Getting back into shape after two pregnancies – Mumbod Mondays

I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t the best eater in the world during either of my pregnancies. I know you’re not supposed to eat for 2 but I probably ate for 3, or even 4, depending on the day. After I gave birth to Toby, I was back in my regular jeans after 6 days (score!) but after I gave birth to Teddy I wasn’t even back in them after 6 weeks! Ted’s 4 months now and while I can say I’m near fitting in to a pair of size 8s, I’ve still got some overhang and some post pregnancy “spread”. So I would really like to do something about it and get back into shape.

There’s no fad diet, there’s no starving myself, there’s no trying to kid myself that this isn’t going to be hard work, because I know it is. Especially for me. Lover of chocolate, crisps, biscuits and just about anything that comes close to my mouth, it’ll be hard to give it up. Despite eating almost everything from fresh, apart from a couple of things here and there, it’s the snacking that’s my downfall.

I’m not looking for a thigh gap, I’m not looking at being Victoria’s Secret thin, but I’m looking at being healthy, fit and a bit more toned – a bit more “me”. I’m probably going to have all the gear, and no idea to begin with but hey, we’ve all got to start somewhere right?

The first thing I’ve done, at the advice of my other half, is to get myself a personal trainer. Not because I don’t know how to exercise, but because I need someone to motivate me. Friends and family just don’t cut it, I need someone to rip into me, to push me and to get the best out of me. It’s not cheap at £30 an hour, but it is so worth it. I see her once a week and the rest of the time I’m on my own with a programme that she’s set for me. Fortunately, I can’t slack on that because I know she can walk into the gym at any time and see what I’m doing and secondly if I’m not making progress, I’m wasting her time and my £30! Plus she’ll know if I’ve not been working my butt off.

Secondly, my PT has given me a diet. And guess what? NO SUGAR! Yes, yes I know. I’m a 2 sugars in my tea kind of girl, so they’ve basically had to go! No porridge in the morning because I’d usually have it with ‘Golden Syrup’. Replaced by eggs, deli meats, nuts and lots of vegetables. Her idea is that this is a full lifestyle change, and to some extent it will be. However, as soon as I’m happy with my body and I’m able to maintain it, I will definitely be having treats!

Obviously, I’ve been hitting the gym. I’ve been trying to make it 3 times a week and so far for the last 3 weeks I’ve managed it. It’s just a bit more difficult now that Jamie is back at work to try and work out the time I have, but I’m determined to do it right and not slack! If I’ve not been doing my programme, then I’ve been going to classes because you can’t put little effort into them knowing an instructor, and everyone else in the class, is kind of watching you!

The last thing I really need to do is drink more water. I just generally don’t drink a lot anyway, so I’m finding it (really) difficult to get the 2 litres a day in. It’s something I really need to make a conscious effort toward and so far I’ve not done that well.

So here I am, Tuesday 6th October – these pictures are in my underwear, so I will offer my sincerest apologies before you look. If you don’t want to look.. scroll very quickly, please!;

I’m going to keep up with this once a week on a Monday, and be measured every 4 weeks. So far I’ve lost 3 inches off my hips and 1 inch off of my belly, not to mention the little bits everywhere else. I can’t really say I’ve noticed a difference, but clearly something is working.

I need words of encouragement, any tips on drinking water or doing exercise on the days I can’t get to the gym and just some good old honesty. If you think I need to work on something, tell me, or if you think I’ve been slacking during the week, tell me off! Bikini bodies are made in the Winter, or so I’ve heard..

The only problem with starting this now is that I’m going in for some surgery on Wednesday and I certainly won’t be able to go to the gym after that for a while, so we’ll see how this goes. I will keep up to date with what I can though.

Are you ready for #mumbodmonday?