The Ugly Truth

I had always imagined pregnancy to be this beautiful experience. 
Luckily mine was a healthy pregnancy, but it was not very beautiful to me. I wish I wouldn't have spent my whole pregnancy feeling stressed, worrying about all the weight I gained at every appointment, and being self-consious. I thought the only thing that would get bigger was my belly- I was so WRONG! I've realized that there are two types of women when pregnant:
1. Those super cute belly only women. 
2. Those women that gain in every freaking place possible!… Like myself.

I gained nearly 60lbs: ~5lbs when my husband got back from deployment aka "happy weight" while we were on vacation (when I got pregnant) & ~55lbs during my 9 months.

I only have myself to blame. I did workout my entire pregnancy, but I've always been restrictive and cautious of my eating (clean eating/moderation) to keep in shape. Once I was pregnant, I totally gave into 90% of every buffet, chocolate, ice cream and whatever else cravings I had.

So here it goes. Today marks 6 months and 3 days postpartum. My first blog, with my most embarrassing progress photos. 

Summer 2012, before getting pregnant:

I was normally 125-128lbs pre-pregncy & roughly 18% body fat.   During vacation, around 130-135lbs. Size S & 3/5. I got into fitness and lifting back in 2010 after I gained a lot of weight after high school… but that's a whole separate story. 

Pregnant 2013: 34wks, 40wks, & the day after I gave birth:

I gave birth at 40+1wks. I was in labor for 28hrs & pushed for 1.5hrs. I think I went in weighing 186/188lbs.  

Now for the fun part… 

1 week postpartum:

Alex jokes around about how miserable I look. I was feeling SO good after having my son (smaller) until I saw these photos. I just thought "OMG… I have so much work to do." I felt so disgusting and ugly. During the first two weeks, the weight dropped fast (mostly water weight) and I was at 164lbs. After that, it's been hard work! Especially with breastfeeding… chocolate and those sweets always call my name! I couldn't even get my pre-pregnancy jeans up past my knees until 4+ months postpartum! Not a good feeling.

6 months postpartum:

So this is where I'm at now. Down ~38lbs or so.  I've been working out since 13 days post partum and eating healthy here and there while giving excuses to indulge into my sweet tooth cravings. Now, I have a coach that will guide me to my first NPC bikini competition in the spring! I will be updating on progress, sharing tips/ideas and trying to be as helpful as possible with the knowledge I've acquired through the years. 

Training: For the past 6 months I have been doing split workouts, i.e. back & bis, legs and abs, chest & tries.. etc 

Cardio: I would warm up with 5-10 minutes of intense cardio, and follow my weight training with 20-30 minutes of cardio. I was going for calories burned, rather than burning fat.

Nutrition: I have not been meal prepping. I have tried counting macros (IIFYM: if it fits your macros), I have been very lenient on my eating. 

Supplements: I am still breastfeeding, so no supplements except Whey protein shakes with soy milk.

 My ultimate goal is to feel confident and happy…  to feel beautiful! Also to step on stage and get over all my fears.

Anyways, here we go. Follow if you'd like! 

Oh and this is my little guy!

IG @loveliftdrift

xoxo