Cleanse {Starting Stats}

Some motivation:

I'm letting it all hang out here. Ok not really, but I'm going to be pretty open and honest with my stats.  Why? I hope to inspire someone and I know that I will never be this weight again! [unless by some crazy chance we conceive a third child, but I reallllllly don't see that happening!]  SO as unhappy that my jeans still don't fit, I am not having a pity party--I am taking my health back and getting back on track.  This is what I look like when I don't eat "clean" 80% of the time, don't take products, and don't workout.

9 weeks postpartum, boy my belly just loves hanging onto that baby fat.  And my booty needs some lifting--thank goodness for all the squats!  Crazy thing, is I know I've weighed 155 before I've had kids--but my body did not look like this.  Obviously.  Either way, this is not a happy weight, even though I've already lost 40 pounds of baby weight, I know my body feels best (and fits into clothes nicely) in the 140s.  Before I got pregnant I was 137.  It didn't happen in one challenge--it took several and lots of months of working out, eating well and staying on products.

bust 39
waist 40.5
hips 41
left thigh 23
right thigh 23
right calf 14.5
left calf 14.5
left bicep 12
right bicep 12
neck 12.5 {yes, my neck. I swear I will lose weight there! ha}

Wake up 7:30: Spark, Catty
8:00 Fiber drink and a glass of water

Meal 1:
2eggs w/ spinach and salt free seasoning & fruit

Meal #2: Apple with PB (no pic)
Meal #3: Lettuce wrap w/ shredded pork (no sauce) avocado & brown rice (no pic)
Meal #4: Protein Shake after workout
Meal #5:  Superfood Turkey Meatballs I ate 3 [tricky on mondays/wednesdays because Joe works until 8 and I get hungry around 5/6, so I need to eat something!]

Recipe:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 tbs flaxseed
1 tbs low sodium soy sauce (or aminos)
1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
Seasonings--you could use anything really, onion/garlic powder or Mrs. Dash
I personally used Onion Onion and Garlic Garlic from Tastefully Simple {about 2 tbs each, or capful}

Bake for 30 minutes at 350

Brooke loves them!

With my leftover quinoa I had made, I had an opened jar of black bean salsa--threw in some tomatoes and a little mango balsamic vinegar --easy salad to serve.

Meal 6: Whole wheat pasta with red sauce & veggies.  It was late and I didn't have much planned.

It definitely takes me work and prep because Joe can't eat anything I am sharing with you.  He eats a very low fiber diet and nothing whole grain/wheat and very little veggies.  So, again, I am not super hard on myself as long as I am eating the best I can and nothing "white and starchy" I consider that success.  Brooke eats whatever, so I definitely try and get her to eat as much as my food as I can.  She does great!

Everyone coaches differently; some people eat no carbs, some only eat them early on.  If I am trying to get ready for vacation (bikini time) I will eat a little more strictly.  But for now, I am focusing on not snacking for no reason and eliminating all processed junk/candy/cookies/chips/wine.

That takes us to today:

Meal #1-
 2 eggs over easy on wheat sandwich thins.
Cup of water.
Hot water with lemon (it's still in the teens and snow on the ground, mama is chilly!)

2 omegaplex --flush that fat!

After the citrus fiber drink, I am really not starving.  That definitely fills you up more than the peach…and it certainly scrubs your system a lot better too!

Is it perfect? Nope!  But it's what I had to work with, after feeding my family an hour earlier (I had to get my Spark/catty/fiber drink in before I ate) and by then there was no more fruit…I need to grocery shopping again today!  My main goal is to be sure I have protein at each meal and typically a veggie and/or fruit.  Ya win some, ya lose some.

This brings me back to my very first 24 Day challenge.  It taught me so much! I was so upset with myself if I wasn't "perfect" every day…but then I quickly realized, life is TOO crazy to be perfect. In every sense of the word.  What I learned the most was that I don't have to count calories and if I eat as clean as I can, and take my products as directed I will lose the weight and feel amazing.  That simple.

I love the feeling of the cleanse, and I am looking forward to the MNS max phase even more!!

