So first and foremost, I need to address a major mistake I recently made: I started my Tone It Up plan with the 7 Day Slim Down. If you aren’t familiar with the plan, the 7DSD is a calorie-deficient meal plan meant for anyone trying to lose those last 5 pounds or who is getting ready for an event or something like that. I had it in my head that it was a great way to kick off the plan! Which, I mean, it could be, if I hadn’t just had a baby and still needed to nurse him! By day three of the slim down, I was feeling weak and sick to my stomach, and Sam had been getting up much more frequently every night. Remember when I said he had kind of reverted backwards and was waking up every 2 hours to eat? Well, right when I realized it was probably because I wasn’t producing enough milk to fill him up, due to my lack of calories, I decided to stop doing the slim down. It was simply not enough calories for a breastfeeding woman and I wish I would have seen that sooner, but thankfully when I stopped, on day four, things went back to normal and he was eating better and staying full longer and I was feeling better myself too. That definitely scared me, though, and I want to let any of my fellow nursing mamas know not to make the same mistake I did!
It took 9 months to get to where I was, so I should never ever start thinking I need to lose it all in less than half of that time! That is just crazy! Plus, little Sam needs me to keep some fat in order to provide nourishment for him! I know a few weeks ago I was talking about wanting to lose those “last 5 pounds” but I’ve now realized I need those last 5 pounds to stick with me! And I am more than okay with that! I definitely had an unrealistic vision of what I needed to look like- NOW- and I’m just glad I’ve since come to my senses about all of that.
Now, this doesn’t mean I’m not exercising and eating healthy. I have since switched to the regular Tone It Up nutrition plan, and am feeling amazing! I’m making sure to keep my calories up and both Zack and I are making wise and healthy decisions. It’s so nice that he’s willing to do this with me! We’ve started a little family routine of going on a 30 minute walk every morning when we wake up, and it’s so nice. I look forward to this time each day, pushing Sam in his stroller (or carrying him, like the other day when he simply refused to be pushed- hey, it’s an added workout!) and just talking. It’s easy to fall into a daily routine where we can sometimes seem like ships passing in the night, going about our activities, but these morning walks mean so much to me. It’s our time, just us two, where we talk about whatever’s on our minds and share our dreams, our stories, our wishes. I love it. :) Plus, we’re exercising together, too, which let’s be honest is the best thing ever, is it not?!
So. Be smart, Katie. And eat enough calories. Okay, there’s my pep talk to myself. ;)
What do you do as a family that you love?
Have you made any mistakes lately when it comes to fitness? What made you realize them and what did you do to change them?
bra: c/o lorna jane (similar here)
leggings: c/o lorna jane (here)
shoes: nike (similar here)
“Create your own sunshine” is pretty much my life motto. :)
I’m so pleased to be partnering up with LORNA JANE for a $100 gift card giveaway!
That’s right! Lorna Jane has quickly become a new favorite of mine for all things workout clothes, and I couldn’t be happier to spread the love to one of you!
*To enter, simply visit Lorna Jane’s website and tell me in the comment what item is your favorite!
**Bonus entry: link up a post of yours below. Be sure to link back to me in your post!
***Another bonus entry for following me on Instagram @katie_did_what (just leave a comment with your instagram name).
(Open to US/Canada/Mex only)
Good luck! :)
***Congrats Mary of Eat Drink and Be Mary!***
xo
That first photo of you and Sam is adorable. I think from the range that lorna jane have, my faves are the inspirational tanks, like the one you got. They’re so cute!
Oh, and I was already following you on instagram (madeline1f). :)
You are already looking great, you really don’t need to put any pressure on yourself.
I love the Lorna Jane skinny flash dance pants but it was a very hard decision!
I’m following you on instagram @thenoatbook
I love the could, should, would, did tank.
I follow on ig (domesticatedwwoman)
Lorna Jane has so many cute clothes. I love the Arianna excel tank!
I love the tanks, especially the “Busy Working Out” tank.
And I follow you on instagram, nic19martin
I’m so glad you posted this! You look INCREDIBLE. You just spit out a baby and you are teeny tiny, but not only that – you look rested, energetic, and HAPPY! That means so much more than 5 pounds!
I LOVE the Arianna Excel tank! But really I love them all! :)
Oh, AND I follow you on Instagram – @nataliezambreski :)
I love the Good Day top. SO cute!
