A Weighty Issue

When I was pregnant with Punky everyone loved telling me how if I breastfed then the baby weight would just fall right off. So here I was, a new Mum, thinking I could eat whatever I wanted and go for a walk every now and then and I'd be back to my pre-pregnancy weight no worries. Like breast feeding was some magic weightloss pill.

It was not! I didn't put on any weight, but I didn't lose any either.

After giving birth to Punky I lost 10kgs just about overnight. Sadly, after having Zee I only lost 5kgs. And considering she was a bigger baby and I lost quite a bit of blood too, well, to be frank, I've felt a little ripped off!

But this time I am determined to learn from my experience after Punky and I am trying to make the extra-calorie-burning of early breast feeding work for me this time. I have been controlling my portion sizes and eating as healthy as possible.

Portion size is one of the biggest issues for me as I have gotten very used to eating the same portions as Dave, a man who goes to the gym 5 days a week! So we've been making a concious effort to make my portions smaller than his and to eat more healthy food instead.

I have eaten more salad and salad wraps in the last two weeks then half my adult life I think. The thing that has made it easy is that I am doing it the cheats way and buying ready-made salad kits and just not using the dressing (my fave is the crunchy noodle salad kit coz I don't mind all the salad stuff in it, cabbage, carrot, celery, Spanish onion, and I just throw out the dressing that comes with it). I then add some pre-packaged spinach leaves and some balsamic vinegar and that is my salad made. I've also been grabbing a BBQ chook and adding some chicken to it as we'll to get my protein. Plus a BBQ chook is so much easier to grab then cooking my own meat! I've also discovered a taste for pumpkin so when I've made pumpkin "chips" for Punky I've been doing a few extra for myself as well.

Walking with Zee in the Ergo... that thing is actually really good back support for my walking!

Coles have also started doing ready-made roast beef the same way they do BBQ chooks and I've been grabbing those too. It's a total lazy way of doing things and works well as I don't have much time to stand around cooking when the toddler is whinging and the baby is crying. It's something that I can throw together super-fast once I've managed to get them both asleep and I'm starving. I've then been using the same stuff for my lunches, but putting it all together on a wrap.

I've also bought some more smoothie powder from Lose Baby Weight.com and I have been adding it to a glass of milk and having as a snack. It's fast, easy, nutritionally balanced and more filling than a muesli bar! And in case you're wondering, this is not a sponsored post for any of the brands I have mentioned thus far, I'm just telling you what I've been using.

The biggest challenge is exercising, some days it's just too hard to get out of the house with the two of them to go for a walk. And let's face it, unless Punky agrees to sit in the pram (unlikely) or be pushed on her trike, going for a walk with a toddler doesn't really get the heart rate going when you're stopping to look at every blade of grass and talk about everything you see!

Dave is trying to lose the weight he put on while on his month-long holidays after Zee was born... his "baby moon" weight I call it!

So I've been trying to increase my incidental walking, and when both girls are asleep I've been doing step-ups in the lounge room and other loungeroom-friendly exercise to get the heart rate going. All while watching TV! It all seems to be working because I've lost 1.5 kgs in the last 2 weeks. And I'm pretty proud of that!

Which brings my total post-birth weightloss up to 7.5kgs. I still need to lose 10 more kgs to be at the weight I was before I fell pregnant with Punky in 2011, and then another 14 kgs after that to get back in to a healthy weight range for my height, but I'm not gonna kill myself doing it. Slow and steady wins the race as they say, and it's not all about the weightloss, it's about improving my fitness too. And making sure that I reduce my risk for type-2 diabetes. Due to having had gestational diabetes my risk of developing type-2 within 10 years of pregnancy is greatly increased and I really don't want to have to contend with that. The gestational form sucked enough thank you very much!

I've set myself a goal of being able to run 2kms without stopping by the end of January, and improving on that so that I can attempt the 5km Mother's Day Classic in May next year. She doesn't know it yet, but I'm gonna hit my sister A up to go for walks and eventually runs with me on a Wednesday night after family dinner once daylight savings starts. She's gone from having never done any running a few years ago to having run half marathons and she just did the 9km run on the weekend! She's an inspiration!

My one big downfall though is snacking. So I am looking for some healthy snack ideas that I can make in bulk and keep in the freezer and cupboard for when I need a little something extra between meals but don't want to ruin my hardwork. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, feel free to post links to your own recipes or ones you've found in the comments.

