Every pregnancy I say I’m going to to do better. I’m going to take my vitamins, eat healthy, keep exercising, and come out on the other side better than when I went in. And every pregnancy, I fail miserably.
Typically, I do great until 5-6 weeks when the morning sickness hits. Then, I eat only what will stay down. After the morning sickness is over, I’m just so happy I eat everything in sight! By this time the thought of vitamins and exercise make me sick, so I avoid them as I pork out, all the time excusing my bad habits as celebrating my pregnancy.
Nice one, Amy.
When it comes to eating healthy and exercising, I have always seen my life as a series of pregnancies with the time in between being the only opportunity I had to get back in shape. Sometimes that was mere months! Only a few months to undo a cycle of unhealthy habits, only to find myself right back to my old ways as soon as a new baby was on its way. And let me tell you, when you’ve been eating poorly for 9 months, it is extremely difficult to go back to eating well and exercising.
Toward the end of my pregnancy with Creed, I started reading Trim Healthy Mama and began to realize pregnancy didn’t need to be a time when I got weaker. I actually began to be excited about getting stronger and healthier. Rather than throwing my hands up because I was at the end of my pregnancy anyway, I started to think how much stronger and healthier I would be after baby arrived if I started right then.
So, that’s what I did!
And 6 weeks after baby’s birth, I was back down to pre-pregnancy weight!
I had a few readers ask for tips on what you can do while pregnant to start making healthy changes, so I decided to write out what I plan to do if the Lord should bless us again. I hope this helps some of you!
1. Start Now! Stop waiting to not be pregnant, and if you’re not currently pregnant, start these healthy habits with the intention of carrying them over into pregnancy.
2. Make your supplements a habit. I’m terrible at taking vitamins, but some of it is the fact that I don’t stick with it long enough to make it a habit. Right now, I’m working on making my vitamins a healthy habit. I’ve even enlisted the help of my husband to remind me.
3. A little exercise is better than nothing. I know, I know…you’re tired and you hurt, but really, all you have to do is 10 minutes of something that is a little more exertion than you are used to. Take the stairs up to your OB’s office instead of the elevator (yep, that was my exercise of choice 😉 ) or do some stretching or find a pregnancy workout on YouTube (there are TONS of these!). Even now, I take this approach…what time I have to exercise is what time I have. A little bit is better than nothing.
4. Eat what will nourish you and baby. The key word here is NOURISH. We have to stop seeing food as just something we do. It has to be seen as the FUEL it is. What kind of fuel you put in your body will determine how you feel burning that fuel. And when you are pregnant, you have someone else to think about as well. Are you and baby running on junk or on the best fuel you can manage? Make the choice meal by meal to nourish you and your baby. I think about this as I’m breastfeeding too…nourish me and in turn, nourish baby.
5. Make goals. I started making goals when I was pregnant for what I wanted to do once I had baby, but you can easily make goals for yourself during pregnancy. Things like a slower weight gain or exercise goals are great to have and shoot for during pregnancy. Remember, think strong!
I started making changes about 4 weeks prior to delivery. My goal was to get a jump start on losing the baby weight by eating better at the end then I ever have before. I’m focused now on getting stronger through weight training and cardio and continuing to eat nourishing foods.
I’m nowhere near perfect and sweets are still a major downfall for me, but I’m not giving up and I refuse to make pregnancy an excuse anymore!
***************
So, how’s my progress? Baby Creed is 9 weeks old and I am 5 pounds under pre-pregnancy weight.
My next mini-goal (remember, I said I have to do small goals because if I look at ALL the weight I need to lose, it overwhelms me) is about 7 pounds away! That goal will mark the weight I was when I got pregnant with my 6th child in 2008.
Salo says
Your doing great, Amy!
Greetings from Germany
Salo
HeatherHH says
Amy, if you’re interested, there’s a pretty active Facebook support group for THM which is a good place for questions and encouragement. https://www.facebook.com/groups/trimhealthymamas/ There’s also a newly established group for nursing and pregnant mamas with over 300 members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/457544457647016/
Amy, thanks for sharing about THM on your blog. You and one other blog post were the reason I finally decided to spend the money to get the book, as at 8 months postpartum I still had 17 lb to lose from my most recent pregnancy (and 13 from an earlier one) and was only losing 1 lb a month. In 5 weeks, I’ve now lost 6 lb, which is much better than before! Many women lose at a higher rate, but I’m a stubborn case 🙂
Amy says
Heather,
I’m actually a part of a small group of THMers I know personally and that’s more my style. But, thank you for the invite. 🙂 And CONGRATS on the weight loss! That is so awesome and I bet you are feeling great!
