Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Thinking About The Baby Weight

As birth day approaches--less than 2 months now!--I can't stop thinking about losing the baby weight. As thrilled as I am to become a mother, and as much as I want this child, I can't help feeling as if pregnancy has completely changed my body. Weight has always been an emotional issue for me, and I think it's important for me mentally to do something about my extra padding as soon as possible.

I ordered another copy of Body for Life (both the original and the one for women) since I seemed to have misplaced my copy. I've also been researching healthy recipes that I can make ahead of time and freeze, like protein pancakes and baked oats. And I've been trying to improve my diet right now so I can get used to eating lots of veggies and fruits again.

I've even tried digging up my old bikini so I can take "before" pictures, but I can't seem to find it. I probably won't fit into it after Baby arrives, so I guess I'll order a larger one for the "before" pic. I can't wait to start exercising again!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Happy Memorial Day



Land of the free... because of the brave.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Slowing Down

Finally took a walk today!

Between the lousy weather (wind, rain, chilly) and oversleeping, I haven't walked in about 10 days! But today was beautiful, so I forced myself out of bed. It was worth it!

I have noticed, however, that I am definitely slowing down. It used to take me about 40 minutes to walk my usual route. Today it took closer to 50 minutes. I'm sure the extra 30 lbs I'm carrying has something to do with it.

And my lungs feel like they've been smushed to the size of pancakes, too.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Weather Cooperates

Because of crappy weather and scheduling issues, I haven't been getting much exercise. But today it's gorgeous outside--sunny and warm! So it's the perfect day for a walk.

Unfortunately, with Baby's due date just a little over two months away, I am pretty much overwhelmed with my "to do" list. But rather than spend the whole day doing chores and other household tasks, I'm going to promise myself a walk outside--even if it's a very short one.

My diet has improved a bit. I am making a more conscious effort to eat veggies and fruits, and I've slowed down my consumption of refined sugars. Sure... I still have a bowl of ice cream occasionally. But at least I'm not eating three or four different treats throughout the day.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Another Walk

It's starting to get hot outside, so today I was sweating during my [amble] walk. Hubby accompanied, which was nice. We spent a bit of time chatting about Baby's upcoming arrival. (Only 9 1/2 weeks to go!)

I am still obsessing about losing the baby weight after Baby arrives... and I've been polling every mom I know about it. "How long did you have your jiggly stomach?" "How long until you lost the baby weight?" Most of them tell me that it's at least 8 weeks--usually more--before they get rid of their extra tummy... and then another couple of months to actually get back to their previous size.

They do say "Nine months on... nine months off" when it comes to dropping baby weight. But I am determined to be the exception to the rule. Mostly I want to lose the weight because at this point I hope to get pregnant again in the not-so-distant future, and I really want all the weight off before we start trying to have another baby.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Healthy, Fast Meals

With Baby on the way--and thoughts of losing baby weight on my mind--I've been thinking about ways to prep healthy meals quickly after we have a newborn in the house. If all the baby books and my friends-with-kids are correct, I'll have almost no time (or energy) to cook during the first few months.

I may be able to put some of the cooking responsibility in Hubby's hands. In truth, he's actually a better cook than me. But he's more of a homestyle cooking guy... his idea of a meal is fried catfish, mashed potatoes and some lima beans. Not the worst food in the world, but definitely not conducive to weight loss.

I've been checking out the whole Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) philosophy. It basically means spending a 24-48 hour period shopping, prepping and cooking enough meals to last for an entire month. These meals are then frozen and pulled out as needed. There are variations on this theme, including cutting it back to a 2-week cooking session or gradually stocking a freezer by doubling or tripling recipes whenever you cook a meal.

I've been hounding Hubby to buy a deep freeze. As soon as I get it in my house, I'm going to try the "gradual stock" method. Whenever I cook something relatively healthy that freezes well--like marinara sauce, salmon cakes, veggie soup or black beans & rice--I'm going to prep a double-batch and then freeze the extra. With any luck, by the time Baby arrives I'll have 20 or so frozen meals that will be quick and healthy during hectic days.