“Why are you joining a weight loss group, when you are not fat?” Yes, I actually got asked this question. And it is true that over a month ago now, I joined Slim by Summer. And yet most would say I don’t need to actually lose weight.
While that is true and I actually would like to become more fit and lose a few inches, especially around my mid section. Yes, it is no secret I gave birth to two kids in two years time with my girls being only 16 months apart. These two pregnancies back-to-back wreaked havoc on my belly.
I will be honest and tell you after having Lily, I knew I would not being having anymore babies, because with that pregnancy being high risk, I just couldn’t go through that one again. It was too much on me emotionally worrying for weeks on end, as well as not wanting to put my husband and girls through anymore worry or time away from me for doctor’s appointments or possible bed rest again.
So, I made a conscious effort to lose the extra baby weight. By last summer, I was down to almost 100lbs, which is about 5 lbs underweight for me, because not only was I working out, but I was having little people whine and say things like, “I need” or “I want”. Therefore, I would sometimes forget to eat while being so busy taking care of two babies on top of working out. Don’t get me wrong, I love food and have no issue eating if you remind me to or put it in front of me, but I truly just was so busy that I would feed the kids and then they would be onto the next thing they needed or wanted. So, I was actually told that I needed to put on weight at my last checkup.
Well, Hurricane Sandy and the winter did just that and I gained almost 10 lbs in the blink of an eye. Now, I am about 5 lbs over weight versus underweight. While not necessarily being a bad thing and believe me I know this really isn’t terrible in the grand scheme of things, I still would like to firm up a bit again, because I got lax and also had stopped working out.
In reality, I didn’t join Slim by the Summer to lose a massive amount of weight. If I could lose even 2-3 lbs in the end, that would be fine by me, but I honestly would like to lose a few inches. I know my tummy will probably never be as firm or tight as it once was before my two pregnancies and that is also fine by me, but just to be able to have it a little less flabby and slightly more firm would be a nice welcome. I have heard another blogger once refer to this parting gift from pregnancy as “A Mother’s Apron”. Well I feel I have a bit of that going on, as well as my thighs were actually beginning to spread again. So, these are the areas I would like to work on.
My routine consists of using the stationary bike daily between 20-30 minutes a day and doing a few sit-ups as well. It isn’t much, but just enough at this point (or least this seems to be the perfect amount of time that my kids stay occupied for before all hell may break loose). Kevin also recently hooked back up my Wii in our bedroom and would like to start using that, as well. I also got back into using MyFitness Pal to track my eating patterns helping me remember to indeed eat my three meals and snacks, as well as my workouts.
I am truly trying, but little things like the dreaded PMS, snacks and eating on the go has sometimes been obstacles for me, but again I am just trying my best, so I can hopefully look good for swimsuit season now, because who doesn’t want to look their best for that.
And if you are too are looking to lose weight, tone up or both, please don’t forget that you can still join us at Slim by the Summer.
In other news, I am also featured and guest posting today over at my good friend Meredith’s blog, The Mom of the Year, about what it is like to be The Mom of The Year, please check it out here:
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Blond Duck says
Popped in from SITS! Good luck on your goal!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you so very much Blond Duck on both counts!! 🙂
Dani Ryan says
Like you, I'm more interested in toning as opposed to losing, but my recent gym adventures have made me gain 5 lbs. So that's pretty demotivating!!! I'm off to read your post on Meredith's site now!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dani and am heading back over to Meredith's in a few myself. I keep fluctuating too and it is those 5lbs that have got me at this point and make my toning up that much harder if that makes sense.
Michelle G says
You know what Janine, I'm a heck of a lot overweight, I'm talking stones and stones. Two years ago I lost four stone and I've put about 2 of it back on. I used to (note – used to) get cross with women I perceived as slim or skinny, complaining (as I perceived it lol) about their perfect bodies (as I saw them), when I had half my body weight to lose and I would have killed for their bodies. Until a very straight to the point friend pointed out that, yes, she may have only had three or four pounds to lose. But I was able to lose two stone in the time she was still struggling trying to lose her few pounds. She ate so healthily and walked daily, there wasn't really any scope for cutting anything out of her diet. Three or four pounds isn't here nor there to me, it's a week's weight loss, but for someone as small as her it could make a difference between getting into her clothes or not. It taught me that everyone – no matter what size – has hang ups about their body, and that I shouldn't be so quick to judge those I perceive as perfect, they might not feel that way about themselves. Good luck with your toning up, and if anyone (like my past self!) comments that you don't need it, tell them to jog on 🙂
Oh, and I don't know what you'd call my gut after four kids, definitely not an apron… >.< lol!
