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
Denise Lopatka
i follow you on IG! my username is deniselopatka
Denise Lopatka
i would totally buy that tank you have on!!!
also – love this post. i have a hard time getting back into the groove of things since my daughter was born 11 months ago. love ur tips! xox
Charlotte
Hi Katie
I can tell you that I really like your website, you are such a good inspiration.
My favorite item from lorna Jane are the tank: BE BRAVE which is so much a good inspiration; and the tank: We only regret the chances we didn’t take. The lst one is the sentence of LJ and it give me so much motivation.
Oh and thank to inspire us and share your journey with us ;)
Much Love
Charlotte
Meaghan
I’m loving the create your own sunshine tank! You’re such an inspiration I hope to look half as good as you after my son is born. Just 4 more weeks!! I also follow you Instagram (borgeltme)
Lindsey
Girl, you look super!
I love the create your own sunshine tank you have, and I also think the take chances tank is super cute!!
I follow you on Instagram, my username is lindsey_lang!
Excited about this chance, I love workout clothes!
Erica
that sports bra, though!!!! I’m in desperate need of some fun colored ones!
I also follow on Instagram! (Duh!!)
@EricaAshley
april
i love the mod squad tights!
Maria Moklestad
I love the Catch Me Run Short! They are pink and I love how they have the built in spandex shorts underneath. They would be the perfect addition to my summer workout wardrobe. Thanks for a chance to win!
Maria Moklestad
My instagram name is: mialovesnick
Amy E
I am loving all of the zip up jackets, the Influence Excel Zip Through especially. Living in the Midwest, something to pop on over a tank just in case it gets chilly on my evening walk with my pups is perfect!
Love your blog! You introduced me to TIU and for a beginner with at home excersice, I have to say I am hooked :)
– Amy
Amy E
Love seeing your regular Insta and your TIU Insta posts :)
My Instagram – AmyElizabeth012
– Amy
Because Shanna Said So
So glad you realized that you needed to wait to do the 7 day slim down…I bet you were stressed. That’s what being a mom is all about…making mistakes and learning from them…also listening to our bodies and learning about our sweet babies more and more every day. I am so proud of you for being so dedicated to your health and fitness…you look amazing…those 5 lbs will come off! I have no doubt! xoxo
Jessica N
So glad you are taking care of yourself! Our bodies are amazing and it’s crazy how they tell us what we need to do.
Breastfeeding makes me so hungry! It’s crazy that I’m eating more than when I was pregnant. I can’t wait to be able to exercise a bit more. So far just doing short walks when I can.
Love the Jesamine top by Lorna Jane. You find the best places to shop for workout clothes!
Jessica N
I follow you on IG @mrsjessnelson
Meagan
You look fantastic!
I think I’d get the Amy 3/4 tight!
Meagan
I follow you on instagram – @meagdrap
Jamie
I’m glad you listened to your body & figured out that doing the 7 day thing just wasn’t going to work!
I freaking love that tank top, I would definitely be getting that and some of the tights. And of course I follow you on IG @JamiexxLynn :)
Charissa
I love the leggings you’re wearing and the tank!! I’m in desperate need of new running clothes!:)
Charissa
And i follow you on IG @charissasteyn
Brittany Knoll
Hi Katie. I happen to LOVE the “create your own sunshine” tee! Some days you really have to creat your own sunshine. I also LOvE the floral tights!
Brittany
also I already follow you on IG. My username is: brittanyann1187
Laura W.
I love the tanks, especially the “change begins at the end of your comfort zone” one. The Rhianan sports bra looks comfy too and I love the laguna beach color. No babies for me yet but a morning walk with the hubs sounds like a great idea! Maybe we’ll try it out. :)
Laura W.
Also, I already follow you on Instagram and my username is laurabth02! :)
Valv
My favorite is the elixir short and my insta is valbetch :)
Taylor
Agh how to choose! Everything is so adorable! Some of my favs are th mod pants and all the workout shirts! So adorable! Glad everything is back to being healthy and you’re taking care of yourself and Sam!
