Hey Everyone!

So I have a very...I guess "touchy" subject to share with you today. Today we are talking "body after baby" The journey of getting your body back after giving birth to your beautiful little one is something that a lot of women struggle with. For me, this has been more of a mental struggle than a physical one....Let me explain.

For me, I have been a runner for many years now. It has always (and will always) be my way of exercise. I really enjoy it and for me it is a way to exercise my body and also my mind. It is my peaceful time to think and pray. 

So when I found out I was pregnant, I knew right away that I wanted to be active during my pregnancy. I was determined no matter how bad I felt that I need to get SOME kind of exercise in. 

I was very successful in this as I ran up until my 36th week of pregnancy. At week 36 the struggle was REAL and I just could not physically run anymore. My body and joints ached too much for the pounding running put on it. BUT I continued to walk until the end.

After I gave birth, I knew that I could not physically run for 6 weeks. I had read many womens stories who did run and many who did not. I decided that I would listen to my doctor and not run for the full 6 weeks.

So the minute I got the ok at my 6 week appointment to exercise, I laced up my tennis shoes and went for a run. I am starting back slow. My usual run used to be 5 miles....but now being sleep deprived, pushing a stroller along with me, and having not run in over 2 months I knew I had to start slow.

At 9 weeks out of giving birth, I am now up to 3.5 miles. I usually run 4 to 5 times a week. Honestly it is not the easiest when again you are sleep deprived, you are pushing a stroller, and I have not ran in 2 months!

As far as my weight, I am honestly extremely lucky. During my pregnancy, I gained a total of 25 pounds. Being kept active throughout my pregnancy, I only had 3 pounds to lose after giving birth. I know, I am lucky. BUT to me it is not the weight that I am concerned about, it is my muscle tone. My muscle tone after carrying him (which I was ALLL belly with this little kiddo) has really diminshed. I used to be naturally defined but now it has all become a little more...well mooshy and gooshy. So the next couple months I am adding yoga into my routine to help define my muscles. Now that it is summer, I also plan to add in some swimming at our pool as well.

As far as eating, I honestly have not changed much. I am not gluten-free or going on some crazy fad diet. I honestly just try my best to eat healthy and I allow myself everything IN MODERATION. I don't deprive myself of that cookie or those chips. I just eat things in moderation. Even when I eat healthy foods as well, I eat to fuel my body. I don't overeat until my gut is ready to burst.

So my goals are really to become more toned and lose those extra couple pounds. Along with my exercise and eating habits, breastfeeding helps...a ton! I am breastfeeding and am going to continue as long as I can with Eli. This definitely helps the weight come off!

Everyone is different and everyone has different goals. I wanted to share my experience with you all!!!

Thanks so much for visiting!