How I Lost 45 Pounds, Not Once- But Twice

My two postpartum journeys are different in certain ways.  I gained over 45lbs with both pregnancies, my twins in 2015, and my singleton in 2019.  I am so very grateful for two healthy pregnancies.

After the twins were born and we were home, I remember being shocked at my postpartum body. You never know what to expect the first time having a baby, or in my case, babies!  The loose skin, stretch marks, and of course, the extra weight.  All things that were not part of my body pre-pregnancy.

I remember feeling frustrated and discouraged. I tried not to compare myself to other moms, but let's face it...I did. And that just made me feel worse.  Initially, I didn’t worry about “getting my body back” or “feeling normal again” because I was breastfeeding and pumping around the clock and not to mention keeping two newborns alive!  I was sleep-deprived (as was my husband) and always exhausted. We were in survival mode those first 6-12 months, therefore making sure my body was healing correctly was not my top priority (mistake #1). 

When I finished breastfeeding and pumping around 8 months postpartum with the twins, I decided it was time to really focus on losing the extra baby weight.  But I continued to struggle.  It was extremely difficult to balance work, family, and my own health and wellness.  

The real wake up call for me was right before the twins 1st birthday- and I was still hanging on to that extra 45+ pounds.  I reached a point where my want and determination to feel and look amazing outweighed anything else.  It wasn’t so much about the number on the scale, but how I felt about myself.  And that was a painful realization. 

After both pregnancies, it took several months to a YEAR to lose the extra 45 pounds. It didn't happen overnight or in a few months. Of course, I had setbacks.  BUT, I did do it!  It took grit, determination, and consistency to reach this goal.  Consistency being the KEY word. This is NOT a yo-yo diet. It is a lifestyle.  I had to carefully plan my workouts and meal plan around our very busy schedule. This is how my passion for at-home workouts began. Before having kids I worked out at the gym or a studio.  But that was just not an option for me anymore.  

So in order to achieve this huge goal it meant a lot of things needed to change. 

• I had to wake up earlier in order to work out.  
• I had to focus on my nutrition and self-care. 
• I needed to stay focused and have the right mindset and motivation to stay strong and on course. 

I know it’s easier said than done.

So my advice to you is to JUST. KEEP. GOING.

No matter what. Keep going!

It took me a while to realize the importance of taking care of myself in order to better care for my family.  For me this means giving myself time to exercise, even if it's just 20-30 minutes a day, eating healthy, and having some “me time” to relax.  When I focus on doing these things, it makes me feel better about myself, increases my energy, and allows me to be a better mom and wife for my family. 

It was even harder to find time for myself after having baby #3.  When she was sleeping, I had to care for the twins. It was more challenging in many ways and it did take longer for me to lose the extra 45+lbs postpartum.  I am now almost 2 years postpartum with baby #3 and I still would like to tone up in some areas!  So give yourself some grace and realize it may take a little longer after that first pregnancy. 

Most people may think a weight loss journey only focuses on nutrition and exercise, but it includes so much more.  You also have to focus on your mindset/mental health, hydration, self-care, sleep, and keeping yourself committed and accountable to your goals.  I know this may sound overwhelming, but it is the truth.  All of these things tie in with your health and wellness!

This is why I am so passionate about creating online health and fitness programs for the busy mama!  I have already been where you most likely are- frustrated and not knowing where or how to begin. My passion is to give you the exact road map to succeed and reach your health goals.

I hope my story inspires you on your journey; stay focused and keep going strong, no matter what setbacks you may have.  I have come to love my postpartum body- and yes that includes the stretch marks, loose skin and all.  It carried 3 beautiful and healthy babies full term.  And for that, I am truly grateful and blessed. 

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I am always here to support you!

Jackie