My first 24 Challenge Blogs:

Cleanse Day 3

Day 7

Day 20

Results

2 Weeks

Oh my goodness, how has it been two full weeks already?!  I cannot believe at this moment in time, two weeks ago, I was rolling on my yoga ball and yelling up to my husband to HURRY UP…we legit have a video that I should share because now it is comical.   But at the time, I was really in pain and ready to scoot to the hospital!  I cannot wait to share our birth story and have so much to say.

My mom has been here all week and that has been very helpful, since Joe's Crohn's acted up and it was nice to have some backup while he was down and out, and then he had to go to work.   I will admit that I think I rushed my recovery because I legit felt well the beginning of the week, so I ran errands and really tried to keep up with everything.  Baby was sleeping fairly well few nights and I think I just kicked into overdrive knowing Joe was not well, I had no choice but to step up and take care of everyone…but come Wednesday I didn't feel great, my bleeding picked back up and I just knew I had to rest more.  I can be such an over achiever at times (blah!) But I am smart enough to listen to my body.

My mom goes home today, so tomorrow we will be on our own.  No big plans for the Super Bowl, but we are hoping to go visit his grandma tomorrow morning, so she can meet her great grandson.

Highlights from the last two weeks:

My milk came in, just like with Brooke in FULL force.  The lactation consultant told me not to pump (like they did last time) but I just couldn't take the pain, so I pumped and I have a freezer stock started.  Phew.

Lots of outfit changes, cuddles, diaper changes…repeat!

Daddy giving him his bottle for the first time {1.23.15}

Sister thought he wanted to hold Daisy Duck.

Great Grandma Owl made some sibling shirts--thank you!!

My sister came over and helped out {1.25.15}

Her and her husband made us dinner. Thanks again!

Mr. Bradley had his second checkup {1.27.15}

Brooke had been adjusting fairly well!! She has not wanted to hold him, but she will give him kisses.  She is really learning to play independently quite nicely, and is becoming so imaginative!  The living room is usually strewn with toys, but she's a happy kid, so that's really what matters.  Daddy has taken her on a few Daddy/Daughter dates and that has been awesome for her as well.

Some nights he sleeps better than others and we are still getting into a rhythm, but he is such an angel baby and we are so blessed he's doing so well!  I have to admit going from 0-1 kid was WAY harder for me than 1-2.  Sure it's a lot more multi-tasking and I feel like I'm juggling things a lot more, but I am super thankful to not be pregnant any more.  Seriously, I cringe when I hear people say how happy they are pregnant, because I was not one of those people.  Pregnancy was hard on my body and seriously, I felt like a million bucks having him on the outside of my body and in my arms.  I am blessed to have had the chance to carry two healthy babies full (past!) term and we believe that our family is complete.

I did manage to sneak out for a few hours yesterday to get my roots handled--blonde for life!  I went to Target after for some diapers and wipes, and was ready to come home.  I have had some postpartum cries, nothing crazy but the hormones are definitely still regulating.  Annoying and weird, but it is what it is.

My goals for this week:

1.)  GET MORE SLEEP--especially when the babes nap during the day.  I know I need more and I get crazy if I don't get enough.  

2.) I also hope to get into a little more of a routine and maybe venture out to the library or something to get Brooke outside.  It's so cold out, but we need to get out at least once next week.  

3.)  Take some newborn photos with our nice camera!!

4.) I also want to blog more,  I just need to be able to get enough sleep to formulate coherent thoughts!!  I made myself sit down and just write something today, so there you have it.  Two kids, two and under, the first two weeks. I survived, with help of friends, family, and adrenaline! (and caffeine)   

Operation Lose Baby Weight--Progress

Since I just updated all about Brooke at Four Months...I figured I should tell you a little more about me! I know my blog has turned more "baby" but for obvious reasons, I just can't help it! I really feel like the more I write, the more I am apt to figure things out...and will not lie, I love the support of you my dear blog friends, real life friends, and family who read this silly little space of internet land that I call "my own."  

I'm happy to say that I am doing much better today than I was a month ago...like this post here.

