Fit Readers is a group/challenge run by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About, designed to support and encourage each other on our health and fitness goals. In years past I’ve participated but just done quick updates on my Sunday Post. This year, I want my goals to be a top priority, so I’m going to share my updates in a separate, more detailed weekly post. The day it appears will probably fluctuate, though, so just keep your eyes out for it 🙂
Operation Lose the Baby Weight!
If you read my Sunday Post or saw my post in the Fit Readers FB Group, you know that I gave birth on 9/18 to my beautiful baby boy, Dante. And now it’s time to lose that baby weight! I don’t have clearance to truly work out yet (and won’t until 6 weeks postpartum), but I can be active, pay attention to my nutrition, drink plenty of water and try to get decent sleep (ha!).
When I delivered I weighed right about 280 lbs and my goal has been to get to 200 lbs – even before I was pregnant that was my goal. I’m breaking that goal down though – first the baby weight, then the other weight. So my current goal is to get down to where I was when I found out I was pregnant, 245 lbs (yep, I gained 35 pounds in pregnancy). I’m already down to about 264 (it fluctuates, of course).
Being in that really fragile post-partum period, I also know I need to manage my emotional health. I’ve already felt the baby blues a bit – had a couple cries – and am very aware that being lonely is going to be a problem for me. I’m used to being out in the world every day, talking to people, doing things, and just having a function besides baby care giver. So I need to find ways to manage my emotional health moving forward as well.
I started working on all of these goals Tuesday (October 1st) but will update you next week on how they’re going.
Emotional Health Goals
My emotional health goals for October:
- Start back on a Miracle Morning routine (starting Monday). This could be challenging with a little one, but I’m thinking that if I can get him into a routine, which he’s kinda falling into… I should have some time after his morning feed at 7am while he’s taking a nap.
- Blog daily. This is how I think I can combat the loneliness. Blogging pulled me out of a depression – fueled by loneliness and feeling out of place – when I started it years ago, so it feels logical that it could be a really good option for me now too.
- Get out of the house for me time 1x a week. This is going to depend a bit on my husband, but I think he really gets that I need it – he’s had me run out to pick up groceries or dinner when he easily could, saying “so you can get out of the house” and he’s been so right. My goal this week is to get out for a mani/pedi either Saturday or Sunday.
Fitness Goals
My Fitness Goals for October:
- Do some yoga every morning as part of my miracle morning routine. Yoga is gentle enough that I know it won’t be a problem for my recovery and I think the stretching and breathing will be really good for me.
- Go on 1 walk a day. I started doing this the day after Dante’s 1st Dr. appointment, when I got the okay to take him out of the house. And it’s so refreshing to be outside! I’ve taken him in the stroller 1 time, but the other times I’ve just wrapped him in my Boba Wrap. Either way it’s a little bit of exercise that’s good for me and Buffy. And it’s outside time for all of us, which is good!
Eating Goals
My October eating goals are tricky. I’m not breastfeeding at the moment because Dante would not latch. But I have been pumping… which requires an increase of calories. However, I have an appointment with the lactation consultant today and, unless she shockingly tells me that he’s ready to latch and my production is perfect for his needs (this seems very unlikely), I think I’m done. It’s a lot of work to pump and I’m not sure we’re getting the pay off we need for me to keep going with it. So that makes my eating goals a little up in the air – but I can focus in on some basics.
- Get in a minimum of 64 oz of water daily. Breastfeeding or not, I need my water.
- Eat 2 servings of vegetables daily. Another thing that’s good for me, whether I breastfeed or not.
- Make a meal plan for Monday-Friday over the weekend. I always do better with a plan. And since I’m home, I feel like I should be able to do some cooking. And I’ll make the plan after meeting with the lactation consultant, so it will be based on my needs – breastfeeding or not.
I’m going to try and get back to regularly posting on Instagram. I feel like cataloging my journey will be good for me and transparency about the challenges of being a new mom seems like it would be good for people to see. If you want to follow me more closely, I’m @berlssc.
This sounds like an excellent plan. I was thinking about walking to get out more and the weather there should be warm enough. If not, there has to be a mall or something. I know at our neighborhood they have a stroller brigade I’m not sure how often it is but at least weekly. If you don’t have one at your apt, you could start one and get to know people? They also have baby storytime at some libraries and you could get used to going now. Good luck with it all. I’m happy to see you back online more.
Thanks Anne! My doula helped me find a couple Postpartum groups – I’m going to try going to one of them next week. We do have a mall right by us that has excellent bathrooms for changing diapers, so I think that might be on my agenda. Problem is my husband would basically like to put Dante in a bubble – it’s going to take some work getting him to understand I have this basic NEED to get out of the house and go places. We’re very different people and it wouldn’t bother him to be at home so he doesn’t get my struggle. It’s funny – I thought I’d have less blogging time with baby, turns out I have more LOL! I hope I can keep it up , it’s been nice to be back.
Berls – these are very healthy goals. I like how you break it all down and that you are looking at more than just a number on the scale. You’ve been on this journey a long time, and so I know you understand the ups and downs. I encourage you to seek help (phone call, walk, meet up with others, see the doctor) when you need it and just take one day at a time. I remember walking with my first born was the best. Enjoy the moments of mom and Dante time while getting out of the house!
Thank you! Yeah I know there will be plenty of ups and downs for sure. Emotions are definitely the area I’m most concerned about right now. I’m trying to reach out and have an adult conversation everyday. And getting out for walks definitely helps. But I’m going to have to get out more in coming weeks or I will lose my sanity!