Janine Huldie says
Michelle, Thank you for sharing this here and let me tell you I feel bad complaining, because I am still petite and slender, but like you said there are just parts that I guess we are never truly satisfied with. And I was hoping when I wrote this that others wouldn't think what is wrong with her complaining when she isn't really overweight. So seriously thank you for not judging me here 🙂
Michelle G says
You shouldn't feel bad, we're only human and whether we're 7 stone or 17 stone, if we're not happy, then we're not happy. Thinking back to when I was slim, I had body issues then too, only they were different to what they are now. Nobody should judge anyone at the end of the day, for anything. Gosh, this is all very mature of me, am I an adult now? I think this calls for a bottle of wine to celebrate 😉
Janine Huldie says
Thanks again Michelle and may have to share that bottle of wine with you someday!! 🙂
Noor Unnahar says
Good luck for your goal lovely 😉
Noor @ Noor's Place
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks a ton Noor!! 🙂
Bill says
Determination….willingness….commitment….you have all three and I have no doubt you will succeed at your goal.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you for saying that Bill and I am trying!! 🙂
erintheirishmama says
I was always petite growing up – until I had the boys. Now I struggle with weight. I know my goal weight is very tiny for some but for me it's where I used to be and where I hope to be again some day. I am still petite but now I have some extra junk in the trunk that I want to get rid of. Plus I want to be healthy again!!!!!! You are doing great! You are committed and I know you read my WW posts… so you know it's always back and forth… never easy
Janine Huldie says
I do very much read and relate to your WW posts on Tuesdays. I am will you on the back and forth. Because of it I feel like yo-yo many days. And you know about weekend baking. In the end, I just tried my best, but trust me a few Peeps of course found there way to me! That said I am glad to not be alone and thanks for being a great friend!! 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
Pregnancy will make your body SO different. I am so glad that I went through it though because it gave me more motivation to get into better shape after Reagan was born!
For me …I'll take the inches and the feel of my clothes over the scale's number. What is a number anyway? Exactly!
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
So true Lanaya and same here. I just want my clothes to fit comfortably and what is in a number anyways!! Yes, I couldn't agree more with you as you can tell xoxo 🙂
Stacy Harris says
I go back and forth on my lifestyle changes. I was really into it again for about a week and then life kind of took over again. I need to get back into it. It is sad when you can start feeling your muscles going flabby! Good luck to you. There is nothing wrong with wanting to workout just to firm up. And there is nothing wrong with making healthy choices, regarless of your size!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stacy and am with you that I don't like starting to feel flabby if I don't have to, but it isn't always easy and can be quite time consuming with being a mother and now you can totally relate!!
Ruchira says
I like your persistence, Janine.
Gotta keep those muscles firm by exercising is my mantra these days. Constant typing has made my left arm go haywire. I try to walk 20 minutes a day.
Good luck with your regime!
Voted for ya!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks as always Ruchira and I am trying, but believe me I have my setbacks daily. I love those sweets and tomorrow's post will make sense as to what got a bit in my way this past weekend alone!!
Janine Huldie says
Oh so true Amy and I finally have gotten myself back into a routine too. I try to get about 30 minutes daily and even got a bit more than that every so often when I have a few extra minutes to spare. But it does feel good and for that alone it is so worth it!! 🙂
Emily says
I'm with you on those few pounds and inches on the belly…someone once told me that I'd be fighting to lose those last 5 pounds for the rest of my life, and so far, they are right. I always joke and say, "I am one stomach virus away from my goal weight." Anyway, sounds like you're on the right track with the exercise routines. I try to get to the gym or play tennis during the week and it feels good to burn calories, even if my clothes still fit the same.
Janine Huldie says
I know it is always those pesky 5 pounds and seriously I am still trying so hard to firm up a belly that was stretched twice over after two back-toback pregnancies. So, somedays I feel I am fighting a losing battle!! Thanks Emily and so glad to see you back. Hope you had a good trip!! 🙂
Meredith says
Janine! Go you on starting this new routine and I hope it goes well for you–I think it's great that you are doing something. Thanks so much for your lovely post over at my site today!
Janine Huldie says
Meredith, I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful opportunity to guest post today. Just know how much I appreciate it and how I am truly so happy to call you my friend!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Terrye and have no doubt you too will do it!! 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Clark and you said a mouthful about weight loss sometimes can be so very resistant.
