March 18, 2011

Finally (you are thinking) an update on losing the baby weight! Yes! I was so excited to show you my before and new photo for March and tell you about my success thus far.

I started this journey with you back in January weighing in at 170 lbs. I am now at 156. Total inches lost since January: 7.5 inches! I've also lost 2% of my body fat. WOO HOO! My measurements were:

Waist: 34 (now 31.5) lost 2.5 inches

Hips: 38 (now 36) lost 2 inches

Thighs: 23 (now 21) lost 2 inches

Biceps: 13 (now 12) lost 1 inch

I am back in my size 28 jeans (that alone is enough to make me feel a sense of accomplishment).

Here's what I'm doing to see these results:

1. Journaling my weight, exercise and food intake (including calories) everyday

2. Making healthy food choices (see Archives for some great sample meal ideas)

3. Working out 4-5 days per week (spin classes, walking 4.5 miles, weights and yoga)

4. Keeping a positive outlook, reducing stress and taking care of myself

I used to exercise and diet for an event, a season or a specific reason. I've stopped that insanity! That will only result in failure and gaining the weight back. I now eat and exercise as a part of my healthy lifestyle. It's infinite -- I won't be stopping. I am not denying myself foods I enjoy to eat and I've found that exercise is my best friend -- it makes me feel good about myself, I smile back at my image in the mirror now and after exercise I feel calm and happy.

The key to success with exercise is finding something you really enjoy and also changing up your routine so you don't get bored. I have three days of the week I devote to spin classes because I really enjoy it as well as my 4.5 mile walks with the baby in the great outdoors. The yoga makes me calm and keeps me flexible and strong. The weights change things up in between.

Please email me your success stories at info@thebabytimes.com. I would love to tell your story here for other moms as well! Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy this lovely weather.