...and 9 months to get it off. Side note, I realize that my little bundle of joy is now 10 months but these pictures were taken last month and I am just now sharing them. I've been kind of busy ;)
Anyway. When I first learned I was pregnant, I weighed 132lbs. I gained exactly 25lbs during the pregnancy, and after I gave birth, I lost 8lbs right away. The rest slowly came off over time with my diet and exercise regimen but no matter what I did, I could not get the scale to budge past 138-140. But since I felt and looked fine, I wasn't too worried about the numbers. I figured I'd continue doing what I was doing since I was on the right track and eventually I'd get there. Breastfeeding was my first priority anyway.
But then Caleb decided to wean himself, I started Intermittent Fasting, and I upped my CrossFit and yoga workouts. Voila! Finally, those pesky, stubborn pounds started to melt off. I finally reached my pre-pregnancy weight, and am now under 129lbs. And though it's hard to tell in these pictures, I am also starting to see the same definition I had in my abs before my body became a human incubating machine. Score!
But then Caleb decided to wean himself, I started Intermittent Fasting, and I upped my CrossFit and yoga workouts. Voila! Finally, those pesky, stubborn pounds started to melt off. I finally reached my pre-pregnancy weight, and am now under 129lbs. And though it's hard to tell in these pictures, I am also starting to see the same definition I had in my abs before my body became a human incubating machine. Score!
As for the strength part of my nine month postpartum update, I'm still working on getting stronger but I did finally reach my goal of holding a post-pregnancy unassisted handstand. I'm not even leaning against the wall in this picture, yay! It seriously feels so amazing to have reached a few of my goals within my 9 month time frame!
Finally, you're probably wondering what Intermittent fasting is and why I'm all over Twitter and Instagram, and now my blog, raving about it so much. I've been getting tons of questions about it but since I'm not a "science" blog, I'm just going to provide links for further reading and then skim over my awesome experience with it so far.
To get started with Intermittent Fasting, I first read these:
1. Benefits of Intermittent fasting
4. Why does Breakfast make me hungry?
If you have the same non existent attention span as my 10 month old, let me break it down for you. In short, intermittent fasting is alternating periods of fasting (not eating) and eating as you normally would. There have been numerous studies on just how much more beneficial Intermittent Fasting is for those of us seeking to lower our fat mass, reduce our blood glucose and insulin levels, maintain our lean bodies and live longer.
There are even more benefits of intermittent fasting but the few that have stood out to me the most is that I am no longer a slave to food. I don't obsess about what I should eat, when I should eat, or if what I'm eating is something I'm going to have to pay for later. I can now go for periods of not eating without turning into the hulk and without wanting to gnaw my left arm off. I'm not starving myself as I eat just enough for my body and know when to stop. It has helped me to understand my body better and I can now control my sugar cravings (still working on my chocolate cravings though).
So how did I start? First, I started skipping my after dinner dessert. I replaced dessert with my Yogi Detox tea. It was hard to break my habit of post dinner munching while relaxing on the couch, but then I learned to stay away from the kitchen by staying in my room to read instead. I changed my nightly routine and eventually my cravings for dessert subsided.
Next, I started skipping breakfast. GASP! WHAT!? But breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Blah blah blah, we can fight this back and forth, and I'll admit that I used to be one of those hardcore breakfasts martyrs, but I've learned the error of my ways and I'm never going back. Now, I wake up and start my mornings doing a slow, steady state cardio on an empty stomach. We can argue for months about this but I'm on the old school train of thought that doing fasted slow steady state cardio is one of the fastest ways to burn fat. My preferred choice of cardio is running a slow 2.5 miles followed by a 1 mile walk with the jogging stroller. Because I did easy cardio, by the time I'm finished I feel more awake, yet I'm not starving, gasping for breath or ready to die. I do whatever else I need to do for the morning and then I'll finally eat my first meal of the day around 11am.
My first meal of the day is usually my largest. If I'm home, that meal will usually consist of 3-4 full eggs scrambled with spinach in coconut oil, a bowl of oats or quinoa, some fruit on the side and maybe an avocado for some more healthy fat. Then, I won't snack unless I ABSOLUTELY have to (which is rare now that I've figured out my cravings) until it's time for dinner.
