make for the kids for dinner.. Also, It’s slightly annoying making two suppers, because my kids can burn off carbs 1000 times faster than I can, so I make squash, cauliflower or zucchini for myself instead. But in the end, I have to admit, it feels good. I’ve lost 14.5 pounds since January, and still have about 10 to lose. And we allllll know that the last 10 is always the hardest to get rid of. I would love to tell you all that there was some magic pill that helped me shed the weight.. ( I mean they came up with Viagra right, why not a pill for this?!) But alas… there wasn’t. It was the tried and true.. LIPOSUCTION… no I’m just kidding. 

I worked out..but not excessively. If you think you don’t have time, make the time. Your health is non negotiable.  I tried to get in at least thirty minutes of weight training three times a week, and a minimum of forty five minutes of cardio three times a week. If I couldn’t go out, I did some videos from Youtube or followed some HIIT programs online I could do without props, at home in my own living room. But more importantly, I counted my calories and upped my water intake. For me, and it may not be the same for you, but cutting out 90% of my starchy carbs has made a HUGE difference. 

Every single nutritionist and personal trainer I have talked to over the years have ALL said the same thing: Weight loss is 80% food and 20% exercise.

Besides the food/exercise part I also wanted to boost my metabolism, so I tried a few new things that I’ve learned over the years that were good for overall weight reduction. The only difference is that I did it consistently, and I am sure that helped me shed the pounds!

1. I started my mornings ( and still do)  with a warm cup of lemon water before my coffee. 
2. I boosted my intake of protein, especially in the morning. After my lemon water, I take a protein chewable tablet from Isagenix ( If you want more info on ISAGENIX for a healthier weight and lifestyle click on the link to connect with Denise, the woman who sells me the products. You can also check out her Instagram page here)  

I am by no means a professional nutritionist, or a certified trainer, but what I can tell you is that if you are determined to get results, you will get results.  Move when you can.. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. And find a way to eat as clean as you can. Oh and the last thing.. No matter how frustrated you get with the time it takes to actually lose the pounds.. Do not get discouraged. If you fall off the horse, get back on.. Your health is worth it.. And if you are like me and your reasons are the following breakdown – “20% Do not want to buy new clothes” and “65% want to be as healthy as possible” and “15% Vanity” .. Then achieving your goals is worth skipping the extra piece of bread or glass of wine ( yea I know.. That last one is tough) Just know you aren’t in it alone. Most of us aren’t naturally thin, or can hire chefs or trainers for years and years to help keep us on track. But, if we can support each other through it, then maybe losing the last 10 will be easier, or better yet, we can learn to love ourselves inspite it.