Hey, look, I know things are a mess. I took a hiatus from blogging and decided to switch up my design before returning. Please be patient, because if you can wait out the mess it means REGULAR POSTING WILL RETURN SOON! :D

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Monday, July 13

Body After Baby – Mini Challenge

You know how “they” say after giving birth a woman has no shame? Yeah…it’s true. I know because Samantha of Mama Notes is hosting a challenge within a challenge and asked for “before” pics. And I obliged. OK…so it’s not a bikini…but close enough! Eee gads! What was I thinking?!

food and bab 017 food and bab 016

About 3 years ago (shortly before getting married) I looked like this:

self (22)

Wow. I’m not sure what is more amazing…how much I’ve changed in 3 years or that I posted it for the whole world to see. Truth is, my feelings about my body are mixed. On the one hand I love my body. I love her for all she has done for me (like incubating and birthing my Lovey-Girl!). I love her for her strength and beauty. On the other hand I can’t honestly say I wouldn’t prefer to look a little bit more like I did way back when. I looked good. I looked healthy. And the strangest thing is that though I may not look it I’m actually healthier now. I’m stronger, eat healthier, and have more endurance. I want my outward appearance to better reflect my inner health.

The mini challenge is 8 weeks long. And my goals for that time are to run my 5K race without having to stop and walk, to stop eating junk (including soda*), and to do my best to make my body even healthier. I won’t set a goal weight because I can’t know what weight my body is capable of being now that I’m nursing (hellooo bigger boobs)! Plus I’m trying not to focus on pounds so much as health (remember?). I am however willing to do before and after weigh-ins. My before weight (according to my lame-o scale which is probably way inaccurate) is 156 pounds. That’s quite a bit for my 5’2” frame.

I’m really glad this mini challenge popped up when it did. I already told you how poorly I did the week before last. Well…last week was better food-wise, but awful as far as exercising is concerned. I need this extra motivation to get back on track.

The Fit By Labor Day Challenge begins today! Wish me luck!

siggy

*With the exception of the occasional mojito.

13 Stubborn Stains:

Callie said...

Wow, you are amazing for sharing those photos! I know how hard it can be to be so open and honest with the internet world. Good for you! Congrats on taking on the challenge! You will do great.

I don't know if you've been there, but www.babyfit.com is a great site to help you track your calories. They will recognize that you are a nursing mom and help you develop a nutrition plan based on that. It has helped me a lot! Good luck!

imemary said...

Ha, I recognize your room! Also, once you stop drinking soda I don't think you'll miss it. Changing your habits is probably the easiest part; now you've got to do the drudge work of keeping them changed. You seem determined enough to pull this off, so I think you can make it. Good luck!

beth said...

thanks for your comment!
That's awesome that you have a goal to RUN a 5K...I just can't run, even when I was smaller.

How did you do on the 30day shred? Any noticeable difference?

Kimmy @ kimmythingy said...

I applaud you for sharing your pics! I think its really important that women have an understanding that the female form does not automatically just snap back into shape after giving birth!

Good luck with your healthier lifestyle. Keep us posted on how it is going :-)

Crystal HW said...

I do not know if I would have the courage to display pictures like that until after I was done.

pixie.inks {the blog} said...

ok so Loree was our Doula TOO. ...somehow through the facebook "ways" i stubbled upon THIS (your wonderful blog about a week ago).
First i LOVE your writing. ...second as I started to read today i thought WOW you are AWESOME!! LOVE your courage and NO shame!
...my body is much the same and my daughter is 20months!
...after postpartum a servere ankle/leg break and 3 surgeries due to the ankle/leg (laft one 7wks ago). i am not the healthiest of thinnnest i WAS. (except i am ashamed. ...wish i had NO shame!)
...so want to "hold eachother accoutable?" ...or something. :)

-kristen

Andrea said...

Props to you for posting those! That is SO brave! You'll reach your goals, just stick with it. I look forward to your after pics, maybe you'll inspire me to get off my own butt and make some changes, too!

TopHat said...

I saw that 8 week challenge thing- I can't believe there's only 8 weeks until Labor Day. Even though I'm not "officially" doing the challenge, I'm going to go running tomorrow. I am. I promise. I have my clothes set out (including my sports bra)! The iPod is ready: I set up 2 minute songs and 4 minutes songs alternating- I'll run during the 2 minute ones and walk during the 4 minute ones. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's definitely more than what I have right now.

JennyMac said...

Best of luck to you on the challenging. A visiting SITSta. :)

The Blonde Duck said...

Good luck on your goals! Popped in from SITS!

Madonna Cramer said...

Hi today is my first visit to your blog..I was going to comment on your mall post but scrolled to read more and saw this post. I am so inspired by you sharing your pictures and goals. I too cannot believe the changes in my body in a short period of time, I do feel fine but want my outward appearance to be the same like you mentioned. I will be cheering you on to your goal!

Anonymous said...

You are my hero for doing this.

Angela said...

wow, brave girl! I think we all looked like your just married photo. Now....not so much. I'm going to click around to find your results. :)

In case the 8 week program wasn't successful for you, I just bought a dvd called 30 day shred on ebay for $7, I think you'll get results from it. I'm doing it and it's tough. You can read about it at my blog if you'd like, just click on the fitness tab.

I'm stopping in from SITS. I added myself as a follower. By the way...jealous of your big orange cat. I could snuggle him for days. :)

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