So the basics of how I practice IF (Intermittent Fasting):
If you have the same non existent attention span as my 10 month old, let me break it down for you. In short, intermittent fasting is alternating periods of fasting (not eating) and eating as you normally would. There have been numerous studies on just how much more beneficial Intermittent Fasting is for those of us seeking to lower our fat mass, reduce our blood glucose and insulin levels, maintain our lean bodies and live longer.
There are even more benefits of intermittent fasting but the few that have stood out to me the most is that I am no longer a slave to food. I don't obsess about what I should eat, when I should eat, or if what I'm eating is something I'm going to have to pay for later. I can now go for periods of not eating without turning into the hulk and without wanting to gnaw my left arm off. I'm not starving myself as I eat just enough for my body and know when to stop. It has helped me to understand my body better and I can now control my sugar cravings (still working on my chocolate cravings though).
So how did I start? First, I started skipping my after dinner dessert. I replaced dessert with my Yogi Detox tea. It was hard to break my habit of post dinner munching while relaxing on the couch, but then I learned to stay away from the kitchen by staying in my room to read instead. I changed my nightly routine and eventually my cravings for dessert subsided.
Next, I started skipping breakfast. GASP! WHAT!? But breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Blah blah blah, we can fight this back and forth, and I'll admit that I used to be one of those hardcore breakfasts martyrs, but I've learned the error of my ways and I'm never going back. Now, I wake up and start my mornings doing a slow, steady state cardio on an empty stomach. We can argue for months about this but I'm on the old school train of thought that doing fasted slow steady state cardio is one of the fastest ways to burn fat. My preferred choice of cardio is running a slow 2.5 miles followed by a 1 mile walk with the jogging stroller. Because I did easy cardio, by the time I'm finished I feel more awake, yet I'm not starving, gasping for breath or ready to die. I do whatever else I need to do for the morning and then I'll finally eat my first meal of the day around 11am.
My first meal of the day is usually my largest. If I'm home, that meal will usually consist of 3-4 full eggs scrambled with spinach in coconut oil, a bowl of oats or quinoa, some fruit on the side and maybe an avocado for some more healthy fat. Then, I won't snack unless I ABSOLUTELY have to (which is rare now that I've figured out my cravings) until it's time for dinner.
So the basics of how I practice IF (Intermittent Fasting):
- I fast from 7pm till 11am (sometimes even longer) the next morning.
- I try to do slow, steady state cardio 3 times a week on an empty stomach. I NEVER lift weights on an empty stomach.
- I eat my largest meal in the morning but make sure it's balanced with a protein, carb, vegetable and fat. I slowly taper the rest of my snacks and meals so that dinner is my smallest meal of the day.
- I do my strength training or CrossFit in the evening. I drink a protein shake before and after.
- I fast one full day (usually a rest day) once a month where all I will do for that day is drink water, coffee or tea.
- I still eat the same amount of calories, I just don't space them out throughout the day. I'm giving my body time to burn off fat before I move on to my next meal. And I still eat clean 80-90% of the time.
In hindsight, I wish I had started practicing intermittent fasting years ago because in the short time I've been doing it, it has really changed my life. I feel better, and I even feel as if I look better as well. For the longest time I tried eating 5-6 meals a day and though I was never hungry, I was never truly happy with my body.
Now, I have an easier time maintaining my weight without having to cut out carbs, dairy, or other kinds of food deemed evil. That's not to say I go crazy eating unhealthy food, I still try to make the best choices possible. And that's another reason why I love IF, I've learned that I don't have to deprive myself of something I want to maintain my weight. I now understand that I can enjoy something in moderation and because I've programmed my body, it will take care of the rest.
I understand this lifestyle (not a diet) may not work for everybody and that's okay. I'm not here to change anyone's mind so please don't try to change mine. This is just a detail on what has worked for me and what has made me happy. What works for some, may not work for others! And that's the beauty with life, we all have the freedom to make our own choices and to own them.
Thanks for reading and I hope this has provided some more insight for anyone on the fence of trying intermittent fasting! I plan to do another, more detailed post on this soon ask away if you have any questions!
And because self portrait bloopers are ridiculous:
See ya soon!
