Here's the deal, I work hard to be in shape! I sacrifice time, sleep and comfort to be strong! I do have good genes and I recognize what a blessing that is. BUT I work out 4-6 days a week. I always have, and I will always HAVE to, you know? I don't want this to come off as super snoody, but honestly? It takes hard work to be in shape, to be strong, to feel good about yourself physically... and that hard work shouldn't be discounted for luck.
I want to share what I do, what has worked for me to be where I am with my body post-baby. My diet really hasn't changed much in the last 5 years. I make it a point to eat my fruits and veggies each day. I am subbing whole wheat for rice, tortillas (except for the Costco tortillas that you cook on the griddle, because YUM!), pasta, etc. Okay, that part has changed since I had Mia. Eric isn't a fan but he is getting used to it! I stopped buying bread so that I only eat it when going out. I really try to only eat out once a week. But I still have my treats, every single day :) I've been extremely lucky to be able to (basically) eat what I want and still get results. I am kind of nervous to stop nursing because I have no doubt that extra calorie burn has benefited me so much. I will probably be cutting out more treats once I do stop nursing! But I have to say, I feel like I didn't benefit from the nursing calories until Mia was about 6 months. I know it's different for everyone!
My main form of exercise has been running. Running is the best way to get a flat stomach and an over-all, total body work out! I was running 4 miles daily during the summer, but I'm only running 2-3 miles 3-4 days a week now. The colder it gets, the less I will be running :( Soon enough I'm going to have to be brave enough to take Mia to the gym daycare so that I can run on the treadmill and take some classes, ugh! I LOVE spin classes, but I've only been able to take a handful of them since having Mia because of Eric's work schedule. I love Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and No Trouble Zones DVD's. They have been perfect for toning my arms. I do (real) push ups (I can bust out 30 at a time now, woo hoo! I couldn't even do one push up on my knees after Mia was born) and pull ups (I can only do 2 sets of 3 or 4). I've done a squat challenge and I'd love to find a push up challenge on Pinterest! Hiking has been the funnest form of exercise! I get a killer work out without even realizing it! The easiest way to exercise consistently is to find something you love! But switching up the routine is incredibly important, as well as weights! If you don't have weights, be sure to do push ups, pull ups, dips, sit ups, squats, lunges. Cross Fit has proven that using your own body weight creates amazing results! Working out isn't easy, but it is worth it! Don't discount your effort, or anyone else's effort to getting fit! It's an amazing feeling to know your hard work is paying off!
P.S. There is the cutest BURLAP Christmas decor giveaway on my Instagram if you're interested!
P.P.S. Vote for Mia?
51 comments:
Oh my gosh, thank you for this! Amen to all of it! Seriously drives me crazy when I hear people say that. I felt like I was writing this post haha It's hard work, and you look amazing! Mia is lucky to have such a fit mom!
YOU LOOK AWESOME!! so good and so fit!
And that's awesome you know you have to work for it.I think a lot of girls that 'bounce back' quickly are THIN but not fit.
People like to talk down to everyone and it's sad. I think you look amazing amazing amazing!!!
xoxo
I hate when people say those things to me too! I had to bust my ass to get back into shape after each kid, the weight definitely just *fall* off like so many people like to assume! I also work out 4-5 times a week and will always have to!! Thanks for posting this :)
You look awesome! I think we all have to work at it!
I have found that it's a lot about portions too.
I've been able to shed the last few baby pounds by cutting things in half.
You look great! I just think people need to not talk about others weight. I always get the "you don't even look like you had two kids" comments.. well, what exactly is a woman that had two kids supposed to look like? There's so much wrong with our society and it's like people think once you have a baby your body is ruined forever.
Love this! I have really struggled to find time to work out since having a second baby. I used to jog and walk a LOT when Olivia was a baby, but the double stroller is not my friend! Add to that the fact that my body tries to gain weight while nursing. After 10 months I'm just now able to lower my calorie intake without feeling like I'm going to pass out. I'm guessing that means we'll be weaning soon, but who knows.
