Nine Months On, Nine Months Off?

This silly little myth is a thorn in my side.

You know what they all say, and even I said to my post-preggo friends to make them feel better even though I had no idea what I was saying, is that it took nine months to gain it all so give yourself nine months to get it off.

I wish.

Here is what happened: I had the babies and I lost 26 of the 36 pounds I gained before I even left the hospital so I thought, woo hoo, this is going to be easy as can be. Next I was breastfeeding, which made me burn calories and I also couldn't eat anything because I was physically ill so I was looking really good. I also was at home for maternity leave so I did not feel guilty when hubby came home to get in an hour of a workout. So I was even less than what I weighed at my first OB appointment.

I went back to work. This was where it all went downhill. I was too tired and guilty at the end of the workday to workout anymore. I wanted to spend time with the babies and the stress of being up with babies who didn't sleep well all night followed by working with children all day and having to accomplish things made me flat out exhausted. The idea of working out was not appealing in any way. I also had time to eat. When I was at home, I was just focused on them, but now I could eat food and I ate a LOT of food. I had gestational diabetes and was on a diet while pregnant and was so ill after the birth with stomach issues that I certainly took advantage of being able to eat again.

I then gained TEN pounds back after returning to work. TEN. Yes, ten. That's a lot.

After seeing myself in holiday pictures, I was super depressed about my looks. I have to face the fact that my stomach will not be the same, it held two human beings and I have extra skin and stretch marks that will be there forever. Period. But the rest of my body is another story.

Hubby started a diet and tracking his eating habits on LiveStrong.com. Hubby has lost over 15 pounds since January 1st. I started on LiveStrong.com too and I love it! I don't know what it is about tracking my food, but having to be accountable for what I eat makes me paranoid of eating a box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies for an afternoon snack, so I don't. I eat a protein shake for breakfast, salad for lunch, and whateva for dinner. For snacks I like grapes, bananas, Special K protein snack bars, YoPlus yogurt and Babybel cheese. I still sneak in dessert by way of sugar free pudding cups, sugar free candy, bananas dipped in Nutella, dark chocolate covered pomegranate and 100 calorie dessert packs. Of course I cheat every now and then, but I'm good for the most part. I only drink water, not even Diet Coke!

I am also training for a half marathon in April. Even if I walk half of it, I don't care, as long as I finish. I have had a few roadblocks as far as scheduling is concerned. There are only 24 hours in a day and I work 9 (with commute), need my baby time and also sleep is a nice thing. The other issue is that during my pregnancy my pubic bone separated and after a 3 mile run I can barely walk for about a day with the pain, so it obviously did not go back together. I am getting some therapy at my chiropractic office for the pubic bone so hopefully that will heal up ASAP. A jogging stroller is on my wish list to be purchased sometime next month and then I can get the combo of getting in a workout and also doing something with my monkeys!

In the last two weeks I have lost about 5 pounds while only starving for the first few days. Working out has felt really nice (I watch my Housewives and the Bachelor and it gets me through). I would like to lose 15 more pounds. When I reach my goal, I may even post a picture for you. Maybe.

It's been nine months and it is not all off. But that's okay. I feel better now and ready to do it so hopefully this time is will be a success!

My little munchkins, desperate for outside time!