Now, I have an easier time maintaining my weight without having to cut out carbs, dairy, or other kinds of food deemed evil. That's not to say I go crazy eating unhealthy food, I still try to make the best choices possible. And that's another reason why I love IF, I've learned that I don't have to deprive myself of something I want to maintain my weight. I now understand that I can enjoy something in moderation and because I've programmed my body, it will take care of the rest.
I understand this lifestyle (not a diet) may not work for everybody and that's okay. I'm not here to change anyone's mind so please don't try to change mine. This is just a detail on what has worked for me and what has made me happy. What works for some, may not work for others! And that's the beauty with life, we all have the freedom to make our own choices and to own them.
Thanks for reading and I hope this has provided some more insight for anyone on the fence of trying intermittent fasting! I plan to do another, more detailed post on this soon ask away if you have any questions!
And because self portrait bloopers are ridiculous:
See ya soon!
Congrats on your post baby body! You look great and your hard work certainly paid off!!! Just curious, how tall are you?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm 5'8. Why do you ask? Just curious.
Deletegah! part of me hates you a little bit for this post but also loves you because I've been toy-ing with IF but because I don't know anyone who isn't a crazy macho man or in a similar situation or does similar workouts as me following it I've kind of got it into my head that it's not right for me; especially as my friend who was following it told me I had to cycle carbs and not bother with cardio, just lift weights 3x a week. Did you worry much about your macros or change up your typical meals that much? I'm addicted to running and spin so being told I wouldn't get results with IF and classes really put me off it.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing by the way. I honestly cannot believe you've had a baby (and a gorgeous one at that!) - your body is definitely what I aspire to!
I didn't really change up my macros except I added more to my first meal in general and try to make sure I eat a fat at every meal. I also don't cycle carbs but I don't think we're trying to accomplish the same goals. I still have never tried spinning either! But I do know that a lot of the soldiers I've talked to train like CRAZY on top of doing crossfit and they do IF and have had great results. They are macho men and do IF without any problems!
DeleteAnd thank you :)
I have IF'd in the past and LOVED it. Mainly, because, I felt like Icould finally think and focus on other things in my lfie besides food. That whole 6 meals a day thing made me go crazy and obsessive.
ReplyDeleteAfter I am done breastfeeding, I am sure I will practice IF as well.
oh, and you look great, but you always have in my book.
You are one smart momma. Oh and I heart you :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAgh! Alvey I didn't mean to delete your comment! I was trying to reply to it! SO SORRY! I suck. Here's my reply though:
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! And I actually learned about IF through some of the special forces soldiers I know on Bragg so I'm always excited to hear about others here who have tried it and have had results. I'm so glad you're enjoying it now, and I especially agree with you on the mind part. It is amazing how much mind over matter plays a huge role in our lives and how we eat.
I loved reading this - IF is sort of my "natural" way of eating. I have never had an appetite in the morning, and my parents could never get me to eat breakfast growing up - my first meal of the day was at school around 11:30 or noon, whenever lunch time was. I'd eat dinner with my family at 6pm every night and that was that. I was active and in great shape. Then college happened, I put on a few pounds, and tried doing what I have THOUGHT was healthy by eating oatmeal for breakfast (even when not hungry), eating small meals and healthy snacks, etc. You're so right - you feel like a slave to food! All the planning, preparation, etc. I think cutting out snacking is a great starting place, and then seeing where it goes from there. Do you know if coffee in the morning is OK? I usually use fat-free creamer...I suppose it wouldn't have a huge effect on anything. Seriously - thank you for this!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you drink wine, etc?
