My Weight Loss Journey Update

As promised, I am sharing my weight loss journey update since the last time I shared my routine. My fitness and diet regimen has changed since two years ago. Rewind back to May 2018, I was 3 months postpartum with our third baby and I finally had the clearance from my doctor post cesarean to begin my weight loss journey. Back then, I focused on eating healthy (no diets) as I was breastfeeding and implemented more cardio workouts. I walked every morning prior to eating breakfast and then I did at home workouts (BBG). You can read more about my last post here.

BEFORE

First off, it’s not about the numbers but how you feel…

Numbers do not mean anything. at. all. The numbers on your clothing and on your scale should not have anything to do with how you feel physically as well as emotionally. But, if we had to talk numbers for the sake of getting an idea of how much I lost, here it is. Two years ago at 3 months postpartum, I weighed 175 pounds and 5’2”. Today, I am at 139. At the end of the day, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about how you feel, look, and see yourself in the mirror. My body shape, figure, posture, etc, is no longer the same as it was in my 20’s. Pregnancy as well as age have a lot to do with that. So if I were to weigh the same as in my 20’s I will not look the same as I was. I could be weighing 130 pounds but chubby, soft and jiggly or 130 with less fat and more muscle. So, the number game means nothing. I use to hop on the scale every morning as soon as I woke up, but that only got me frustrated because the numbers were not going down as fast as I hoped. So, one day, I promised myself that I would only occasionally weigh myself and continue doing what I’m doing and let it be. I feel and look great, so I don’t really care what number I see on the scale. I know I am not at my goal yet because I still have some areas I’d like to work on, but I am so proud of myself, my determination and willpower. I feel like myself and that is all that matters. I know where I should be according to the BMI chart and my goal is an approximate of that. So, if I lost 5 pounds instead of 10 but look and feel great, then I’m happy with that.

Two years ago…

Since I began this journey, I have lost 30 pounds. The majority of those pounds were shed off after the 12th month mark of postpartum after I was done breastfeeding. I’ll be honest, I followed through the BBG program for about 3 months then I began doing my own at home workouts (push ups, sit ups, squats, walking around the neighborhood, and jump rope). During this time, I switched over to paleo diet which soon turned into a lifestyle change. I feel so amazing without having gluten and dairy in my life. My skin is clear of blemishes, and I don’t feel bloated. Paleo-friendly foods include meat, fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, fruits and veggies, along with healthy fats and oils, avoiding processed foods, dairy, grains and sugar. This diet really helped speed up the shedding process. I lost most of the 30 pounds when I began the paleo diet. I have continued the paleo diet till today and it has become part of my lifestyle. I don’t treat it as a diet anymore but more of a lifestyle change.

Beginning of this year…

At the start of the New Year I began 16/8 intermittent fasting along with my paleo lifestyle. I have lost 5 pounds in the last month. What is 16/8 intermittent fasting? 16/8 intermittent fasting involves eating only during an eight-hour window during the day and fasting for the remaining 16 hours. So, for example, I wake up around 7AM and don’t eat anything until about 12PM. Then, I have brunch around 12:30 followed by a healthy snack, then dinner, and possibly another small healthy snack. I stop eating at 8PM. During the 16 hours of refrained eating I drink LOTS & LOTS of water, teas, espresso, and/or green smoothies. I use to be that person who couldn’t leave the house without having breakfast in the morning. However, now I am used to this routine and I feel more productive and energetic. I no longer feel sluggish and bloated.

My plan & goal for this year…

My plan is to continue with intermittent fasting along with paleo eating. I would like to work on regaining my core strength and getting firmer and toned. My tummy is still very soft and loose with a pooch left behind, as you can see in the side profile. So, I’m currently looking into what exercises are best for that. In the meantime, I’m continuing my at home workouts as I mentioned above and as soon as the weather warms up here I will resume my morning power walks.

Disclaimer: Please understand I am not a medical expert and this is just my method of what has worked for me based on my research. Please consult with your medical practitioner for what is best for your weight loss program.

AFTER