And I follow you on instagram. My name is @katelynhirsch :D
Absolutely don’t put so much pressure on yourself! It is hard work being baby’s only source of nourishment. I made a fitness mistake after my second baby that could have turned out much worse. I immediately started training for a half marathon, which I did run 5 months post partum, but I feel like my body went into shock trying to train and nurse Gage. I had zero energy, plus with the hormones still surging that cause joints and ligaments to be loose I could have really done some permanent damage. Won’t be pushing myself so hard this time around…baby 3 in 3 weeks!
I love the Torie Excel Tank.
I followed you on instagram – @twinkies20
I love the mod squad tights!
Im following on IG! @karakieran
I LOVE all of the graffic tank tops! My favorite has to be the “I run for Me” tank and the “Make it happen tank” Just followed you on instagram! My Instagram handle is: truelifekmk
I love the “be amazing today” inspirational tank!
And I follow you on Instagram: katemarina10 :)
I’m so glad you stopped the 7DSD before it really messed up your milk supply! I loved breast-feeding and wouldn’t have traded that time for anything! I’m glad you have a healthier perspective. You seriously look amazing! I gained 45lbs during my pregnancy because I was not eating well and only walked. It took me 8 months to get to where I wanted, so don’t rush it! You will get there in time.
I love the Wildside Excel Tank from Lorna Jane! I am already following you on IG @logan_can. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)
Such cute pictures!! I love the shirt “create your own sunshine”!
Your son is seriously so so so cute! My younger son is 36 weeks and I can’t wait to be an aunt to her son! (: Also, I like the inspirational tanks and the tights. I really love everything from LJ but those are my top faves.
I already follow you on Insta! (lizzy0325)
And I hate to be a copycat, but I’d def get the sunshine tank that you have!! Or maybe the take chances one. So much cute stuff!!
Liz
So glad you recognized what you needed for you and little Sam! Breastfeeding burns lots of calories! You’re an amazing mama. :)
I love the “Make It Happen” tank!! Everything is so cute though!
Follow you on IG! I’m @FoodNFitDiaries. :)
I just love your tank so I’d get that!!
I already follow you on instagram! (maggiewalla23)
I’m so glad you figured that out so quickly! Definitely make sure you are eating enough :) And I had never heard of Lorna Jane but WOW! Such cute stuff! I seriously love the Make It Happen tank and I could definitely use some of their tights. Awesome stuff :) I already follow you on IG – I’m LifesNextBigStep :)
Girly, seriously you can’t even tell you’re carrying an extra 5 pounds! And you are so right to think about it that way, it took you 9 months to get there, so it can take that long to get it off. Either way, you look gorgeous!
My favorite item is: Well I couldn’t decide so I’m telling you two :) The Ellenora Bra and the LF Reversible 7/8 Tight!
I follow you :) @ChelsMarieFit
You really inspire me! Keep up the amazing work! I am in dire need of some new workout pants, and the potential 7/8 tights look exactly like what I would love working out in and feel confident in!
Also, I already follow you on instagram as @batesann
That was brave of you to admit – we have to listen to our bodies and make sure we are treating them properly! I love the bra you’re wearing!
I know you have gotten a lot of these comments but you do look just fine without trying to lose those last few pounds. For myself, nursing was not a magic weight loss pill and my body didn’t just hold onto 5, it held onto 10 pounds! (And then I got pregnant before I weaned…). This is where I do not like our celebrity society where we do have this added stress to get back to what was before baby almost instantly. We will get there, sometimes the journey just takes longer. I’m glad you figured things out before losing the milk supply even more – it’s also no joke that nursing makes you one ravenous beast!
I can’t pick just one favorite! Haha! I love it all – especially their inspirational tanks!
Have you ever heard of lactation cookies? I’m not a mother, but I’ve heard those help you produce more milk – and they can be made healthy too. Maybe look for it on Pinterest. :-)
I follow you on IG! @runnerB9
How can I pick just one?! I do love the Callie Run Tank, the Dimension 7/8 tights, and the mod squad 7/8 tights!
I love the feline excel tank! All the leggings are super cute too!
Following you in IG @j80985!’
You’re an amazing mom and keep up the great job on nursing!
I love the Montoe Hoodie from LJ! :)
xo
**Monroe! ;)
LOVE the Never Never Never tank!! And I look forward to seeing your insta pics everyday :) @alim_can
I just had my third baby 6 weeks ago and I’m 9lbs from pre-preg weight, but only 5 from my goal I think. I was thin before but not very strong…my goal is to maintain some more muscle! My eating to still way off LOL, but I’ve been working out for a few weeks now.
You look great!! Don’t worry about those last 5 lbs…they will come off when your body is ready!
I think you look great! That workout outfit is super cute!!! I love the red sports bra!!