Alice says
Well, I feel so proud of you! You are doing great, and really inspiring me to try the same! Thank you! 🙂
kendra says
Thanks for sharing these thoughts! I am seven weeks away from delivery with baby number four, and have/had the same mentality that you spoke of. So close to the end, why start now? But seven weeks away still feels like FOREVER away, so there should be plenty of time to make some healthy changes. And you do look great!
Amy says
It is worth it Kendra! My husband had already decided to make some healthy changes, so I just joined him and I felt so much better there at the end!
JLeja says
I wanted to let you know you are even starting to look younger! Rock it mama!!
-Jennifer
Amy says
Thanks! You’re my new best friend! lol
Susan Jensen says
Wow that is great. I went Gluten free inthe last trimester of thsi pregnancy. So far I have lost 4.4 pounds. I have gained 23 pounds this pregnancy and am looking forward to losing my baby weight. I am going to try and stick to what I am doing and add exercise like you did. I was 25 pounds heavier when I started this time so even though I have doen great with weight gain I am still the heaviest I have ever been. Thanks for sharing this information it has given me great encouragement in doing this when the baby comes. (Hopefully pretty soon I only have 6 days left)
Amy says
Praying for a wonderful final week (give or take) of pregnancy for you!
Tiana Krenz says
Wow, Amy, I could have totally written those first two paragraphs. After 2 miscarriages last year (never lost the weight from those and the hormones/depression didn’t help), I walked into this pregnancy as heavy as I would normally be at 9 months. Yikes! I determined that I was going to do better and take better care of myself. I started really watching what I eat and exercising (almost) daily…for about the first 6 weeks. Then the HE hit, and in January we all had the flu for 3 weeks straight. Thankfully, my dr. prescribed an anti-0nausea med that kept me out of the ER this time. I lost 6-7lbs, but I honestly think it was mostly muscle mass. By February I was so weak I could barely get out of bed in the morning. I ate what I felt like eating and didn’t exercise much. My weight came back up to where it had been pretty quickly, but I can’t say I was exactly healthy.
Well, I decided a few weeks ago that I really do not want to or have to just let myself go for the next five months. The nausea is still there (it does not go away for me, I usually get to deal with it for all 9 months), but it’s not as bad as it was during 1st trimester, so I’m exercising regularly again. I’ve also learned that sugar is a huge nausea trigger for me, so I’m doing my best to avoid it (though I have not been very good about it lately, and have paid for it…when will I learn?). The supplements are still pretty challenging to take without feeling ill, but I’m getting better at it. I’m trying to prioritize that which is most important for first thing in the morning, and to remember to take the others during times of day when I feel well.
I think the hardest part of staying healthy during pregnancy is motivation. You work hard, but you don’t really see the difference. You still gain weight, and your body still tells you “wouldn’t you rather take a nap?”. I have to remind myself that I want to be healthy and strong when I give birth. Labor is like a marathon (well, at least it is for me; I have long labors and give birth at home), and you can’t exactly quit half way through. I like your idea of thinking about nourishing the baby when you eat. I have to confess that I usually don’t think about that, except in regard to the obvious things that you’re not supposed to eat while pregnant.
Thanks for the encouraging post!
🙂 Tiana
Amy says
Oh Tiana! I didn’t realize you were pregnant again! Sooooo happy for you! And I also had two miscarriages last year right before getting pregnant with Creed and packed on 10 lbs during that time. So, I completely understand. I’m so proud of you for making healthy, strong choices! Praying for a lovely pregnancy for you. 🙂
Tiana Krenz says
Thank-you, Amy! I am so thrilled that I get to do this again. Such a blessing! 🙂
Teresa Schilling says
Good for you. You look great! What is most important is that you feel great!
I have never had to deal with weight (except putting more on) so I am not able to relate much on the weight side, but I can on the energy side. We are making some changes in our diet to make a healthier life style.
When we got married 16 years ago I my weight was 105, now after 7 preg. and 5 live births I weigh 115. I am very happy with that at 5’6″ it is fine with me and my husband, but my energy is what bothers both of us. I have always been anemic and have struggled with the fatigue it causes, so healthy eating my focus.
Ashley C says
You look great! It’s so encouraging when you see/experience results, isn’t it?
I had never heard of T-Tapp before, but after seeing you post about it, I went ahead and ordered a DVD. In the last 3 weeks, I’ve lost 10 lbs and 12 inches! (My newest baby is 4 months old today)
Thanks for the motivation!
