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!
definitely
Would love to be a participant in anything you roll out. I am very interested in meal plan information as well as workouts that can be done at home.
I’m in! I lost 35lbs a couple of yrs ago; I’m progressively gaining it back. I know what I should be doing, but haven’t gotten motivated enuff yet! So, you’ve put me on notice! 🙂
I’m in! I took a health assessment today for my health insurance plan and it told me I needed to lose at least 20 lbs. to be considered healthy. Would love to do a group thing to help stay motivated!
I’m in! You gals know how to make things fun!
Yes! Yes! Yes!! You are an inspiration to me, and I would LOVE you to do this! With all the diet plans and stuff out there, it’s refreshing to have someone with experience who is in the SAME situation as I am. I have 4 kids, with still have more babies to come. It can be frustrating to work so hard on your body, then have to start over from square one. So after two of my kids, I didn’t. You are just the positive inspiration I need!!
In!
I’d love to follow in your successful fitness footsteps!!! I’m in! Thanks!
I’m in I’m in!!!
I’m in and interested. Bring it on!!!
I’d love to do this! It’s a familiar story, and I need some support to get going again!
Thanks!
I am completely excited about this!!! Count me in. I would love to have a plan to follow. I’d love to do it along with you guys and the whole community. Thanks!!!!!!
I’m so in for this!! I’ve got about 40 pounds of baby weight to lose and that baby will be 29 this month! I am especially interested in fantastic tasting healthy foods along with some exercise tips and lots of motivation!
I could seriously use some help and support.
I’m in!
Would totally love this!! I am in!
I’m in! Just sorry to say, I don’t do facebook. Look forward to anything via e-mail though.
Trying to lose my baby weight, too!
I’m at the same point of gaining back all the weight lost with my last pregnancy & am totally up for this!!
I’m in! I personally can use help with overall planning. Planning meals; planning to work out; plan, plan, plan. Also, accountability and sharing – misery loves company, I’m told. Thanks for doing this!
Please go for it… I am so interested in all that you suggested…
I fight a yearly battle with my weight– In my Fifties…Luv to Cook and Luv to eat…
Luv to try new recipes.. n exercises..
Love your blog and Facebook page… and always read your emails…
I’m totally in! I’d love to see some healthy and family-friendly recipes that my husband and kids would be willing to try 🙂
I love this idea. We all need some motivation and support. Your previous post really inspired me.
Omg, he is soooo cute! Totally worth the weight gain. Btw I am so in, tis the season to shed some lbs. This is totally a great idea!
YES! I love this idea! I just had baby #5 in November and I desperately want to get healthy and lose weight so I can have more energy and be a better, more patient mom! Plus, I have about 30 pounds I would really like to lose before my brother’s wedding in June! I love the idea for a FB group!
Yes, I’m in. Any suggestions on meal planning, exercise, nutrition, ect would be much appreciated.
I’m in!
I AM IN!!!! I have tried for years to lose weight and know I cannot do this alone.
What a great idea! And just what I needed to get off my duff and finally get fit (again)! My baby is 3 years old now, so no more excuses. I’d love to get some ideas for quick weeknight meals that 1) don’t involve fast food, 2) don’t take all night to cook, and 3) are customizable for those picky eaters that may not be lovin on the veggies and stuff like I am. I also get stuck in a lunch rut, since I work full-time outside the home, it’s one extreme or the other. Frozen microwave meal, or take out. You are indeed such an inspiration!
I love your blog and all your yummy recipes, and I’m super excited about the challenge you are starting! I’m in for the healthy eating/exercise challenge! I am a mother of 3, and need to lose the rest of my pounds from baby #3 (who is now 3 years old). :-). I lost all my weight after kid number 2, but haven’t had the motivation to get going after #3. I’d like to lose 30 pounds. I’d love your guys help with meal planning, especially lunch. Lunch is very hard for me! I also like the idea of exercise tips. Great ideas!!!!