New Year and My Weight Loss Journey

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We had a fantastic, fun-filled holiday, but it's time to get back to reality . . . and to posting regularly. We've taken the tree down (but not before we gave Ada one last good afternoon with it). Stephen returns to work tomorrow. I continue my maternity leave until June. And -- hello, January -- it's all of a sudden wicked cold outside and snowing.

My diet of cookies, too, must give way to one filled with fruits and veggies. I didn't exactly consider when Ada was born is how much time she'd take up during my days. Of course I knew it'd be a lot -- but surely the whole not-fitting-in-showers thing wouldn't happen to me. Sigh.

In these first 6 weeks, there have been (many) times when getting in a real meal has been nearly impossible. Enter grab-and-go cookies. Let's just say that my post-pregnancy weight loss has stalled out for the past three weeks.

Though I've lost 18 pounds since Ada was born, I'm a solid 10 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.


(Here's a pic of me at 4 weeks pregnant -- so -- essentially pre-pregnancy):


I'm running five days a week (and will write more about my "training" later in the week). And I feel great. Many of my clothes fit, so I'm not focused so much on the number 10. Still, I need to clean up my act. Three of those pounds were GAINED during the holiday season. A diet filled with sugar and saturated fat isn't going to do me any favors going forward.

I mentioned a possible detox in my last post. After more consideration, I think a detox would be difficult given that I'm breastfeeding. The new plan is to eat when I'm hungry, but to trade sweets for sweet potatoes.

Here's what breakfast #1 looked like today:


OATS:

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

SMOOTHIE:

• 8 large strawberries (frozen)
• 1/2 large banana (frozen)
• 1 teaspoon golden flax meal
• 2/3 cup almond milk

It might not look like a lot. And you're right. It's only around 250 or 300 calories, which is why I labeled it breakfast #1. Since I'm hungry all the time (yup -- breastfeeding strikes again), I'm breaking up my meals into six food events throughout the day that will total around 2,000 to 2,200 calories. This number is a rough estimate, however. I've never been much of a calorie-counter. In dropping weight, I figure I have to be at least semi-conscious of the numbers. It's an adjustment to read labels for sure.

My mission today is to pick up foods at the grocery store that are easily grabbed out of the fridge for snacks. Like carrots, apples, etc. I'm also planning to do a big bulk cook for some easy lunch options (that I'll post!). I'm thinking perhaps some type of chunky couscous salad since I don't love regular salad. Any ideas?

Well, Ada's awake. Back to it!

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