5 in 4
Post partum is probably the hardest weight to lose. Aside from giving birth to a 3 point something human, many might think that half of the weight is supposed to be lost right after birth.
Well, that is just a myth.
The real truth is that new moms keep more than half the weight gained from pregnancy. These includes excess water weight, breast milk and fats gained throughout the 9 month journey. Keeping fit and healthy have always been my weakest pursuit while I was pregnant with both my kids. I gave in to too many excuses to eat whatever I want and procrastinated on exercise.
Thank god, the first pregnancy made me learn my lesson, so while I was carrying my second child, I am more diligent and careful in how I live my lifestyle. It is not as difficult as it seemed, many think that just because you are pregnant, you can eat and indulge in anything you want. It is all about balance. And many think that exercising during pregnancy is impossible. Truth is, I have seen so many fit and pregnant moms on social media that had gotten me all inspired. And, it is possible to exercise while carrying a ball shaped bump of human with you. It all depends on your strength and what kind of exercise fits you. You have to follow your own pace and listen to your body as much as possible. So, all in all, I had a balanced and well planned pregnancy.
Well, that is just a myth.
The real truth is that new moms keep more than half the weight gained from pregnancy. These includes excess water weight, breast milk and fats gained throughout the 9 month journey. Keeping fit and healthy have always been my weakest pursuit while I was pregnant with both my kids. I gave in to too many excuses to eat whatever I want and procrastinated on exercise.
Thank god, the first pregnancy made me learn my lesson, so while I was carrying my second child, I am more diligent and careful in how I live my lifestyle. It is not as difficult as it seemed, many think that just because you are pregnant, you can eat and indulge in anything you want. It is all about balance. And many think that exercising during pregnancy is impossible. Truth is, I have seen so many fit and pregnant moms on social media that had gotten me all inspired. And, it is possible to exercise while carrying a ball shaped bump of human with you. It all depends on your strength and what kind of exercise fits you. You have to follow your own pace and listen to your body as much as possible. So, all in all, I had a balanced and well planned pregnancy.
Or so I thought..
In February 2017, after almost 6 months post partum, I made a resolution that I will attempt to start on my weight loss actively. I admit that I was lazy and gave breastfeeding as an excuse not to lose weight. I confided in my husband who was a fitness enthusiast as well. The first thing he advised was to adjust my diet. 70 percent of weight loss depends on diet while 30 is on exercise.
In February 2017, after almost 6 months post partum, I made a resolution that I will attempt to start on my weight loss actively. I admit that I was lazy and gave breastfeeding as an excuse not to lose weight. I confided in my husband who was a fitness enthusiast as well. The first thing he advised was to adjust my diet. 70 percent of weight loss depends on diet while 30 is on exercise.
Therefore, I took 5 steps to perfecting my diet.
1. Replacing unhealthy carbohydrates. This includes white rice, bread(all kinds), biscuits and anything starchy. This is replaced by brown rice, peas, couscous, whole meal pasta and etc. The list continues, but this proportion is controlled by a palm size each time. And only for lunch.
I would allow myself to have white rice(palm sized portion as well) if I have to, on weekends.
2. Depleting sugar slowly out of my diet. I make sure I take out sugar off my drinks and replace them with sugarless options. I am naturally a sweet tooth so desserts are my life. I replaced them with dried fruits and nuts or dark chocolate just to satiate my cravings for the day.
3. Prep my own meals. I will make a point to prepare and cook my own food so that I can control the salt and sugar I put in my food. I used spices and fresh ingredients in my meals and avoid using salt at all costs.
4. Water is my best friend. I vouched to drink more than 10 cups or at least 3 litres a day. Water not only keeps you hydrated, it keeps you full, makes your skin look and feel better, it also makes you feel lighter.
2. Depleting sugar slowly out of my diet. I make sure I take out sugar off my drinks and replace them with sugarless options. I am naturally a sweet tooth so desserts are my life. I replaced them with dried fruits and nuts or dark chocolate just to satiate my cravings for the day.
3. Prep my own meals. I will make a point to prepare and cook my own food so that I can control the salt and sugar I put in my food. I used spices and fresh ingredients in my meals and avoid using salt at all costs.
4. Water is my best friend. I vouched to drink more than 10 cups or at least 3 litres a day. Water not only keeps you hydrated, it keeps you full, makes your skin look and feel better, it also makes you feel lighter.
5. Take more fibre. An efficient digestive system is caused by fibre and water. Therefore, I took more fibrous food like pineapple, oats to keep my digestion on track.
As you can see, I still take dairy, I still take my meats and my fats, I only avoid buying instant Food off the rack. And I gave myself the weekends to cheat. Even when I eat out, I will choose healthier options.
Alhamdullilah, after 4 months, I've lost 5kg. Of course, I did cardio almost everyday. For about an hour or two. Intense HIIT cardio.
So, to anyone who inspires to lose weight. Determination and discipline is all you need. I call it double d's. If I can do it, so can anyone of you.
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