Amy says
Great job!
Juliette says
You look really good! Yay, for all of us! I am almost to my pre-pregnancy weight, myself and although I know the last 10 lbs are the hardest to lose, it feels good to be here. I am lighter now than right before I got pregnant with this last baby. So let’s go for that next tiny step!
Amy says
Yay, Juliette!
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
It’s so worth it. It makes for easier pregnancies and healthier babies too. I am within 2 – 3 lbs. of my pre-pregnancy weight now and I am less than 2 weeks postpartum. Baby is very happy and relaxed and growing quickly. I have continued my healthy habits from pregnancy and in a week or two, will begin exercising. I plan to do lots of walking with the kids at the zoo and playgrounds this summer. I have been eating a LOT of grass-fed butter, pastured egg yolks, raw milk, etc. — and my recovery has been so quick and easy. Healthy habits may be tricky to start and actually become habits, but they make life so much better for everyone! (Mom has more energy for all the kids!) Do I count as a “mom of many” now that I have 4? 🙂
Amy says
Yep, you count, Kate. 😉 And you’ve been an inspiration to me!
Wendy Hoff says
You look great!
Kristi says
So proud of you, Amy!! I’m not a fit mom of MANY, but two…and getting in shape meant losing over 100 pounds after I had my second. In all, it was 120. My children understand and appreciate how exercise and FUELING my body with healthy food are both good things, and they emulate the eating habits and activity because they know it also makes THEM feel better. I have kept off that 120 pounds for 5 years, and not a day goes by that I regret the changes I made to get there, and stay there. I feel better, I am HEALTHY and strong, and I’m modeling good habits for my family, which feels great.
Amy says
I remember well your journey and am thrilled for you! You’ve been one of my weight loss heroes. 🙂
Alicia says
Thank you Amy! I love the reminder that small steps and “small” decisions are the way to healthy eating! And to NOURISH ourselves and our babes! Way to go…hope you’ll continue to update us!
Melody says
Thanks so much for the encouragement! I needed to hear it…..my midwife was telling me to back off at my last visit because I’m gaining too quickly. I’m 23 weeks pregnant with baby #5. Every pregnancy I have started at about 10 pounds higher than the previous one – because I’ve ended up pregnant before I can lose all the weight. I really struggle to lose weight at all while nursing (guess it’s just an effect of PCOS), so it’s been hard to be motivated this time around.
Thanks for the reminder to start making healthy choices now. I still have 4 more months….no reason to completely let go. 😀
Amy says
I’ve done the same thing…started each pregnancy a little bit higher. It’s not easy, but I keep praying for strength!
A Mama's Story says
You look lovely, Amy!!! 🙂 Blessings to you and your dear family. 🙂
Stacy says
Yeah! Amy! You look amazing and I can tell you feel better too! I need that kick in the bootie to GET MOVIN’! Just 10 mins, I can do that, even if I am sleep deprived! 🙂 Keep it up. I want to be a FIT mom of many too!
Amy says
You can do it, Stacy!
Laurie says
Wow, I felt like I was reading about myself! I do the same “this pregnancy will be different”, and then morning sickness throws my goals out the window, Then I proceed to gain a TON of weight. Sigh, it is exhausting on a 4 feet 11 inch frame! I am so inspired right now. I am in the 17th week of my pregnancy. Thank you SO much for this post! You look amazing by the way!
Amy says
Thank you, Laurie! It’s been by the grace of God that I’ve found such motivation this time. You can do it!
Heather says
I thought this post was EXTREMELY encouraging. I’m 17 weeks pregnant with my 5th child and I have certainly been using my pregnancy as an excuse. :/ I loved the part about a little excercise being better than none. I like to walk for 45 minuetes and if I don’t have the time I don’t walk at all! Thanks for posting. 🙂
Amy says
It is so easy to be all or nothing, isn’t it?! 😉
Kim says
Great job 🙂 You look awesome!
Michelle says
I love this post! I am 18 weeks pregnant with my 8th child! My baby is only 10 months old. Needless to say it was harder and harder to take off the 40 pounds of pregnancy weight I gain each time. Usually when the baby is a year old I would get on a good diet and loose the weight again just in time to get pregnant. This time I was still 20 pounds over my normal healthy weight! UGGG!! What was I going to do?!?! I certainly was worried about gaining my normal amount. My midwife told me to just maintain my weight at the moment and gain 15 pounds towards the end. I wasn’t sure that was possible. So far I am doing good and have even started a very mild workout of 10 minutes a day that I found on sugarfittv.com. I am feeling better and hope to start adding in more exercise and continue to eat well. So far I have only gained 2 ounces in 8 weeks!! That is encouraging! I never want to use the excuse that I have 8 kids to turn into a slob! I don’t think it is fair to my husband or me!
