A few weeks ago my husband walked into the room where I was sitting with our 2 month-old baby, took a look at my outfit, and said, “Babe! Back in the skinny jeans? Niiiice!” To which I replied, “If by ‘back in the skinny jeans’ you mean, ‘Babe! You went to Target today and bought really huge skinny jeans!’ Then yes. Yes I am.”
Many of you will remember that about a year ago I shared my experiences losing weight and getting fit.
I accomplished that a few years ago and successfully kept the weigh off until recently. I know there are lot of people in this world who can carry a child for 9 months and then pop back into their skinny jeans a few weeks later.
I am not one of those people.
I knew that going into my pregnancy and I was actually okay with it. I knew I would probably gain quite a bit of weight, and I did. The difference between this post-pregnancy and my 3 previous ones is that now I’m not afraid and depressed of the “after.” Right now I look a lot like I did in that “before” photo up there, but it’s not scary for me anymore because I transformed my body once and I know I can do it again. I know exactly how to do it and I have the confidence I can. Even more importantly, I honestly and truly don’t care how many pounds I have to deal with when I have this to show for it:
Not to get all cheesy, but I can’t hate my belly rolls when I look into those little blue eyes. Carrying a child inside you for almost a year is an amazing, and also rigorous thing to put your body through, so I had a tendancy to reward that body with things like ice cream and onion rings-which is now very apparent.
SO. Why am I talking about all of this again? Because when I was working to shed those pounds a few years ago, I did it very privately. And when I finally shared my story last year, the response blew me away. Hundreds of you commented, and just as many have sent me emails, Facebook messages, and Instagram comments about how that post inspired YOU. I cannot even explain how awesome it has been to read your stories and cheer you on from the other side of the computer screen. So many of you had questions and needed help, guidance, and support, and now I’m in a unique position where I’m doing it all over again- so I figured a lot of us out there could do it together!
(Let’s be clear- I’m back at the “then” in that photo!)
Kate and I would like to do a regular series here focused on health and fitness, but we want to cater it to your interests according to your feedback. Obviously our main focus here at Our Best Bites is food, so we won’t take away from that. For all of you out there who don’t give a flip about all of this health and fitness stuff, no worries. Yummy recipes are still coming, and will always be the focus around here. But we thought it would be cool to use this great community for an OBB Fit Club for the next few months. Some random ideas I had were a weekly series, group challenges, workout plans, maybe a Facebook page to chat- some cool giveaways and prizes?? We’re up for anything. I just know from experience that it helps to have a support network.
So speak up. If this is something that interests you, you MUST leave a comment on this blog post! If you’re reading this via email, click here to hop over and leave a comment. If there isn’t much interest we’ll bag it and do it on our own! We don’t know unless you leave comments and tell us. If you guys speak up and want this to happen, let us know, and tell what you’d like to see/learn/do and we’ll make it happen! Together we can crush those New Year’s Resolutions!
Yes, Yes, Yes! I need this! I love all the ideas – weekly posts, group challenges, Facebook group! I would love to hear as a busy mom exactly HOW you make time to workout and find time to make healthy meals/snacks and any time savers and tips. My first baby is almost six months old and I am still struggling to figure this out! I definitely need quick and easy ideas as baby boy likes to be held right now.
Yes! Exactly this! I’m in the same boat with my first baby being almost 7 months old! Any support and ideas from the “real world” would be so appreciated! 🙂
I’d love to be part of something like this. My babies are all grown up and I had lost the weight the good old fashioned way way back when and kept it off. Now that I am in my mid 40’s I have let about 20 lbs creep back on and it is a bear to come off. Would love some new motivation and yummy recipes to help.
I am so in. I just moved to a new town and have no support system besides my family. This would be great!
I’m in, ALL IN!!
this is a great idea! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I’m in!
sounds great to me!
I’m in!
Sounds like a great motivator, and that’s what I need.
I love the OBB fit club.
I’m in
This is going to sound super weird but this seems like a huge answer to my prayers. I need this and I can’t wait to get back to being a healthier person. You guys really are inspired.
I’d love this!
I’m in.
Sounds great … I’m in!! Bring on the ideas and inspiration!!
I’m in basically the exact same position as you. My 4th baby (all boys for me too!) is almost 3 months old and I definitely am an indulger when pregnant too. I just started working out again a couple weeks ago and have a good 25 lbs to lose and some serious muscle to gain! I’d love some support and inspiration!
I’m in the same spot too (sweet baby #4) and 25 lbs off and muscle gain to go! But also not afraid this time either. Grateful for my wee son and know what needs to be done to be fit and strong…now just to actually DO it! Would love basic, healthy recipes that don’t require too many ingredients, especially the expensive ones (on a PhD budget here :)). I’d be game for a challenge too! Thanks for all your work and positive, down-to-earth posts!
I just had a baby too so yes I’m in. Ive cut out sweets for the past week and im ready to up my game.
Baby’s coming in a few weeks and I’m already plotting my return. In!
sounds great would love to know how you did it and are going to do it again – and CUTE bubba
Oh my gosh I am SO in! I’m due Feb. 24th so it’d be nice if it were longer than a few months because I wouldn’t be able to participate much, but I could really use some support while getting in shape after this pregnancy!
I would love this! I have about 15-20 lbs of baby weight I still want to loose (like you I indulge while pregnant and have healthy chunky babies). Easy and healthy recipes would be what I would love most. Plus maybe some “at home” exercise tips would be nice!
Definitely interested!
Count me in. I would love to be a part of it.
I’m in!
Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES!!! I need some motivation! Something! My son is coming home in 4 months and I need a transformation, a fairy, something! I mostly just need a friend to help me along this journey!
Totally in
im in. Let’s crush this.
Dito, let’s do this!
Yes please. The more I am supported (and inundated) with healthy ways to get my butt in action, the more I do it!
I desperately WANT to be in… life makes me so tired though! I need easy things I can make (and do) that fit in with my regular life and food that my super picky kids might eat! Also, snack ideas that are easy. I want to be healthy AND strong!
I 100% agree with this comment. Plus I work 3+ nights a week until midnight, then get up bright and early to get my elementary age kids off to school.
I couldn’t agree more! The only excuses I have are family and work. I believe that I am my only obstacle. But I am bound and determined to make 2015 my year. With your encouragement I believe I can be another success story.
I think sometimes you just have to say, “I’m tired, and that’s just the way it is!” I found myself thinking/saying “I’m tired” a lot over the last few months and realized that I’m just going to be tired, so I might as well do something because I’ll be tired no matter what. Just a thought–hopefully taken the right way. Life is exhausting! You can do it!
I loved reading your story! Although I am personally not ready to diet and exercise it gave me encouragement to know that when I am ready there are success stories like you!
I’d love there to be some sort of group challenge! Your post did really inspire me and got me to start weight training again. I would also love some nutrition tips!