Anyway, this is good inspiration, and a good reminder that being fit takes WORK.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I am one year post baby and still have quite a bit of weight to lose and this is totally the inspiration I need! Good job - you look great!
Ummm. I work out 8-9 times a week (oh yes- double days!) at the gym or Pilates studio and have elimated all grains and pasta and most fruit from my diet and I still haven't ditched the baby weight! So you ARE lucky! Lucky that you can work out as much as you do (I'm lucky too!)- and your lucky you got motivated to be active and diet before your little lady got "old". Because thats huge! And something I wish I'd been lucky enough to realize before lex's 18 month birthday ;)
That is so rude (not to mention WEIRD!) that people would say that? Everyone is different and some people have to work harder than others to get the weight off. But to say these things without even knowing anything about you? Weird...
Good for you that you work out this hard! Your husband and your baby will benefit of all your hard work and you yourself will too!!
I'm not too sure about my own baby weight but you did encourage me to work hard :) Thanks!!!
I think you're amazing for working so hard to be fit! I didn't lose my weight for a while, then breastfeeding helped after a few months, then after 13 months of breastfeeding, I stopped and gained weight so I started to work out a few times a week. Totally going to work out more from now on! About the girls who lose the weight without trying? Good for them. The only thing I don't like is when they plaster the internet of their stomachs to brag about it. That makes me mad because it makes others feel bad. Same with celebrities on magazines post baby. Sometimes its just too in your face and sets an unreasonable standard for mothers. I never felt like you did that though. I know you work for it so it!!
I can totally relate to this! I actually despise that our culture is so focused on weight. After I had Kaya, I "bounced back" pretty quickly, but it was because I WORKED for it by running throughout my whole pregnancy (even on the day I went into labor). People thought I was lucky or had some kind of magic secret... But it was just dedication and hard work. So many more people could enjoy those benefits of exercise too with a little effort!
And about nursing/weight... I'm still nursing, but only 2-3 times a day, and I noticed that once we cut back, my appetite went waaaay down (as did my sweet tooth)! I thought it'd be hard to cut back on how much I was eating, but it's just kind of happening naturally :)
Thanks for sharing!!! I look at you sometimes and wish I was that skinny again and then I think about how many times I see you have gone hiking, etc and realize that I am REALLY lazy! I just might be inspired!!
You look phenomenal post-baby and its clear that you've worked very hard to look that way. Good for you lady!!
I voted for Mia again...:O) by the way .you look great girl. Have you even thought of buying a treadmill for your house. I went to his place here in Az. they sell newly used exercise equipment.those places have alot of nice equipment. Its hard going to the gym. I know girlie.but you look great. Wish I looked skinny like you .lol
I really needed to hear this today. My motivation to exercise has been lacking this week. It takes lots of consistent effort to be fit and strong, but it is totally worth it. You look amazing! And though it will probably be harder to look this good after each baby, it is not impossible. You/we can do it!
Also, how do you survive without the occasional sandwich for lunch?
I agree with you. We all have different builds and some lose/gain faster than others but there is no magic pill. If you are sedentary and consume more than you burn, you'll gain weight. It is the law of nature!
I look at it as a bank account. If I keep depositing large sums of money and only withdraw minimum, then my account will continue to grow. However, if I withdraw more than I consistently put in, then my account will shrink. Same goes for the body.
I think folks just don't like hearing the truth. I have always struggled with my weight but that also means that I know what works for me. When I eat well and exercise, I lose weight. So I KNOW it is not impossible. :-)
Keep up the good work momma!
You look great as you should because you worked for it. You were in shape before and they always say that is the best indicator for the shape you will be after. I've never done "girl" push ups! I've got the man push ups down put I'm pretty sure I can't do a pull up.
You look amazing!!!! Keep it up
Bah. People are so ignorant sometimes. They need to just let it be and be happy with themselves (and if they're not? Work at it, don't shame someone else because they've taken control of their lives).
