Last week, I posted this pic on Instagram and y’all wanted to know what I do as far as working out and eating. I’ve been working on getting in shape, training for my second half marathon and clean eating. I’m happy with the direction my body is going. It’s not exactly want I want it to be, but I’m feeling more comfortable in my skin. Isn’t that the goal?
Motherhood has changed my body. I’m lucky, though. I didn’t get much in the line of stretch marks, and my hips never expanded, (hence the 2 c-sections) so I still wear all my pre-baby pants. One things for sure. Body after pregnancy is just different. Stuff is looser, bumpier and sadly, saggier.
Running, for me, is the best. It makes my legs look better, my tush move just a smidge higher and my waistline slim out. It’s also a stress relief. I can pound the pavement for 30 minutes and it feels like the weight of the world was just taken off my shoulders. It also helps my back pain. After spinal surgery at 15, I do struggle to keep the back pain away. For some reason, the running helps so much. I think it simply strengthens the muscles.
My workouts:
I run 3-4 days a week. I’m currently using this half marathon training schedule. I’ve been going to the gym early 2-3 days a week before the boys wake up. It’s brutal. But I’m getting used to it and it’s awesome to be done with my workout and showered before they get up.
1-2 days a week, I try to do some type of cross training. Typically, that’s a p90x DVD workout, like Plyometrics or Kempo, or Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred. I LOVE Zumba and try to get to those classes at the gym, but it’s just easier to do the workout at home.
I do lots of random workout stuff. On the days I don’t run, I do 50 squats and 50 lunges. I’ve also been doing bicep curls, overhead presses, and deltoid raises with 3 lb weights. I don’t want bulk, just definition. From what I know, light weight, high repetition is the way to do that. I also love to do p90x ab ripper video. I try to do that a couple times a week. If I ever find myself on the floor (which happens often with my boys), I throw in some crunches. Or leg raises. I just try to do a little as often as I think of it.
What I eat:
I think this has had the biggest impact on my body as of late. They say being fit is based 85% on your eating habits. We’ve been eating clean. Which basically means eliminated processed foods and avoiding sugar. It really isn’t that hard and I feel great. What do we eat?
Whole foods. As in real food. Vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meats, whole grains, nuts and seeds. I try to stick to things with less than 5 ingredients.
5-6 smaller meals a day. This keeps your metabolism revved up. My in-between meal “meals” are a handful of nuts and a couple pieces of dried fruit, veggies and hummus, or a Lara bar (which are delish, btw.) It’s essential for me to have this stuff available or I will snack on goldfish or everything else that I see.
Increase the protein and fiber. The hubs laughs at how many flax seeds I eat. They’re so good for you! I put them on salads, pancakes and parfaits. I use greek yogurt in the place of sour cream, ranch dressing and in lots of recipes. I also use a lot of egg whites.
I do eat carbs. I just do 100% whole wheat ones. You don’t want processed, bleached flour. We eat whole grain pastas, brown rice and quinoa. Ezekiel bread is a great choice that has tons of fiber, too. I use honey and no sugar added maple syrup to sweeten things like oatmeal and pancakes. They are both naturally sweetened without being processed.
My biggest tip? Shop the perimeter of the store. That’s where I get most of my foods. And yes, I do buy some frozen veggies and fruits. I eat dairy. (Some clean eaters don’t) I’m a busy mom, after all, and I have to be practical.
And speaking of being a mom, I drink wine. But working out so hard makes me not want to splurge on that quite as much as I used to. It’s all about moderation. And while we’re talking moderation, I’m not about to skip a treat every now and then. Vacation? Birthdays? Give me cake. If I completely deprive myself, I know I’ll never keep this up.
I know a lot of y’all have asked for recipes of the things I post to Instagram. I’m pretty much the worse recipe follower in the world and never remember what I happened to throw in. Every time I go to measure my ingredients to write it down for y’all, I mess it up! I’m working on my protein pancakes and clean crab cakes and will have those posted for you soon.
I’ve been inspired by so many of you runners, clean eaters and fit moms. Twitter, Instagram and blogs are such a wonderful way to stay motivated, connect with others doing what you’re doing and find tips and recipes along the way. Thanks so much for all your encouragement. Y’all are amaze!
I am not a trained fitness instructor or nutritionist. I have no idea what I’m talking about, really. This is simply what is working for me. Don’t sue me if what I do doesn’t work for you!
I am training for my second half as well, but not as well as you. I am okay in working out, I just really struggle with food, always have. It is a battle I am willing to fight for. You look awesome!
Love this post. I have a good workout regime down, but now I need to work on eating cleaner.
You look fabulous lady! Working out I love to do, but I have been struggling with my diet. Thanks for all the tips!
Great job!! I'm so impressed…wish I had a little belly like that! Until then… one piece for me this summer! haha… I've been trying to watch my calorie intake (since it is definitely 80-ish% what you eat) and working out to home vids too, 3-4 days a week. I love Jillian… have her 30DS, No More Trouble Zones and the huge Body Revolution set, which I started…but never finished, whoops! Congrats on training for another 1/2… I did my first last June – documented it all here: http://mejiamamma.blogspot.com/p/12-marathon.html – with total costs & all – idk if I'll ever do another again, I have MAJOR calf issues 🙁
You look amazing! I am now inspired to get back in the gym!
You look HOT, in a non creepy way of course 🙂
You look fantastic. Do you meal plan, or do you go to the store and get all the types of foods that makeup a healthy meal and then make the meals throughout the week? I'm very much an all or nothing type of person, and I find myself either going balls to the wall and meal planning 6 days of the week with great healthy choices or doing nothing at all. And that meal planning happens on a rare occasion because of time. I need to eat healthier, but pita chips and crackers and takeout from the Greek place happens too often to note.
You look great! Loved this post. Thanks hot mama!
I love this post!! Last April I was running up to 6 miles every other day until a foot injury put me down but I am slowly rebuilding. You look amazing after two babies! You Go Girl!!!
I love running, something I would have never said 5 years ago. It is such a stress reducer. I love to run alone it is a way to clear my mind and focus….
you look incredible….I can't wait to get back in shape – due with our second girl this may
You look fantastic. I'm always perusing the internet looking for other clean eater body pics, to keep myself motivated. Any time I feel I might want to put a piece of taffy in my mouth, I look at a pic like yours [such an awesome body!], and I feel a burst of energy to do something else instead. I'm an uber fit mom of twins. I just had to pop in and say, you go girl! Clean eating is the best ;D