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!
Count me in! I would love more info on weight training, and any sort of giveaways or surprises to help keep me motivated. This is awesome!
I’m super-interested in this! I think your insights are right on, it is much easier to do this with support. I’d be interested in recipes (of course), but also training tips and thoughts on how to deal with the emotional side of things. Thanks!
I was just online looking for healthy new recipes and speed at your blog since it is my favorite. I would love more healthy recipes that actually Taye great like yours always do. It would even be nice to find some healthier desserts so you can occasionally get a sweet now and again. 🙂
Great idea. Sharing recipes that are nutritious and weight friendly would be great!
I would love to see any fitness related posts! Your weight loss posts last year were very inspiring to me 🙂
I love this idea! would just love some healthy dinner and lunch ideas that are realistic and something that the whole family will enjoy cause I am not making two dinners!
I love it! I’m in!
I’m in..perfect timing…looking for workout plans especially strength training
This sounds great! I think a Facebook group is a great idea along with challenges, etc. I really struggle with my willpower and resisting cravings, particularly with sweets; I would love to have a community of people to discuss that with and motivate me!
YES!!! I am on my own personal journey to “FINISH IT” (50 lbs. since April 2014- woot!) and would love the encouragement, support, and ideas!
I’m in!
I’m in !! This is a great idea !!
I’m in. I would love easy snack and meal ideas with “normal” ingredients. Also, exercise tips that I can do at home.
Yes I am in!
I’m in!
I’m in!
I am right in with you. I had lost some weight before the holidays and have been too afraid to check how much I gained back. But I am really wanting to find healthier meals for my family as well. That way we are all doing it together.
I would love this! I’m coming off a broken ankle so I don’t have a cute baby to “blame” my weight on, just an injury and would love motivation. I would enjoy a facebook group, some challenges and workout ideas (especially for busy moms) and meal plan ideas. Thanks!
I’d love this. I just had a baby 2 and a half months ago and this would help me so much.
Yes!! Would love to be a part!!
Look at all those comments, I would say there is an interest. I was intrigued at the emphasis on weight lifting, and very jealous at the great price of your gym..
Yes, I need this! My baby #3 is 8 months old and I still have weight left from baby #1! My biggest struggle is finding time to consistently workout. Early morning seems to be best, but with a baby who still gets me up at night some mornings it just doesn’t work! I would love some sort of challenge or support group.
Sounds like an amazing idea!
Sign me up! This sounds like a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what a positive difference this will make in our lives.
I’m in! I got a fitbit for Christmas and am logging food on My Fitness Pal and steps/exercise on FitBit. Definitely keep the series!!! My babies are 5, 3, and 1. It’s finally time for me to focus on MY health and MY body. Can’t wait!
I am all in after my little one gets here in April.
I LOVE the idea! I am currently involved in a 12 week ‘Biggest Loser’ Competition at work (we are on week 5) and it is pushing me. A competition doesn’t really work too well via the internet, but a Facebook group with some accountability is a great way to get started!! You guys already do a great job covering great recipes, so maybe some posts on fitness routines that can be done at home (important for those who live in climates that are currently experiencing below zero temperatures and also for those who don’t have access to a gym) would be great. I do attend regular fitness classes at a gym, but I also take note of the workouts that require no special equipment and I regularly repeat those workouts at home when I can’t make it to the gym.
I would love clean eating type recipes for families. Something that my picky kids will eat with out all the processed foods. Also, I commented on instagram about weight lifting. Some tips would be great. I went to the sites you sent me too but have yet to dive into it. Sara-Thanks so much for answering back! I’m excited to see what you guys come up with. So far I’ve been working out everyday and trying to eat clean foods. I’m hoping that will help….I’ve also looked at your new cookbook coming out and am curious as to how kid friendly the recipes are and if there are a lot of “clean eating” recipes in there also?? Or at least a lot that don’t have a lot of processed foods in them like the canned soup, etc. I really am looking into getting it. I have your other two books and love the recipes out of them. Thanks so much for all you do! 🙂
I would love to see workout routines and other fitness tips! I made your awesome baked creamy chicken taquitos tonight and it is still one of my absolute favorite recipes ever!
I’m in. I need accountability. I’m right about the weight I want to be again (post baby) but need to get healthier and more fit.