Tips for getting your pre-baby body back (but better)

So, when I found out I was pregnant, I was freaking out about getting my pre-baby body back. I was always worried that I wouldn't be able to bounce back and would look pregnant forever. I was constantly checking my weight, terrified of putting on more than the so-called average you find online. But looking back, I realize I shouldn't have been so obsessed with it. Our bodies are built to have babies and then get back to normal eventually.

During my pregnancy, I put on around 28-32 pounds. I managed to stick to working out 3-4 times a week until the big day. I tried to eat healthily, especially from Monday to Thursday (haha). I tried not to overdo it, except in the last month when I was just starving all the time. After Sydney was born, I was worried about losing the baby weight, especially because I couldn't exercise for 6 weeks. Surprisingly, the first 20 pounds just vanished on their own in the first 3-4 weeks after giving birth, so I had to work on losing the last 10-12 pounds myself--this was hard. Besides losing weight, toning up was important to me because I felt all flabby, which I'm sure many moms can relate to. At first, I had no clue how I'd find time to work out or do anything with a newborn, but I took it one day at a time and asked for help to watch Sydney while I squeezed in a workout.

I can't stress enough how important it is to be patient and kind to yourself! Just like it takes more than nine months to grow a baby, it's totally normal for the postpartum journey back to your pre-baby body to take months. It took me about 9 months to a year after Sydney's birth to start feeling and looking like myself again. This was my experience and what worked for me, and I hope it can give you some direction or motivation!

Weight training

I went back to the gym as soon as I was cleared to be active again at the 6-week postpartum appointment. I took it slow at first and went to Sweat440 2-3 times per week. I did very low weight and had zero core strength, so I could not do most of the ab workouts. But I tried to be consistent and I slowly gained strength. Eventually, I knew a needed a more intense workout that was tailored to me and focused on the areas of my body that were hanging on to most of the baby weight. I basically needed babysitting and someone telling me what to do, how much weight to do, and just starring at me to ensure I did the workout. I am not one of those self motivated people that can just push themselves at the gym lol. So, about 3-4 months later, I started a personal training gym, Iron Babe Fitness. I still go there today. I try to go 3-4 times a week. Some weeks I only make it once or twice and others I make it four or more times. But I have always remained consistent and never stopped going for weeks unless I am on vacation. The pounds did not disappear overnight, but they did slowly and then I started to tone. The trainers push me to do heavier weights and challange me even when I don't want to be there. They say I talk most of the time, but I still get the workout done lol. The point is that you do not need to be a hero and kill yourself everyday--consistency is more important (imo).

Eat (generally) healthy

I am no nutritionist. But I try to eat healthy at least Monday through Thursday. I try to avoid eating at restaurants during the week. This is difficult because Alex loves going out to eat, so there are many times that I have to stay behind to avoid messing up during the week. I try my best to eat protein with vegetables during the week--basically ground turkey, chicken, or meatballs with salad. I do eat rice somedays but I try to control the portion. One thing that has really helped in this category is that I do not buy anything that I know I will overeat. For example, I never buy cookies or chips because I know I will eat them all in a week.

Walk / spend time outdoors

This is actually an easy one. I have never spent more time walking outside than after Sydney was born. Babies, toddlers, and kids in general love spending time outside and it is so good for them. When Sydney was a baby, I would stroll her around the neighborhood to get fresh air and sunlight exposure. Now that she is a toddler, we walk outside everyday because she loves exploring, saying bye to airplanes, throwing rocks, and just running around. This unintentionally keeps me active and burning calories without actually working out.

Rest

This is a hard one. Resting with a baby is not easy at all. You are always doing something for them--there is barely time off. What has helped me here is sticking to a strict and predictable bedtime routine. This way I can manage how much time both Sydney and I sleep. I slept trained Sydney starting at 6 months. This truly saved my life and has been the sole reason I can actually rest. Currently, Sydney goes to bed in her room between 6:30-7:30 p.m. and wakes up between 6:00-7:00 a.m. the next morning. This gives me alone time to wind down at night and relax. Because I know she wakes up early, I try to go to fall asleep no later than 10:00 p.m. to ensure I get my 8 hours of sleep each night.