And yeah, great on ya lady! You look awesome and you work hard. :) That last paragraph was pretty inspiring, thank you. :) I've been thinking pretty hard about trying this running thing (I've always been a walker, hiker and have tried to keep up with inline skating in the warmer months) - I know it'll be slow going, but it really seems worth the work for fitness. :) Thank you! :)
This is such an inspiring post. I haven't worked out for a long time before or after my daughter was born but definitely would like to get some more out of my body. I do fitness walking and yoga at the moment. Keep up, you look great! xx
www.todaymyway.com
Love it! Really people are so weird and it's soo awkward to listen to those comments especially when all you want to say is if you did what I did you could look like me too haha, is that horrible? Thanks for being my work out buddy and pushing me to stay in shape!
Love this!! You better believe I'm working out 6x a week and tryingy hardest to eat healthy and clean. It's so hard to find a balance but it takes daily planning and effort! I feel like I'm a better wife and mom for it, so to me, feeling comfortable in my own skin is totally worth the sacrifice. And I'm nervous about the nursing calories too... Eek! 20-30 oz of milk production a day to none will definitely take a toll I think!
don't let comments from other peoples' insecurities bring you down. you work hard and you deserve what you have. you look amazing. plus you are toned, which shows that you are working out, not just naturally thin. keep rockin it!
That is lucky that you work out and get results, it's not that easy for everyone. This does make you sounds snoody and I wish I wouldn't have taken time out of my day after I had just went to the gym to read it. Having people say those things to you is weird but it seems like this post is doing that same thing right back at them, i bet some feel like punching you in the face. Sounds like you think that if people don't look as good as you they must just not try or think is all luck.speaking as someone who works out hard and eats healthy and still struggles to lose weight, it's not easy and post like this are very discouraging when I'm just trying to be happy being me.
I totally get this! At one point in my life I put on a little weight and I ended up training for a marathon and running a lot and lost about 25 lbs. From that point I realized how great I felt and guess what, it takes work to maintain a healthy weight! Once I had my baby I started working out again although it's been hard, but I am determined! I still have some baby weight in my belly but I like exercising and being in shape!
Obviously I don't have a baby, but I get tired of hearing people say that you can't have your pre-baby body back after you give birth! I mean if you really want something, you can go after it! I hope I keep this mindset when the time comes, ha! But I KNOW that it CAN happen! LOVE YOU! You look great!!
I CANT BELIEVE people have said those things to you! That's outrageous! I mean, I know moms get a lot of criticism for everything baby related but I had no idea I had that to look forward too also...
You do look amazing, good for you to put in all the time and energy for that bangin' bod!
Danielle,
I can't figure out how to enable the comments so that I can reply directly under yours, but I hope you see this!
I am so sorry I've offended you! As I stated before, my genes definitely play into the shape of my body. While I won't apologize for that, I DO apologize that I've made it seem like I expect everyone to look like me. We are all made in different shapes and sizes and it is SUPPOSED to be that way! Women are beautiful no matter what! I don't know when skinny and size zero (which I am not that size) became the ideal weight/size and I'm not okay with it. My biggest fear is that my Mia will grow up with horrible self esteem and thinking she won't be beautiful unless....
My point with this post is that I work hard to maintain my health and build my strength. Something that I hope everyone takes care to do with their bodies! I DON'T look at someone (bigger OR smaller than me)and wonder what they are or aren't doing to look like that. As I said before, women are beautiful no matter their shape or size! The judging needs to stop!
I never meant to make you feel bad about yourself and for that I am so sorry! You are taking care of yourself and you are beautiful (even though I don't know who you are) and I truly hope you can be 100% comfortable in your skin!
You look MAGNIFICENT! Let's face it, to look good and stay looking good takes WORK! I'm of a "certain age" now and I still lift weights, go for power walks and eat my veggies and it shows. YES!
Thank you for coming to visit me and for leaving a comment, such a LOVELY comment! Live EXTRAORDINARILY! (I can tell you do!)
