Being fit and healthy is very important to me and my mental state. I can’t be the wife or mother I want to be if I’m not getting what I need. As mentioned previously, I have been taking part in some fitness challenges to jump start my fitness. While I was pregnant with Brandon I gained a total of 25 pounds. I saw the 160 mark on the scale and didn’t think I could get back to my pre-baby body, and I definitely didn’t think it would happen so quickly. I feel extremely lucky that most of that belly was Baby Boy! One week postpartum I was in my regular jeans – barely. Now 6 weeks out I feel like the home workouts have been helping, although I have a long way to go before I get toned like I was. Kevin has been great on weekends allowing me to hit the gym and really get that burst I needed! I’m only a handful of pounds away from my ideal weight but have extra skin that needs tightening.
The left picture is 3 weeks post baby and the right is 6 weeks. I’m so happy being back in my own skin and my own body but I will be the first to admit I kind of miss being pregnant. I didn’t think I would say that!! As much as I love my little man, it was so fun feeling him inside!
Here’s a taste into what I eat on the daily!
Breakfast: I made some Egg Cups over the weekend (and forgot the hash browns!) with peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, turkey bacon and turkey sausage. I top it with 1/4 of a slice of cheese and serve it with sliced avocado and a dash of hot sauce, I like Tabasco. Sometimes I have it not in a muffin form with a slice of Ezekiel Bread.
Snack: I try to get a morning snack in during Brandon’s longer nap. It typically consists of 1/2 cup of Cottage Cheese (the chalk type – so my Dad says) and a handful of Almonds.
Lunch: I try to whip up a salad while Brandon sleeps so I can grab it when I get hungry and not worry about the prep. I use Romaine or Spinach (or both), cucumber, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, onion, tomatoes and baked chicken breast that I prep over the weekend. Sometimes I throw in some brown rice if I have it on hand. I top my salad with a simple oil and vinegar or homemade vinaigrette if I have it.
If time permits, I have eggs. I toast two slices of Ezekiel bread, spread on avocado (mixed with lemon and cayenne), topped with hard boiled eggs mixed with a dollop of Mayo (or avocado). Sometimes I make this for breakfast or snack and add spinach.
Dinner: This is one of the only meals that is all over the place sometimes as Brandon’s schedule around dinner time is a total guess. I had prepped some meals before I went into labor so we’re still eating those which is baked ziti, chicken and veggies, meatballs and whatever else people have brought us. When we do cook, they’re been a lot of one-pot wonders (is this parenthood?) which are delicious and easy- and usually good for us. The key to making quick, healthy meals is to have the proper food on hand! I always have chicken (ground or breasts), ground turkey, rice, sweet potatoes, beans and fresh vegetables in the fridge – worst case scenario we throw it all in a pan with some soy sauce and call it a stir fry. We have tacos, turkey burgers (always have Arnold’s Rounds in hand too), grilled chicken and any kind of chicken and rice dishes.
You are awesome! You look great! Feel proud mamma!