DeleteSorry, I'm on my phone and it's geeking out on me so this will be quick. Yes, I drink coffee in the morning, sometimes a protein shake if I have to workout that morning, and omg yes to wine haha! Bit at night after the baby is sleeping of course ;)
DeleteAm I a creeper for noticing your tattoo on your ring finger? Is this in lieu of a ring? I have three tattoos, so I am always curious about other people's tattoos. Also, you are teeny tiny! Although I am below my pre-pregnancy weight, it does NOT look like it as far as muscle and tone, so I am banking on weaning to help me lose the last bit of belly chub.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting! First of all, you look great :) But also, I have THE HARDEST TIME losing weight. I can count calories, watch carbs, work out like a psycho, etc. to very little effect. Its funny because I pretty much started doing this on my own without knowing it was an actual thing - I felt like I just HAD to try something new because nothing else was working... but I felt so guilty about it, like I was starving myself. I'd skip breakfast, do a light lunch (soup or salad), and a good, normal dinner, so I was definitely eating. It just felt so different than the 5-mini-meal shpiel, I thought it couldn't possibly be good for me! I pretty immediately saw the numbers on the scale move though and now especially with all of this great info, will definitely stick with it! Thank you :) Looking forward to the follow up post! -L
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteDuring your fasting period, i.e. before your morning meal, do you drink coffee/tea/water? I could easily skip breakfast but I would miss my morning cup of coffee :)
You look great and I didn't know you were so tall. ;)
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Love your explanation of this. I like IF, but I'm also researching a lot into carb backloading. Have you ever tried that?
ReplyDeleteWow...you look amazing! I wish I only gained what you did. I think I gained about 50 lbs!!! UGH I guess I can really start working on losing it when I am done breastfeeding. I really don't want to overdo any exercise but I may start something soon. Just not sure what.
ReplyDeleteWhat brand of protein powder do you use? I'm looking for a tasty one!
ReplyDeleteFasting does wonders! Thanks for the post! You look fabulous girl :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining this so well. I don't think it would work for me but I get the premise behind it. I just started eating paleo and I'm enjoying being able to go longer between meals, not worrying about my blood sugar plummeting and me turning into a lunatic. Glad IF is working for you, you look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of less snacking and not being so tied to food and thinking of when to eat next. I'm sure this is probably controversial, but do you think you could have done this during pregnancy? I'm currently pregnant and have actually been snacking less and feeling better eating balanced bigger meals instead of my former mini meal style
ReplyDeletewhatever you did honey you look fab! I loved begin apart of your fit pregnancy journey and postpartum journey as well! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your food and fitness experiences! You look awesome :) Yay for the handstand!!
ReplyDeleteI had a question you probably already answered but I was still unsure about, do you fast between 7pm-11am everyday, or just on the days you do cardio?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your fitness advice. It's come in VERY handy for me on my quest to be in the best shape of my life, evah!
Your body is amazing! It definitely does not look like you have had a baby :D Intermittent Fasting is very interesting. I'm not sure I could do it! I feel like I am constantly eating/hungry haha
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! I read on IG that you are doing IF. I was just looking into it online and remembered your blog and there it is. A blog post about IF. I will try that now as well. THX so much! You look great!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great!!! Would you mind sharing some meal plans?
ReplyDeleteYou Look great!!! I will be bookmarking this post when I'm ready to actively start losing my baby weight. I gained about 30 lbs and am up about 12 lbs right now from my pre-baby weight. This post is definitely the inspiration that I needed to get started.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, you look amazing. Second, thanks for sharing this. I've been hearing more and more about intermittent fasting but wasn't sure what it entailed. It's helpful to hear how you approach it. PS outtakes are awesome.
ReplyDeletenot gonna lie, i was usually like oh shes cute, but the last couple of posts over the past few weeks, i was like shes hot. what is she doing? now i know and after baby #2 and bf'ing, im going t try this. thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! I've always thought so though.
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you on IF'ing. I sort of fell into it, too. When I was unemployed, I would wake up a little later and just have coffee in the mornings. I was never hungry, so why force myself to eat? The habit continued when I started working again. I just made sure to have enough food in me to fuel my after work workouts. I think people freak out when you say "fasting", but really, you are sleeping the majority of the time.
Now...to find time to workout! I got the eating part down now that I am no longer bf-ing :)
Thanks for sharing! One of my friends did IF, and she LOVED it too. She said that it finally allowed her to control her cravings I just had a few questions: 1) When you first started, did you notice any initial lack of energy, hunger, etc? 2) When you don't snack, do you only eat 2 meals/day? and 3) When you do a follow-up post, could you do a WIAW type thing? Thanks!! And, congratulations on getting your body back!
ReplyDeleteI am also wondering what you think about this when getting up at 6 am. Is it still possible to practice IF? I would also like to know examples of meals and snacks you eat. Thanks for sharing! You look great!
ReplyDelete