How can it be that I weigh the same as before I had Zachary, yet I don't fit into my pants? The weight has adjusted itself throughout my stomach. So I've been using the Ab Diet book which is supposed to help me gain muscle in place of fat. It's sort of been working, except for these reasons:
1. I'm breastfeeding
2. Breastfeeding makes me hungry all the time
3. I'm working out 4-5 times a week
4. Working out makes me hungry all the time
5. I end up eating more because of #1 and #3 (it's healthier foods than I used to though)
6. I get more tired because of #1 and #3 and because I'm taking care of 2 kids all day
So maybe I should stop working out and breastfeeding and then I finally won't be so hungry?! Taking care of kids is a workout in itself. Or just stop obsessing about it and get on with life? I hate how I have this image of how I want to look and yet I never get there, and yet when I was in high school and I looked great, I didn't believe it either. That's one of my trials in life, as I mentioned here. I'm still working on it.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ramblings
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7 comments:
I would say not to stop exercising or breastfeeding. Although you may not be recognizing it right now, they are both doing much good.
One question...did you get stretch marks when you were pregnant? If so, it may be extra skin on your tummy and not fat. My sister recently pointed that out on my body. Even though it means I won't have a flat tummy (until after I get a tummy tuck ;)), it was somewhat of a relief to realize it wasn't all fat.
It's interesting...we all have to come to a place of self-acceptance and be happy (or mostly so) with our bodies the way they are. As women, I think that's a life-long process. I bet you really do look great, though.
First of all, I think you look great!
Second, I too have lost all of the weight, but don't fit the same into my pants. Pushing a baby out changes the way your hips were before you had the baby, and unfortunately, they can't go back.
Don't think that if you stop nursing you won't eat as much. After I had Kimball, I lost all the baby weight in 6 six weeks. I stopped nursing him when he was 2 months old, but I continued to eat as if I was nursing him. I ended up gaining back 10 more pounds. I then got pregnant with Sammy. I started that pregnancy 15 pounds heavier than my first. After Sammy was born it took me a year and a half to get back down to my normal weight.
My point is, don't stop working out and only stop nursing if you're sure that's what you want to do. And most importantly don't stress about your weight and your pants size. If you don't fit into your old clothes, just tell Doug that you have to go shopping for clothes that fit you. As long as you're being healthy, you'll feel better.
That was a really long comment, but I hope it helped. BTW, one of my favorite health books is You: The Owner's Manual by Dr. Oz. It's great! It really puts healthy living into perspective and it's fun to read. It explains how your body works, and it just makes sense.
Good luck! You're doing great.
You look great! And remember after having kids your body really will never be the same! Eat healthy and work out and concentrate on being happy for how you look and feel now!
I think you look fantastic for having 2 kids...in reality you don't even look like you've had any kids. :) I don't have kids yet, and struggle with loosing weight. I hate working out, and when working out doesn't bring results... it makes me hate it more. O the joy!
Oh how I hear you. I am the same weight as before I had Ellis and I can't wear anything...as for breastfeeding...I don't loose weight until I am FINISHED...I nursed Kennedy for a year and it's wasn't until I quit nursing her I dropped that last 7 pounds. Hopefully I can drop some more weight when I am done breastfeeding Ellis, but that is months away so I am trying to just make "smarter" choices when it comes to my food and just stop thinking about it. You look great, by the way!
Amen to all the above statements. And since I'm a health buff, I'll add the following sentiments mostly just because I really like talking about it: There are way more benefits to breastfeeding and exercising than just weight loss. Increase in energy for you and best nutrition for the baby are just two. I promise stopping both will just add weight, not take it off.
A lot times when we feel hungry, its because we are dehydrated. Staying hydrated will give you more energy and make you feel fuller. One thing that I think really helped me lose the baby weight from Ana was carrying around a jug of ice water all day. Eat lots of whole grains and protein (milk, nuts, cheese, lean meats) and they will also make you feel fuller longer.
Also, I think all women struggle with body image. There is always something I can find with myself to complain about. I guess thats just a trial of life. You just do the best you can and try to stop dwelling on it. Besides, Doug thinks your beautiful! :)
Thanks guys. Sometimes I just need to hear other's encouragement. I love being a mom as well as breastfeeding and working out. I never thought of this until Amanda's comment--I had a C-section with Aubrey and didn't even push at all, so my hips seemed the same. They seem bigger now, and I never connected that with having vaginal delivery.
Doug mentioned to me the scripture where the Lord "engraveth thee on the palms of His hands." He compared it to how I have changed because of having children, and said "Maybe it's supposed to be a reminder to you that you helped create two children. Just as the Lord never forgets us, we (hopefully) will never forget our children... I am so thankful for the opportunity to raise children with the gospel.
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