Lifestyle Changes Post Pregnancy Weight Loss

I am so loving the blogging world and I want to use it to not only share my fashion goals and trends but also bits and pieces of my life that others can relate to. My weight loss journey started 10 months ago after my second baby when I was exactly 40 pounds over my current weight.

I spent 6 months losing the weight I had gained and since then for the last 4 months have been able to maintain it with a healthy diet and lifestyle change.  This post is all about the little changes I’ve made in my lifestyle that has allowed me to be in the best shape of my life post pregnancy and I plan to keep it that way!

Some people are born skinny, I am not that blessed. I can put on weight really easily and shed it with great difficulty; both my pregnancies are the biggest evidence of that. So, for me I do have to watch what I eat even though I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It’s a lifestyle change and that’s what I’m here to share. No, I am not too hard on myself but yes, I am not that girl who can say ‘oh I eat everything and I still don’t put on ‘.

Eating a high protein breakfast

I start my day with a high protein breakfast (protein shake or eggs) that keeps me feeling full until lunch. I love the Lean1 chocolate protein smoothies that I make at home (recipe at the end of the blog) to kick start my day. They are also great to have post workout or  as a snack. They have all natural ingredients and loads of nutrients. I sometimes replace smoothie with eggs and avocado but continue to keep it no grains !

Switching from sugar to stevia

I did give up sugar in my tea :).  I miss it, but this change has really helped me keep my weight in check. Having 2-3 cups of coffee or tea a day made me realize that I can’t really reduce the caffeine but at least I can reduce the sugar. Stevia as a substitute worked for me. Being a natural plant extract, I didn’t see any harm in adjusting to it. I know it takes time to adjust to the taste but now after 4 months I can’t really make out the difference. The best thing is, I’ve forgotten how coffee or tea tastes with real sugar, so I have nothing to compare the taste too

Working out at least 4 times a week

I try to keep my workouts different each time as I get demotivated and bored very easily. I’ve also realized that switching up your workout now and then prevents your body from going into plateau phase. I switch it up between running, strength training or Zumba.  It’s important to continue to work out after the weight loss to keep your body strong and prevent muscle loss.

Raw almonds  or cheese strings are great snack options

I carry raw almonds packed in a ziploc bag when I travel or step out with the kids. Raw almonds are great energy boosters. Cheese strings( 60 calories ones) are great snack options as well. They have all the  protein  in it to keep you feeling fuller. Who doesn’t love cheese, I keep these stocked at home and make them me go to snack options.

Fruits as a late-night snack

I’m a late night snacker and though my dinner is before 7 pm, I do get hungry at night as I’m mostly up till 11 pm. So, the snacks I’ve found that don’t make me feel guilty and are not too heavy on the stomach are fruits. If I get hungry by 10 pm (which is most days) I cut up an apple or orange (stay away from grapes(aka sugar)), sprinkle it with some Himalayan salt and enjoy it as my late-night snack.

Chocolate Baking chips for those Chocolate lovers

So this is more of a tip than a lifestyle change. My chocolate lovers, I know how hard it is to give up your most favorite thing in the world but I’ve the perfect solution to this. Head over to the baking aisle in the grocery store and buy some chocolate baking chips. So the trick here is when you really have that chocolate craving just get a few chips from the package and enjoy them. This in some way (physiologically) doesn’t make me want to go for seconds.

Salad at least for one meal a day

I was so used to eating rice /roti /pasta/ bread for both lunch and dinner. But the change I’ve made this time is to avoid carbs during one meal (lunch or dinner). Meal planning is key here, so you know which meal should be carb free. I enjoy a pre-chopped salad from the grocery store, with some grilled chicken or fish as my lunch on most days. As a working mom, I don’t find time to really precut my salad, so the biggest saving grace for me are these pre-chopped salads in the grocery stores. The change of one carb free meal a day has helped with the weight maintenance.

Cheat meals are not everyday

I allow myself 2-3 cheat meals a week.  Wait, that doesn’t mean 4 cupcakes or 4 chocolates bars. If I know I have a party to go to I include that as one cheat meal. Cheat meals for me mean eating out or a pizza ! Yes, I do indulge in an ice-cream or cake with one or two of my meals but I make sure its portion controlled. I have a big sweet tooth, so I love to enjoy these indulgences, but I know my workouts help me balance them out.

I hope these little changes I have made in my daily life, can help you in little ways which would make me super happy. If you have any questions please let me know and I would be happy to answer anything sharing my perspective and experience. With the holidays, I hope we all stay on track and keep ourselves in check but at the same time enjoy ‘ the most wonderful time of the year ‘.

Recipe for Lean1 Protein Smoothie ( click on the images for product details)

• Add half a banana or full(if you want it less chocolatey)
• I cup of ice and 1 cup of water
• 1 scoop of lean 1 chocolate shake protein powder( spoon provided inside the tub)
• Throw them all into a blender and blend away!