The Incredible Shrinking Amber: Big Reveal
Now you see it, now you don't! That's right, I gained SIXTY pounds with my last pregnancy (and I'm not proud of that...) and I think I've just about lost it all. And, just in time for Savannah's first birthday!
I can't believe I'm sharing this before picture. This was meant to go into that dark place where bad photos are never, ever to be seen. Here I was in my final days of pregnancy. Some of you thought I was having triplets. This photo makes me cringe.
BEFORE:
Here I was after giving birth. You can see just by looking at my face that I was carrying a lot of extra weight. I was disappointed that Savannah did not actually weigh 60 lbs and that the weight was purely mine.
Then, I set my goal to lose all 60ish pounds before Savannah turned 1.
And, with 2-3 weeks to spare, here I am today! Lookout, Jillian!
AFTER:
I even put on a belt for this one. Who knew I could wear a belt?
You should know I'm not done. While I'm back to my approximate pre-Savannah weight, I still have 2 other pregnancies to finish losing weight for. I say BRING IT.
So, you might be asking.... how did I do it? Well, it was easy; I ate less and worked more. No magic!
Here are some steps I've taken:
1. I go to the gym religiously (and have for 7 years....). At least 4x/week. I do about 40 minutes of cardio and 10 minutes of weights.
2. I count calories using the iphone app My Fitness Pal (link). http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
3. I use logic. 3500 calories equals 1 pound lost. So, I think in terms of that. I make sure to lose calories by a combination of eating less calories per day than my basal metabolic rate (which you can google to find out what yours is).... and exercising.
4. I read food labels and make better choices. I can still eat places like McDonalds, but I look up calories and make an informed decision before taking a bite!
5. I make a lot of small choices that add up.... like saying no to cheese on my burger or using fat free dressing or sugar-free products.
6. I snack differently. I might have a hard boiled egg or some sugar free jello instead of the former Little Debbie. I missed Debbie at first but now I'm used to it.
7. I eat way more veggies. Wow, you can eat a lot of veggies for very few calories. Nathan brought home Papa Johns the other day and I ate a big salad before having a slice of pizza. I was so full and didn't need another slice.
8. I eat lunch. Instead of snacking all day on junk, I actually sit down and eat. It's hard with 3 kids but it can be done. I'm actually now a Lean Cuisine junkie. They are good and around 300 calories...and full of protein.
9. I eat more protein. I feel fuller longer.
I feel like I need a number 10. I guess I'll come up with that after I lose the rest!
I'm still learning and it's hard for me to eat foods where the calorie content isn't clear. Baby steps.
I'm not usually one to post something about myself like this..... I really feel vulnerable. But, you're a good group of readers. You won't re-post my fat pictures! :)
I can't believe I'm sharing this before picture. This was meant to go into that dark place where bad photos are never, ever to be seen. Here I was in my final days of pregnancy. Some of you thought I was having triplets. This photo makes me cringe.
BEFORE:
Here I was after giving birth. You can see just by looking at my face that I was carrying a lot of extra weight. I was disappointed that Savannah did not actually weigh 60 lbs and that the weight was purely mine.
Then, I set my goal to lose all 60ish pounds before Savannah turned 1. And, with 2-3 weeks to spare, here I am today! Lookout, Jillian!
AFTER:
I even put on a belt for this one. Who knew I could wear a belt?
You should know I'm not done. While I'm back to my approximate pre-Savannah weight, I still have 2 other pregnancies to finish losing weight for. I say BRING IT.So, you might be asking.... how did I do it? Well, it was easy; I ate less and worked more. No magic!
Here are some steps I've taken:
1. I go to the gym religiously (and have for 7 years....). At least 4x/week. I do about 40 minutes of cardio and 10 minutes of weights.
2. I count calories using the iphone app My Fitness Pal (link). http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
3. I use logic. 3500 calories equals 1 pound lost. So, I think in terms of that. I make sure to lose calories by a combination of eating less calories per day than my basal metabolic rate (which you can google to find out what yours is).... and exercising.
4. I read food labels and make better choices. I can still eat places like McDonalds, but I look up calories and make an informed decision before taking a bite!
5. I make a lot of small choices that add up.... like saying no to cheese on my burger or using fat free dressing or sugar-free products.
6. I snack differently. I might have a hard boiled egg or some sugar free jello instead of the former Little Debbie. I missed Debbie at first but now I'm used to it.
7. I eat way more veggies. Wow, you can eat a lot of veggies for very few calories. Nathan brought home Papa Johns the other day and I ate a big salad before having a slice of pizza. I was so full and didn't need another slice.
8. I eat lunch. Instead of snacking all day on junk, I actually sit down and eat. It's hard with 3 kids but it can be done. I'm actually now a Lean Cuisine junkie. They are good and around 300 calories...and full of protein.
9. I eat more protein. I feel fuller longer.
I feel like I need a number 10. I guess I'll come up with that after I lose the rest!
I'm still learning and it's hard for me to eat foods where the calorie content isn't clear. Baby steps.
I'm not usually one to post something about myself like this..... I really feel vulnerable. But, you're a good group of readers. You won't re-post my fat pictures! :)
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