Embarking on a weight loss journey while navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood can feel like a monumental task. As a mother of two, I can attest to the struggle of balancing self-care with parental responsibilities. After giving birth to my second child, I set out to lose 2.2 stone (around 31 pounds), and I’m here to share that it is possible, even amidst the whirlwind of postpartum life.

Starting Point: The Beginning of My Journey

My weight loss journey started again after I gave birth to my second child. Like many new mums, I faced the daunting task of losing the pregnancy weight. The initial hurdle was acknowledging that the process would require time, patience, and commitment. But I was determined to regain my health and energy, not just for myself but for my family too.

Challenges Along the Way

Festive Temptations

One of the biggest challenges was navigating the festive season. Christmas parties, abundant with delicious food and drinks, posed a significant temptation. It was tough to resist indulging, but I reminded myself of my goals and made conscious choices to enjoy treats in moderation.

Weather Woes and Sick Days

Another challenge was staying active during bad weather. Walking 8000 steps a day became difficult, especially when the weather didn’t cooperate. Additionally, caring for poorly children often took precedence over my exercise routine. Despite these setbacks, I sought alternative ways to stay active indoors and remained flexible with my fitness goals.

Finding Support

A saving grace during this journey was discovering a local Mama fit class https://www.facebook.com/mamabefitribblevalley. These classes offer an exercise circuit where you can bring your kids or babies along. This community became a source of support and motivation, allowing me to stay on track even when life got hectic.

Milestones and Achievements

Reaching each milestone in my weight loss journey felt incredibly rewarding. From noticing my clothes fitting better to feeling more energetic, each small victory reinforced my commitment. Celebrating these achievements, no matter how minor they seemed, helped maintain my motivation and perseverance.

Tips and Advice for Fellow Mums

Track Your Nutrition

Using the MyFitnessPal app has been a game-changer. By inputting my daily goals—33% of protein, 27% of fat, and 40% of carbohydrates, with an overall goal of 1608 calories a day—I could monitor my nutritional intake and ensure I stayed on track. The most important thing is to make sure you have enough protein (you can go over your protein percentage); you can be slightly flexible with your fats and carbohydrates percentages.

Stay Active

Aim to walk at least 8000 steps a day. When the weather isn’t favorable, find creative ways to stay active indoors, such as dancing with your kids or doing a quick home workout. For me, lifting weights has also been essential for toning my body. Start with small weights and gradually increase as your strength improves.

Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is crucial. Staying hydrated helps with overall health and can even aid in managing hunger and cravings.

Seek Support

Whether it’s joining a local fitness class, finding a workout buddy, or connecting with an online community, having support can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you.
If you are looking for an online fitness coach I recommend Perks of Fitness on Instagram. He offers a great price, diet & nutrients advice and a fitness plan to follow. He is also available to chat with clients 1:1 throughout your plan to help you with anything you might need support with.

A Journey Worth Taking

Losing weight after giving birth is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s a journey worth taking. It’s about more than just the numbers on the scale; it’s about regaining your health, energy, and confidence. Remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, and stay committed to your goals.

To all the postpartum mums and health-conscious parents out there, know that you’re not alone. Your journey may have its ups and downs, but with patience and perseverance, you’ll reach your destination. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every step you take is a step towards a healthier, happier you.