Have you ever had to lose a large amount of weight? What kept you motivated? Any hints, tips and inspiration for losing the baby weight and getting fit are also much appreciated and requested!

Linking up as always on a Tuesday with Essentially Jess for IBOT!

 

 

Comments

Kylie Purtell said…
Wow! You sound so determined and driven. I really need to start exercise. I find it so hard to find the time and inclination though. I snack on nuts and make a chia/nut bar out of Sarah Wilson's book. Let me know if you want the recipe and I'll email it to you.
Kylie Purtell said…
It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Dont worry too much - you are a gorgeous lady.
Kylie Purtell said…
Wow. I didn't try to lose weight or do anything really, either time. I walked a lot, but I do that anyway. I am still on my block a day chocolate habit (at least - it's actually creeping up!) and, even though M is almost six months in, still so hungry all the freaking time. The idea of controlling portions? TERRIFYING! And running. With boobs. Also terrifying. I don't do bouncing! I HATE BOOBS.

That said, for me breastfeeding does make the weight fall off. Or maybe my body, being naturally skinny, just heads back to skinny without prodding. Don't hate me. Just thinking out loud here. I guess I haven't thought about it because I haven't had to. I do know that dropping the kgs has taken longer this time, though. I'm still carrying an extra 5 or 6 on my pre-baby weight.

Healthy snack ideas - try zucchini slice. Taste.com.au's version is great, and you can leave the bacon out if you're worried that's fattening. It's surprisingly filling, and freezes really well. I used to make big batches, and then because there's so much goodness in them, on lazy nights they serve well as dinner for the toddler too. Win-win! x
Kylie Purtell said…
I am a size 8 at any rate but when I am breastfeeding I carry an extra 5-6 kilos which will NOT shift until I wean! I currently have around 6-7kg to lose and Miss will be one in Nov! Still no sign of weaning either. Last time I breastfed, I powerwalked 5km, 4 times a week for 9 weeks and not a single kilo shifted! In fact even on the pill I will actually gain this same amount of weight! It is obviously my body's needed gain!
Breastfeeding hormonally is the same state as pregnancy. You need extra calories and body fat to provide the challenges facing your body. Sadly my clothing looks horrid so I am still moping around in maternity wear so that I can have breast access! Feeling sensational I can tell you!
Kylie Purtell said…
In 2010 I lost 30kgs with Tony Ferguson. I put a little bit on and did the Michelle Bridges Challenge. Absolutely hated it but I lose 10 kg. The weight has slowly crept back on over the last 2 years and I now have a whole extra person to lose. I know HOW to do it..I'm just stuck on the motivation part. It's 2 steps forward 2 steps back lately.



Good luck with your journey to a healthier you xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Kylie, your determination is fabulous, no doubt you'll lose it! I'm in the process of losing my baby weight (my baby being 10, I thought it was time!!!), and I'm finding Lite n Easy is working for me.
I think the biggest thing is to make sure you have breakfast.
Keep going the way you are hun, you're a star! x
Kylie Purtell said…
You are doing an awesome job being a mum of two, Kylez.

I have a ton of weight to lose. My weight is a huge issue for me as far as my sense of self is concerned. I'm sick of feeling like shit or that I'm a lesser person because I'm fat. I've started seeing a psychologist that specialises in dealing with patients eating disorders and body image issues. I've also started reading Dr Linda Bacon's book Health at Every Size. The other book I bought is by an Aussie guy, one of the founders of the Butterfly Foundation. His book "If not dieting, then what" is sitting on my shelf here in the hospital for me to have a crack at next.

I truly believe that our weight is all about our health not about our size. I know for one I am so sick of dieting and the yo yo-ing of my weight and with it my mood. Here's a few links to check out.

http://www.haescommunity.org/

http://www.ifnotdieting.com.au/cpa/htm/htm_home.asp

http://bodymatters.com.au/blog/



I'm not saying you have an eating disorder at all. All I'm suggesting is that there's a healthy way to look at our bodies, rather than the indoctrinated view that we have to be thin in order to be accepted by society.


OK, now I'm going to reread what I wrote and hope I can believe it too!


Love your work Mrs Purtell! We have to catch up when I get out of the loony bin, next time I'm heading up the Mountains via your neck of the woods.


