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It’s been a month since LG’s last check-in her postpartum transformation journey. Today she’s doing things a little different - updating in the form of a Q&A. I hope you enjoy! xo - Candace
It’s been a little over one month since my last update in my postpartum journey, and I think everything finally caught up with me - in some great ways, and in some not-so-great ways. The great ways - I’ve been following my macros for a month and working out about five days a week, and my body is definitely transforming! Some not-so-great ways, and more importantly, I feel like juggling everything has been exhausting. I don’t want to whine, but let’s be real, taking care of two under two, and your household, and yourself is EXHAUSTING. My husband is great, and very supportive in everything, but he also works hard in his job to support us and allow me the opportunity to stay home and raise our babies. As such, I let him sleep all night, and I’m up with Nash two and three times a night. I’m breastfeeding, so there’s only so much he can do anyway, but man what I wouldn’t give for a full night’s sleep (no more night nurse because that ish is expensive!)
Over the last few weeks, I could tell my mental health was suffering. I was being negative in mindset and outlook, and shutting myself off from my friends and family. Having battled depression and anxiety before, I knew I needed to say something. As such, my husband is trying to pick up where he can and allow me about an hour to myself when he gets home. I take a bath, relax and try to refocus my thoughts into a more positive direction. So, with that said, today I’m answering some questions in my update rather than a Nutrition and Fitness breakdown because that has not changed.
Q&A
How do you find the motivation?
Good question! I find motivation in that I want to feel good. I love the rush of endorphins that I get from working out, and I love and appreciate my body and everything it does for me, so I like to take good care of it in return. Some days when I’m running on little to no sleep, it’s hard, but I know I need that time to myself and as cliche as it sounds, I always feel better after!
What are your thoughts on meal prepping versus meal delivery services?
If you have the money, I love the meal delivery services. I saved a little money by picking them up from a local gym instead of the home delivery fee, but in the end, I felt I could make them cheaper. One of my favorite meals was the ‘low carb breakfast’ which was ground beef, egg whites, fresh spinach and pico de gallo. I purchased organic, grass-fed beef, organic egg whites and organic spinach and pico, and it only took me 35 minutes to make 5 lunches, so I’ll be doing that from now on. Oh, and I eat mine with Ezekiel Bread, so I do have carbs. It is definitely cheaper by about $30, so I’ve been making them myself now.
How do you juggle it all?
I honestly wake up in the morning and start with finding gratitude for my day - being able to spend time with my precious babies, and then I just get up and get going and do the best I can. Some days I have two kids screaming in the car, and some days I have two kids napping at the same time and can enjoy a cup of coffee and some Real Housewives. I don’t know that I’m juggling it all, but I’m giving it my best!
Do you ever feel guilty?
I don’t know any mother that doesn’t experience some sort of mom guilt. It’s so difficult to escape, but it comes from a place of caring. You want to do the best for your child, so this guilt is emanating from a positive space, but you can’t have it all or do it all. I know working moms who wish they could stay at home, and I know stay at home moms who wish they could work. I think most moms wish they could have more of both. Do I find stimulation in every part of my day? No. Do I feel guilty schlepping my kids to the gym, so that I can workout? Sure. But I know we both need this. I need to focus on myself for one hour of the day, and my kids can enjoy one hour in the daycare with other kids. It’s hard, but be easy on yourself!
Is there any difference between this postpartum recovery/transformation and the first?
These recoveries are so different from one another. With Teddy, though I worked out throughout my pregnancy, I think my body was in shock after giving birth. I felt like I was hit by a Mack truck. It was painful to go on a short walk, and I bled for easily 6-8 weeks after. Plus, I was battling postpartum anxiety, so it took me four months to even step foot inside the gym. With Nash, I felt great. The labor was easy. The breastfeeding was mostly easy. The nights weren’t as brutal. I felt like I was able to workout immediately and had to stop myself from starting too soon. Best advice - listen to your body (and your OB-GYN)!
How is your postpartum anxiety this time around?
Wow. So different. As I mentioned before, I took time during my pregnancy to help set up a safe and supportive environment for my postpartum mental state. I had help with the baby, I had therapy appointments scheduled, and most importantly, I knew the signs to look for. It’s amazing how much more confident you are as a second time mom. You don’t worry about every little thing and you have faith in yourself and your abilities to care for you child. This time had been so much better in terms of anxiety than the first time!
Status Update
Duration: 14 weeks postpartum
Current weight: 149 (down 2 pounds)
Workouts: 30 minute circuit training 5-6 times per week
Nutrition: Meal prepping and macro counting
Goal: Still to lose fat and build muscle, but also to maintain positive momentum and focus
Concerns: Not overdoing it!
In about another month, I’ll do my last postpartum update post so if you have any questions or comments, write below or just drop me a line! If you’re interested in getting your own set of macros, email Coach James here.