LOVE! Anita
I'm sorry you get heckled about that! I bet it's frustrating. I watch what I eat and exercise and don't lose weight. It sucks!! What makes ME mad are those people who don't exercise, eat whatever they want, and still have a bangin bod. Haha. Such is life
You look amazing and you SHOULD be proud of and get recognized for the hard work you put into being that way! :)
You are so disciplined, well done for doing so well, you look incredible! I worked out yesterday for the first time since Caleb has been walking, so it's been about two months. He was joining in with the squats, so cute! But seriously, I hate working out so I think you're amazing for working so hard x
LOVE hearing what others are doing post-baby! I've stopped nursing and I can totally tell the difference. I need to get my booty back in shape and this was great motivation!
I completely agree! I feel like telling people that I get crap from, that while they're sleeping I'm busting my butt at the gym, so to quit complaining! :)
I always love the "well, but you are a stay-at-home-mom so OF COURSE you have time to work out." HUH? It doesn't matter if you work at home, part-time or full-time outside of the home...you have to WANT to lose the weight, be healthy and make an effort. You have to make smart choices, sacrifice and work hard to do it. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!!! :D
Girl you look amazing! I think it is awesome you have been able to keep up with workouts since having Mia. I hope when I have a baby (still a few years away!) I can be as disciplined as you are. Being fit is definitely something you have to do for yourself and no one else. Great post! :)
Court.
I can't stop laughing. I know you're awesome, I know you work out and you earn your figure.
But there is a picture of me on a workout post. This is hysterical to me. Hysterical.
girl you are awesome. i get what you mean, i'm considered petite, because i'm 5'3 but petite people can be big too. in my family its genetic to get thunder thighs, pure muscle, but huge none the less. also permanent belly pooch i am prone to. i've had to learn what works for me. and i look my best when i'm working out. i've been slacking lately, but after our week of rain i'm looking forward to trying to run 5 miles a day. holla! you are so motivational!
Keep working on your fitness and totally don't apologize for being fit and putting in the hard work. I think people want to be lazy and believe that the ones that are fit are just lucky but we all know that no matter what it takes effort.
Be proud of your hard work, you look amazing and so fit.
Girl - you were reading my mind! I was JUST looking at an old photo of you with Mia thinking, "How the heck did she get a flat tummy so quickly!" I love seeing when others post about their workout routines - it's motivating knowing how much time and effort others are putting in.
I can't believe I'm up so late wow! But you look freakin amazing! Haha I do insanity and when Terrin watches me he laughs....hmm I guess I look dorky? No idea! But I love it! It actually pushes me to do it harder! Looks like you're so motivated! Send some do that my way, please!!!
Livingincolormom.com
Good for you!! You look amazing Courtney, as you always have! I would probably wake up earlier to work out if I wasn't up so late catching up on all my favorite blog reading! Ooops!!
LOL
♥Kyna
You look fantastic and good for you for working out. Ignore the blissful ignorance of others! You rock!
Go girl! You are such an inspiration!
You look awesome. I never really considered breastfeeding before, but the older I get the more I am willing to give it a shot. It does wonders for dropping that tummy weight. I didn't realize you worked out as much as you do. Obviously we have seen pictures of you hiking, but that is awesome that you work so hard for the body you have. Good for you girl!!
Love love love this post! You look amazing!
Love this post!! First off you look amazing! Secondly I hear everything you're saying and I'm trying to take baby steps back into running post baby but it's so much harder than I thought it would be- physically and finding the time with a baby! Now that it's getting so cold around here I think I'm going to have to be brave and try the gym daycare!
Hey!!! It's so nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
You look great! And good for you working at it! I wrote a post about running one time and how all too often we give credit away to something WE get credit for... we choose to work out, to run... we get the credit... and the results!
You are totally cute! So glad to have found you!
Following!
Carolyn
http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/
love this! i hate when people try and bring you down for being fit. womp.
You look great!
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