V.
Kylie Purtell said…
Ah, the great breastfeeding weight loss lie! That one suckered me too - and after losing weight during pregnancy due to HG and spending nine months living on smoothies and ice cubes, my body thought it was in starvation mode and started trying to store everything it could. So 15 months on I'm heavier than I was when I gave birth, and I need to do something about that :/
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks for some of the ideas in here re salad wraps. I also get the ready cooked chooks from Coles as when A is away, I really can't be bothered cooking for K (who is hardly there) and myself. With them both going away i know I won't cook for one !!!
I have joined a gym which I hope to make the most of especially when they are away and I have nobody at home in the evenings.
Your short term goal of running 2km and then increasing your distance is a good one.
I have more weight to lose than I care to think about - I have lost about 7kgs but still have at least another 25 to go to get to my ideal weight (which is about 5kgs lower than the dietician) and I am just trying to stay focused on what I want to achieve. I have cut back on sugar, dairy and wheat - although I do have them occasionally. I have cut out my snacking and no eating after dinner.
Wishing you EVERY success - we are all here cheering you on your journey !!!
Have the best day !
Me
Kylie Purtell said…
Healthy convenience food is not lazy, it's smart! Who's got time to prepare all that? Good luck with it all, sounds like you are on the right track. Slow and steady wins the race :)
Kylie Purtell said…
Go Kylez!
I found boiled eggs were a great snack cause they are high in protein but low in carbs. Those and pears are my go to. I've been trying to lose a couple of kilos the last few weeks, so I'm inspired by your commitment!
Kylie Purtell said…
Your new food routine sounds fantastic! I love those pre-packed salad kits too and the crunchy one is a hit in this house as well. It took me almost a year each time to lose my baby weight - you just made a baby! you easy on yourself xx Josefa #teamIBOT
Kylie Purtell said…
You can do it. I have been doing some exercises at home with kettle-bells. They say its a weight that uses every muscle in your body. And it's true once you try it. I have found such a difference in 2 months. I'm still eating the same. Trying not to munch on lollies as much. I have been following tutorials on youtube and also the ones my husband has. I do it only 4 times a week. Mon-Tues then Thurs-Fri.


Its just that baby belly that gets me. I hope this works out well for you Kylez
Kylie Purtell said…
I am on the hunt for a double pram as toddler speed is not good for calorie burning!! I am one of those lose weight while breast feeding people although I have stalled now and have a lovely tummy that may need physio. I have been eating really badly in the day as it is easier to grab a snack sometimes than actually make a sandwich or something healthy.
Ps there is nothing cuter than matching outfits!! I have dressed my boys in similar things from time to time!!
Kylie Purtell said…
Go you, and thank you for that meme re breastfeeding - finally!!!!
Pram walking helped me so much personally with my two xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Protein protein protein. And veges. Add lots more protein to your meals like chickpeas or tuna or eggs. And double the veges in meals. That way the starchy empty carbs are naturally lowered (rice pasta potatoes) although I'm stuck in breastfeeding frumpiness too but you have way more willpower than me. I just ate the last of the chocolate and ice cream and have decided not to buy any more. Now what to do after dinner. Hmmmm. Oh p.s. Lola wad born 4.1kg and I to only lost 5kg when she was born. Ripped off! This time I lost 10 but the last 6 won't budge.
Kylie Purtell said…
You had me until you said 2km run. Too hard basket. Hahahahaha
In all honesty I'm very impressed and I know that if anyone can do it, you can. You go girl xx
Kylie Purtell said…
great read! stopping by from #ibot
Kylie Purtell said…
move, move, and move some more. I am sure it's harder with 2 kids but the only way I lost 12kgs was by moving every day. If I didn't have personal training, I ran. Anywhere from 3-5kms, preferably minimum of 20 minutes, some days as much as 50 minutes. And I changed my snacks. I now snack on fruit and nut mix or fruit salad with fat free greek yoghurt, and that is about it! Summer is going to be a challenge, because I love my iced frappes in summer!! Just means I have to move MORE! Breast feeding for 14 months did nothing for me as far as weight loss either. xo Aroha
Kylie Purtell said…
I got back to pre-baby weight within the fortnight but I have not lost anymore. Bub has put on more than 2kgs but it sure as hell hasn't come off my arse!

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