I love my little family

 So at Four Months Post-partum, I can say that my hair is driving me nuts!! I am shedding and losing it everywhere!! Seriously, I found a strand in the freezer...and my poor husband found a long blonde piece in his eggs.  It's awful and last Friday I was ready to chop it, but my awesome hairdresser reassured me that this happens to 50% of women, and I just happen to be in that lucky 50 that experience this.  I think it was a tad traumatic as I have A LOT of hair and it's super thick, so now it seems like all of it is falling out, when really I know it's not.  I got a trim and I'm much happier, but daaaaaaaaaaaaayyyuuum. It sucks.

Moving on. 

What doesn't suck?  My body! Like I briefly stated in the last post, I am feeling so much stronger and better about myself.  I need a belt with my "in between pants" now!! Why? Well I attribute it to a lot of things really...

Smarter Snacking:
I have never been one to eat "3 square meals a day".  I love food and I am a snacker.  So, I  really have to be aware of what I'm putting into my mouth during these 'snack sessions.'  If I'm hungry, I am trying to reach for non-processed foods.  It's hard I know; the first few hazy newborn months, granola bars and Gatorade were my easy go-to items.

Now I stop and take time to juice.  I don't do it every day, but I do try to squeeze a few in during the week.

To be honest, I've been on a smoothie kick and so I've been enjoying those:

And my latest addiction addition, enter Shakeology.

I got a weeks worth to sample from Jen at Get Fit Couture as she was running a contest.  I decided to enter, to try out these shakes and also get my booty in gear.  I don't know how many pounds I can literally shed in one week while still nursing, but I figured it was worth a shot.

I had to take a picture of my feet on a scale with my starting weight and send it in on Monday....oy!!

Well I'm on day 4 and I am feeling great!! I'm not stepping on the scale again until I have to, but like I said I'm feeling stronger and healthier every day. I like the option of these Shakeos because sometimes after a workout I don't want just a juice or smoothie and these definitely offer something more!

I poured 1 cup of almond milk, some ice and half a banana in a blender and it seriously tastes like a frosty or a milkshake....OK it does taste a tad healthier, but it is really yummy!

I know the price can be an issue when looking at these shakes, but like Jen said, it's about $5 a serving...that is the price of a latte at the Bux!! Well, actually it's cheaper I think.  But I would say that you will definitely get a better bang for your five bucks if you enjoy a Shakeo instead of a fatty or calorie ridden latte.

Priorities.  Just sayin.

I'll do another post at the end of my "biggest loser" contest and let you all know how much I actually lost!!

Jen also got my sister all set up, so we can purchase these yummy shakeos from her!!

Shakeology information---click HERE 

Other snack ideas:
Cheese stick & almonds
Carrots & hummus
Can of organic green beans
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Apple & nut butter
Homemade protein bars

Breakfast- it's pretty standard:
1 egg
2 pieces of whole wheat toast or wheat bagel
fruit
water
coffee

Lunch - varies whatever I decide to make for hubs and I.  I will usually try to make a big salad or I will make a green juice and have some small portion of whatever meal I make for Joe.

Dinner- Not dieting--but I always have the salad or veggie consume 3/4 of my huge Food Network plate and then some sort of protein {steak, chicken, shrimp, pork} and a little carb.

I try not to eat after dinner, but if I am really hungry, I do listen to my body and maybe have a bowl of cereal or some fruit.

Limiting sweets.  I just don't keep them in the house or bake them right now.  If my husband wants them, he gets the bakery cookies at the grocery cookies and I may sneak a bite, but I am really trying to just say no!  I do have dark chocolate I may have a square if I'm feeling the need for a sweet.  Usually I'll go for a glass of vino instead though!

I know I can eat more veggies and should, I need to be better about that.

Working out
 My goal was to just move every day.  I am doing pretty freaking awesome at that I must say!! What does this mean to me?  It means go for walks with the dogs.  Take a walk with Brooke.  Jump on the elliptical for 30 minutes while baby naps. Do tri-cep dips on the end of my bed or 50 squats while I'm getting ready/putting my makeup on.

I am loving the Tone It Up workouts because they're quick and convenient; but they're not too easy!

After enough begging, my husband got me an elliptical!! I am loving the convenience and it is a NO JOKE cardio sesh.  Even hubs has jumped on it a few times, so yay for good heart health!

We purchased it off of Craigslist--seriously a smart investment. I don't know if the guy even ever used it, but we scored a great deal and I am loving what it's doing for my legs!