Daniele @ Domestic Serenity says
GREAT job Amy! I’m totally with you on the super small goals idea… 🙂
Sofi says
You are soo cute!! You don’t look like you have an overwhelming amount of weight to lose! I guess you carry it well.
This post was great because I had this rule for myself that I have to lose all my baby weight before next pregnancy since I just give in to unhealthy habits when pregnant. But now I feel that there is no need to wait. I can be healthy while pregnant!! Yay! Now where is my husband… Lol
Lisa says
Thanks so much for the intro to THM! I’m halfway through the book and really excited about the lifestyle change that will be a good fit for my whole family. Congrats on the weight loss! I bet you are super encouraged to be doing so well.
Janelle says
Great job!! Thank you for the encouragement. I’ve always felt helpless between pregnancy and breastfeeding because I don’t have a good milk supply so I don’t want to cut calories–but by the time I’m ready to take the bull by the horns so to speak, I’m usually pregnant again. I don’t want to keep piling on the pounds and getting weaker and weaker though, so it’s encouraging to know that it’s possible to be strong and healthy.
candi wilson says
hey there!! yea!!!! you look great!! i was trying to remember what all i mentioned that helped me, and i can’t remember, probably did, but just the health and safety of it all. i guess what i mean to say is, when i started learning how dangerous some of the stuff i was eating and drinking was, that made it pretty easy to quit eating/drinking them. that book “Eat to Live” is a real eye opener, and i just saw the doc. “Vegucation” at hastings last nite. i would strongly recommend these. the more i learn, the less i care about how much my children complain about not have the “old” snacks and meals in the house. we wouldn’t let our kids smoke bc of what it does to their health. there are foods out there that are just a bad for our health. i think it’s time for us all to take responsibility for what goes into our mouths and our childrens mouths! Just bc it’s on the shelf at the grocery store, doesn’t make it safe. in “Eat to Live” one of his quotes says, “Salad should be the Main Course” not a side salad, not a choice between soup or salad with “that” but the Main Course!!! and that doesn’t mean drown it in ranch dressing! that was one hard thing for me to get over, but i have found other healthy dressings that are yummy. i visited with a friend who was telling me her son was having different health problems and she started juicing. she would put kale, spinach, and other plant based foods in her juicer and he drank them. his health issues are gone! eating plant based food is not only healthy, it can cure many many illnesses! anyway, i”ll quit ratteling…for now! 🙂 Amy, i’m really proud of you for taking steps to care for yourself! those of us havingbabies in our older years, have to make sure we are around to raise them! Lord Willing. Love ya! Keep up the good work!!
Gaby says
My number one tip, but it really works: Tie the behaviour (healthy eating, one serving of treat instead of 2, 10 minutes of exercise every day, etc.) to your values. So make choosing the stairs instead of the elevator about your value of helping the environment, and think about the other things you already do to live authentically to that value, like you already compost, or you take the bus. Then taking the stairs isn’t about the stairs, it becomes this choice that helps me live authentically and intentionally in line with my values.
Healthy lifestyle actually fits really well with being a Christian, including good stewardship of the earth, honouring the body and the gift of health God gave us, the fruit of the Spirit (self-control).
And now I have to go clean my bathroom, and somehow tie it to my values…Well, I values making my husband happy, and he will be happy if he comes home to a clean bathroom. See, it works! ;0)
Adrienne says
Thank you for the encouragement. I just got that book this week!
Nikki R says
Amy,
I am 30 weeks pregnant and recently ordered Trim Healthy Mama after reading about your success. 🙂 I have not started officially yet, although I am exercising for 15 minutes each day. ( I figure each little bit helps.) Lord willing both baby and I will be as healthy as can be with our “new” diet changes. Thanks for the encouragement.
Josi says
Way to go! You look like your daughter’s sister. No kidding. You must get the, “you’re too young to have this many kids.” I say enjoy every ounce of that. Good for you. 🙂
Amy says
Wow! Thanks!
Emily says
Way to go, Amy!
Cathie Saines says
I did a 180 with my health for the first 4 months. I quit a lot of bad habbits (sweet tea, cola anyone?) and my husband had me on the green smoothie diet, crazy I know! But you are right, towards the end I found my self eating whatever I wanted and good food didn’t taste well. But baby girl came out with a full head of hair! Thanks for posting 🙂
Cathie.