Kate
I love the Lustre sports bra!!
Jill
I think you look fabulous as is and I’m glad you realized what was going on before you made yourself sick! It takes a lot of calories and energy to feed a little human
These clothes are great. I especially love the inspirational tanks. I saw a great running one that said Don’t Look Back. My new life mantra right now!
Oh and I do follow you on IG. I’m @Jillyruns
Katie
You are so sweet, Jill. Thanks for your encouragement :) I’m glad I realized early on too! This baby needs me to EAT!!
xo
Karalyn
My fav was the Never Never Never Tank. But she has tons of cute stuff to make you wanna workout!
Whitney
My favorite item is the two step bra in AQUARIUM MULTI, I love your blog and I hope I win!
mary
You are too adorable. I LOVE that shirt and you’re shoes are perfect. Any chance you remember where you got your tennis shoes?
As for the giveaway, I linked up and followed you on Instagram. @maryjean_xo
I checked out the Lorna Jane, and LOVE everything on their site. Mainly the tanks that have the sayings on them, like the “be amazing today” one. Crossing my fingers:)
Katie
Aww thanks Mary! The shoes are the Nike Flex Run. I got 2 years ago at Kohl’s- they have a great selection of Nikes! They don’t have the same ones any more, but these are identical: http://bit.ly/1tvUu9y
xo
Shannon
I fear I’ll get addicted to Lorna Jane now! I love the sunshine top – especially helps for living in Seattle and having severe Vitamin D deficiency!
You look absolutely amazing! Listen to your body and that adorable Sam Sam of yours! ;)
Katie
Girl, you and me both. I am full fledged addicted to Lorna Jane now!! And thanks :) I am listening to my body! It’s the most important thing!
xo
Katie Ag.
AH! I love your blog! You and your little fam is so cute..
My favorite Lorna Jane piece (I can try to pick one…it’s so hard) would be Mod Squad 7/8 Tight! Love the colors!
Already a dedicated follower on Instagram–@ms_katieag
XX hugs;
Katie
Aww you’re so sweet!!! Thanks Katie :)
xo
megan w.
I love the color purple and I love the geo print mod squad 7/8 tights!
And I’m so with you on losing the last few pounds after baby. I had my baby boy in April as well, and I’m still carrying an extra 5-6 pounds. But you’re so right about our bodies needing that weight to nourish our littles! Keep up the good work!
Katie
Yes, we have to not be so hard on ourselves!!! I mean, it took 9 months to get all of that weight on us, we can’t just expect our bodies to be rock hard right after! Plus, we’re doing the most important job we can- being mamas to our sweet babies! You’re doing great! <3
xo
megan w.
and my ig is @mpwiedeman
Ericka
Glad you are back on track and feeling better, but still being healthy :) I love going for walks with my husband and our dog. I think a lot of our deepest conversations have happened during our walks.
I’m loving the Never Never Never give up tank! Super cute and motivating!
Katie
Amen- lots of deep conversations happen on walks. It’s the best! :)
xo
Ericka
I’m an Instagram follower :) ErickaMarie87
Claire
Ahhh love Lorna Jane! Their strappy bras and beautifully cut tanks are my fav!
Love, @clairespiration
Jessica
I had never heard of this brand before I read your post – so cute, I love all their stuff. :) This tank is probably my favorite though: http://www.lornajane.com/041405/Run-For-Me-Mesh-Tank
Thanks!
Jessica
Oh and I follow you on Instagram (@jessicamcates)
Jaime
I love Lorna Jane loose fit t-shirts because they don’t cling when you get sweaty during a workout. My favorite one is the Audrina T-Shirt.
Already follow you on Instagram! :) @tiu_jaime
Samantha Featherston
I follow you on Instagram @sfeathers06
I love the create your own sunshine or the mod squad capris