Cyndi says
You are so petite but it's a great idea to get in some workout time and stay healthy. 🙂 Good for your for doing this and you're inspiring others! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so very much Cyndi and I do hope that I will be able to help and/or inspire others. The group is still open to join for anyone still interested 🙂
Paulina Dombrowski says
I am so glad you joined this. I have 70 pounds I need to loose. And I know I will not have that all gone by summer since that will not be healthy at all. But would love to be half way there. Also love how we talked about the same thing today.
Janine Huldie says
Paulina, I know when I read your post I was so enjoying that you shared similar and again your tips were truly helpful!! See you joined Slim by the Summer and so happy you did!! 🙂
Paulina Dombrowski says
I did. I am super excited too. Want to loose the weight so very badly. And I'm glad you liked my tips. Next week, I am going to do a Zumba type thing cause I just found a gym that does it in the area.
Janine Huldie says
Zumba always sounded intriguing to me, but I have to be careful, because during my second pregnancy I gained the lovely condition of sciatica and now go to a chiropractor once a week for adjustments. But seriously I hear that it can burn a ton of calories 🙂
Amy Perdew says
Goodness gracious, I know all about the pregnancy weight and added stress of storms. I gained lots of weight during #1 and had gestational diabetes and other things and then when she was a month old we lost everything and was uprooted because of Hurricane Katrina. We left after a week of struggling in the state I grew up and haven't moved back. 2nd baby never lost the weight and had back issues so having a 11 pound and 12.5 pound baby contributed to having the never be the same mid section. Pregnancy apron seems very appropriate.
Janine Huldie says
Oh wow Amy, I am so sorry that you went through that all with Hurricane Katrina. We really were lucky with Sandy, but if we had only lived about 5 minutes south, could have truly lost it all. I think about that even now while watching so much of the rebuilding. As for the back, I am so sorry you have gone through that one, too. I could deal with a lot of pain, but the back and sciatic is truly painful and now know this first hand unfortunately. Thanks so very much for sharing here!!
Kat Biggie says
Great post Janine! I thinknit is important to feel good and fit and exercise is good for everyone! You are also setting a great example for your girls! Congrats on amom of year guest post! On my way!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks a ton as always Alexa and I am trying, but you know I am so not perfect and have my moments just like everyone else with eating and snacking, but I am trying!!
Rachel Demas says
I totally relate to feeling not fat but also not fit! And with the fact that it's due to pregnancy/caring for a baby. I just threw out my back for the very first time ever and I KNOW it's because I'm not in good shape. Good luck with it!
Janine Huldie says
Rachel, I truly know I am not alone and know it is a post-pregnancy thing. As for the back, I am very sorry you have gone through this too, because as I said I know just how painful throwing your back out can be. I still go to my chiropractor weekly for adjustments and maintenance now, because I constantly fear going through that again and hope not to anytime soon!!
Stephanie Sprenger says
I am right there with you! Sometimes just a matter of five pounds is all you need, and such a small amount can be hard to achieve! I am making lots of excuses not to put the effort into my personal five pounds, and it's about time for me to face the music! Good luck to you, and good job on having such a great attitude. Can't wait to check out your post at Mom of the Year now!
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Stephanie and it si just so true about those five pounds. They seem to make it or break it as far as clothes fitting!!
Nellie says
Its great that you want to lose some inches and be swimsuit ready! Don't forget there is also the benefits of being heart healthy. 🙂 Good luck!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Nellie and I will try to remember that!! 🙂
Melanie Chisnall says
My friend you're doing great! And don't worry about what other people say. I also get asked why I need to exercise or eat healthy because I'm thin, but that's not the point. No one sees me in my bikini. I've had cellulite and always will have flabby bits. That's not the point either. I want to FEEL fit and healthy. I want to feel good, be in a good mood – that's what exercise does. It gives off all those good endorphins. So, forget about what people are saying – most don't know what they're talking about, and just keep doing whatever feels good for you! I wish I had a stationery bike at home, that sounds like fun! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Melanie and glad it isn't just me. I love the stationary bike and always feel so much more energized after getting to do a bit on it, too!! 🙂
April says
A Mother's Apron? That's awful. That's the part that I hate the most about having children. And sadly, losing weight actually makes it worse because the "apron" sags more. Uh!
Janine Huldie says
Oh so true April and I swear baring a tummy tuck, I am sure I will have some form of this for the rest of my life now!!