Getting Healthy After Baby Number Five

37 weeks pregnant with baby number 5. One week before he was born.

    One thing that has always been a pretty big part of my lifestyle has been staying active. Pregnancy and postpartum is always a struggle for me because they're really the only times in my life that I've gained a significant amount of weight. I gained 30 pounds with each pregnancy which is a lot for me being that I'm only 5 feet tall. I've had five babies in less than seven years...I've asked a whole lot of my body in the last several years and I'm so grateful for being able to carry five sweet babes full term and deliver so easily. I really love being pregnant but it's also nice to shift back to normal and feel like myself again.

    During pregnancy my body hates anything remotely healthy and basically survives on carbs...mainly in the first trimester but to be able to stay full longer than thirty minutes for my entire pregnancy I had to pound the carbs. I tried upping my protein intake but it just never worked for me. Then the first few months postpartum, while my body is adjusting to feeding a rapidly growing human being on the outside, I am a bottomless pit. I could eat all day long and not be full. It's annoying actually. ha. But once that phase wears off and the hunger is not as intense is when I try to hone in on eating so much better. Once Porter hit six months old I was so uncomfortable in my own skin. I had a hard time finding clothes that fit me comfortably and that don't make me look pregnant. My lower belly really took a beating this time around and I have about a two finger wide distastes from top to bottom. Starting in June I was working out sporadically because we just had so much going on it was hard to stay consistent as we were always on the go. One thing I really did well with was my nutrition. I cut out soda almost completely (like, I've only had it twice in the last almost two months...what?! if you know me, you know that's a big deal ha!), I started eating lots more fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots more water. Lacroix sparkling water is my go to now when I want something bubbly! My favorite flavors are mixed berry, grapefruit, and tangerine. Try it if you're wanting to kick soda to the curb!

Beginning of June vs end of July

Beginning of June vs End of July

    In the beginning of July I was able to add exercise back into my routine and as of right now I'm on day 7 of the 21 Day Fix. I really love this program! I tried Country Heat for a little over a week and just couldn't really get into it. It never felt like a really good sweaty work out for me. So here I am one week out of three and I'm already seeing changes and progress not just physically but emotionally as well. I have more energy, I feel more productive, and it keeps me going throughout the day. I was really struggling with some postpartum baby blues and anxiety the last couple of months which were awful and I'm not totally out of it but I've noticed such a huge shift in a better direction since I've stayed consistently active and on top of my nutrition. I haven't weighed myself in quite awhile so I don't even know where I'm at with that end of things but I do see changes happening and my clothes are starting to fit better so I don't even care about the number. Here are a few of my meals that I eat and rotate through every week. I'll share more as I incorporate more things in!

Fried egg over spinach on a slice of oat bread with a side of turkey bacon.

Omelette stuffed with ground turkey, veggies, and raw broccoli slaw. My omelettes are made out of two eggs and that's it. No milk or anything added.

Two eggs scrambled with ground turkey, veggies, and salsa.

One fried egg over veggies, black beans, and ground turkey plus two slices of turkey bacon.

Two whole wheat waffles with peanut butter, warm blueberries, and drizzled with pure maple syrup. Side of sliced bananas.

Whole wheat bagel, vegan chive and onion cream cheese, micro greens, and topped with cucumbers. Baby carrots, black bean and quinoa tortilla chips, and hummus for dipping.

Tortilla, vegan chive and onion cream cheese, spinach, olives, and ready to eat grilled chicken from Trader Joes. Side of baby carrots, quinoa and black bean tortilla chips, and hummus for dipping.

Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Superfood Bar in Dark Chocolate.

Santa Barbara Bar in Peanut Chocolate Cherry.

    I can tell my digestive system is working so much more efficiently as I fuel my body more and more with the proper foods. I'm lactose intolerant and attributed a lot of my stomach problems with that. Since I've been a lot more strict I've had no stomach issues. I caved and ate a piece of pizza and I felt off for at least two days after which is just added motivation for me to stay on track! It's also been so good for my kids to see me make good food choices. They've even asked to try new veggies as I'm chopping and cooking and opt for fruit more and more when they want a snack. I'm currently working on ways to eat well on a very tight budget which I'll share tips on as I learn more! If you have any tips, tricks, or advice shoot it my way! I'd love to hear from you.