It’s a new year. Everyone is making resolutions, hitting the gym, and regretting their holiday decadence.

The weight loss propaganda is rampant on the television. So much so that I stopped watching TV for a couple of weeks. But that’s not because I was sweatin’ to the 80’s at the gym, or swimming in the ocean, like I WISH I was doing. I’ve actually been indoors–at home– more in the last 5 months than ever!

I will be the first to admit that my weight loss has been anything but strategic. I have NOT been doing crunches 3 times a day, as recommended by Dr. Fruithandler, our chiropractor. I have not been doing stroller aerobics or even laps around the complex like I imagined. (I wonder how much better the results would be if I actually made those commitments!)

I must also admit that I only gained 15 pounds during the pregnancy. However, the pre-pregnancy weight was the highest in my life. I was NOT practicing balance. I was working too much. (Running a new business is similar to having a baby.) I was eating poorly and not using physical activity to disperse stress buildup. I knew that I had to be mindful about my weight throughout the pregnancy or risk pre eclampsia, diabetes, or other complications. To date, I’ve lost that 15 pounds, plus 7-10 more, depending on the day.

But what is my secret? It is quite simple. By living LIFE.

• Wearing the baby in a sling or carrier while doing housework, which includes going up and down the stairs multiple times. [Shameless plug: I LOVE my Ergo Baby Carrier! It has saved my sanity.]
• Breastfeeding. Even though my husband told me it is responsible for burning approximately 500 calories per day, I was still skeptical, especially after reading many counts of women being disappointed that it did NOTHING for the number on the scales.
• Working less. Means sitting on my bum less. This means I am more ACTIVE.
• Stress management. I am learning to better cope with stressful circumstances and not become so easily overwhelmed. I imagine this would account for lower cortisol levels which make shedding abdominal fat quite difficult.

How about other moms out there? Dads? (My husband gained some weight right along with me, and was also losing gradually… Until he got the flu and dropped 10 pounds overnight!)

Please leave a comment. We’d love to hear your story.

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