I tried this workout but I was not quite ready for the intensity...

Get outside!!

Staying Motivated:   
There will be people who really truly push you to be a better you, and there will be those who tell you you look fine the way you are.  What I appreciate most is support of me, wanting to be the BEST version of me I can be.  I don't want to be bigger than my pre-pregnancy weight, post baby.

To be blunt, my husband married a confident and happy size 6 woman.  I will take a size 8 at my 5'8 frame, but I loved how I felt at my wedding weight.  That is what I owe myself and quite frankly him to be! He has never said anything about being bigger, but I want to be healthier and feel like the girl he married.  Maybe sizes aren't the best way to explain this, but if I'm not content with myself at my current weight, getting back to where I was feeling best is the only rationale I have.  

Instagram is a great way I've connected with other women striving for good health.  Seeing others workout and their progress surely makes me want to be able to do the same.  I also text good friends and we try to push each other to just squeeze in another workout.

I have played the "breastfeeding card" long enough, and that is no excuse to not get up and move my booty!! Just because I'm nursing doesn't mean I can't exercise and eat healthier.  I'm not one of those women who can eat cookies and cake and nurse away all my baby weight---it just wasn't happening folks!! Sure I lost more than half at first, but these last 15 pounds I'm working for.  

Get some new music with fun beats and sweat to some tunes!!  If you don't want to pay for it, simply go to Pandora and put in "Today's Hits" 


 Read all about it!!  Buy magazines that will give you new ideas and ways to improve your health.

And then of course the teacher/craft lover in me decided to take it one step further and my current project:

An Inspiration Board--
You have to be mentally strong in order to achieve your dreams.  If you've ever read or watched The Secret you'll know the importance of creating visuals to get to your desired results.  

Clearly it's not finished, but I keep finding motivating phrases and I'm looking for pictures of what I hope to be.  {Quite frankly I'm waiting for a VS catalog--I usually get tons and lately I haven't gotten any?! There's always pure motivation in those stinkin things...}

Journal
While I'm not following the TIU series to a "T" I am implementing suggestions such as this one...I bought a cute little journal and I try to jot down my workouts that I did or hope to do... some entries are long and wordy and others are short like this....

 I also write down my feelings and sometimes even what I ate so I can keep a tab of how I felt when I ate certain foods... For me it's easier than typing into an iphone. I've tried all that, but I am a visual person and if I literally hand write things down, I digest them better.  It's also handy to have a notepad for things like Brooke's sleeping schedule/eating and it's all in one place to flip through.  As much as I share on the blog, there are still things that sometimes I just want to write out and not really tell anyone...I love it!!

My biggest motivation like I've said before, is my daughter.  She's gonna be running around and wanting to play all day.  I want to be strong and have lots of energy to keep up with her!!  And of course a sibling I hope, but not yet...maybe in another year or so!

I want her to grow up knowing what it means to be healthy.  I don't want her to ever fear being fat or worry about being skinny enough.  I know all too well the pressure young girls face with weight issues, and I promise I will always be the best role model for her.  Eat healthy foods, stay active, and be confident.  No crash diets, no stupid pills, no 'fat talk'.  I know she will look to me first for what it means to be a healthy woman.  I owe it to her to show her the way.

Self-Care: Postpartum

My thoughts on the first few weeks postpartum...

As per the usual, I'm gonna be fairly blunt.

If you don't wanna know the ins and outs, 

you may want to skip this post!!

Since I have a few readers who are expecting,

I figured this may help some of you 

{and my future self, 

once I forget about all the pain and want another child!}

when coming home.

Keeping in mind, I had a vaginal birth,

I'm not sure what you'd do for a C-Sec recovery...

I remember reading in various places some good advice, while at the hospital:

If you're not into pain, and not against meds, take what is offered!

I was very very sore--

I took the 'ice diaper' and meds to help with the pain.

I also took the stool softener.

Don't try to be a 'big girl' and tough that one out!

Anything they have extras of in the hospital, don't be shy, take them home!

-Peri bottle, pads, diapers, blankets etc.

Items I highly suggest you buy/have on hand prior to coming home.

Purchases

-Granny panties {the bigger, the better. No joke.}

I got two packs from Target and am still rocking them.

-Fuzzy socks {feet were swollen for a few days after delivery}

-A cute nursing top to come home in. 

(Got mine from The Gap)

{It felt nice to wear something new and feel pretty after being beaten up!}

-I have 3 nursing bras that I really like; I'd like to get a few more.

-Breast pads; I bought one box and I'm out and need to get more today!

-Have enough huge maxi pads in each of your bathrooms.

{You won't have enough, you'll probably need to go buy more.}

-Tucks Medicated Pads & Prep H. in all bathrooms

{Don't think I need to explain}

-Ice pack in the freezer

{wrap in a towel, place down under}

-Epsom Salt

{Make yourself take a Sitz bath.

I waited and when I finally took one OMG it was such a relief}

-Stool Softener for the first week

-Motrin or Tylenol--no aspirin while nursing

 -Snacks/Drinks if you plan on nursing!

{You get so hungry, but you'll forget to eat! 

 And sometimes, you're so consumed with everything, 

you are not hungry, but still need to eat.

My husband would literally shove apple slices in my mouth.

It's important to eat/drink because it does help your milk supply so much!

Have granola bars, nuts, & dried fruit stationed around where you plan on nursing...

The livingroom, bedroom nightstand, the nursery.}

-Plastic cups w/ straws for water, Gatorade, Juice boxes easy to drink while nursing

Now that I'm in the third week,

I really feel a lot better.

Other Tips:

The first week I just couldn't get the sleep I really needed.

The advice of sleep when the baby sleeps, is very true.

You'll feel so much better.

Try and limit your guests and just sleep!

I go to You Tube and search "guided sleep meditation"

and play those to fall asleep quickly.

Otherwise my mind can race

{because there are tons of things I could be doing other than sleeping!}

-But you NEED sleep to let your body heal/repair,

and not look/act like a crazy zombie.

-Invest in some good under eye concealer.

-Shower every day.

There will be days you don't feel like it, 

but I guarantee the hot water will make you feel so much better.

-Put on a little makeup, even if it's just for you, baby and the hubs.

-Make yourself get out of the house alone at the two week mark!

It seriously helped me so much.

-Take food donations! Friends/family may offer food, just take it.

You and your husband will be grateful!

I will admit that I had some anxiety the first week and a half.

I'd get a little worked up around 6-8pm and 

I think it was because I was nervous about baby keeping my husband up at night. 

He had to go back to work the second week home.

It's important Joe stays healthy, as he has Crohn's and stress can cause it to act up.

I just made sure to talk to my husband and let him know how I was feeling,

as I know it's important in any relationship to communicate.

I know 'baby blues' are normal,

but I wanted to make sure I wasn't traveling down the road of PPD.

I can see how easily you can feel isolated and alone,

 if you don't take care of you yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask other moms tons of questions!!

Once I became more confident

{and my crazy hormones leveled out}

I feel much better now.

Although, I have yet to leave the house with her and I alone,

we may tackle that adventure today!

Speaking of hormones, beware!

They are a tad over the top and you may cry at the dumbest things.

I was crying to my husband one night because no one 

ever says that Brooke looks like me;

they all say she looks like him.

You'll probably tear up over things that make you really happy 

and things that you're nervous or afraid of.

You'll begin to appreciate the words,

"You're doing a great job mom!"

It's funny how much those words mean to a new mommy.

Realize that it really is a huge adjustment and soon enough,

you'll get into a rhythm.

I know I have quite a bit of recovering to do,

so I really just listen to my body.

I still rest when I need to and if the house is messy,

I know it will get cleaned eventually.

I still have the pubic bone pain on my left side,

which totally sucks to feel it as I walk.

I'm hoping it mends itself,

and if not, maybe a chiropractor will help.

I also think my abs separated

[ew]

I'll just say it's still hard to get up off the couch.

OH. 

And I got stretch marks.

Right under my belly button.

Fab.

I just try to stay focused on all that is right, happy, and well.

I am so thankful for a super healthy and happy baby;

I'll take the pain for now.

As my husband sweetly said, it took 9 months to get her here,

it's going to take some time for my body to get back to 'normal'.

Remember if you don't take care of you,

you won't be able to take care of your baby!