Before I became pregnant with my son, I weighed about 180lbs, size 12 (I'm 5'8", by the way). I wasn't too thrilled about my size, but I never have been the type to exercise, and I had other priorities that interfered with getting physically fit anyway (school, work, wife, and a mother of a then, 3yr old daughter). We decided to have an addition to our family, and I gave birth to my son in October 2008. From October until about May 2009, I had been 210lbs.
Knowing that graduation is next spring, and my 10yr high school reunion is edging closer, I decided to utilize my summer as a time to get active, and drop some pounds. I have been working out for about an hour (30min cardio, 30 min resistance training) 5-6 days a week since the beginning of May, and to date, I am down to 200lbs (yay me!).
Anyways, I have been youtubing different people, trying to find inspiration and advice from other women out there who are trying to lose weight too, and I wanted to see if any of my YMIB sistas had any advice or updates to share as well! I'm hoping that we can all encourage each other to continue our fitness goals!
So, I'll reiterate some of my stats, and I look forward to hearing from the rest of you!
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 200
Dress size: 14/16
Goal: 160, size 8
Update #5
It has been a while. Over the past few months, my weight has fluctuated between 180 and 175, but since getting back on a consistent work-out routine (3 days a week), I am at 172 lbs. I have 12lbs to go before reaching my goal! Anyone else out there want to share?
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!
Update #4
Still haven't the chance to consistently work out...i've probably exercised 2x since the last time I posted a month ago, lol. I've been watching what I eat, and try not to eat anything past 8pm. I'm weighing in at 177 now. I'm elated! 16lbs to go to reach my goal.
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!
Update #3
Since I began school in the fall, my working out has been practically non-existant, so I am struggling to find a workable, exercise routine around my busy schedule. However, I still have maintained my weight (and have not gained any), and I am at 183lbs, which puts my total weight-loss at 27lbs. I've 23lbs to go, so I gotta get back on my grind! Hope to see anyone else's updates...
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!
Update #2
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to check in, and give my update. I haven't been working out as much before (down to about 3-4 days a week, instead of 6-7 days). However, I still have continued to see the pounds drop, and my arms are becoming more defined. It's exciting, because I have NEVER had defined, lean muscle on my arms, even when I was a light weight, lol! But as of right now, I am 190lbs. 20lbs down so far this year. Can't wait to hear any other updates, or comments!
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!
Update
I'v been at the same weight for about a month now so I decided to get a trainer. It's been great I'v lost 5 pounds so far.....down from 170 to 165!!! Im almost at my goal weight!!
namaste ~*~
My update
Well I must say since being on my own in Brooklyn, my eating habits have changed a lot. I notice when it's just me, I make better choices as far as what I put into my body. Also, since I'm on a very limited budget here, I go out of my way to make every meal at home or take something with me. I've also been walking a lot more. I haven't had access to a scale so I don't know if I've lost weight or not, but I feel much better. I have more energy and I'm more focused.
I'm still on the fence about whether meat stays or goes, and I decided to concern myself more with adding healthy things to my diet rather than worrying about depriving myself of something. I try to make sure fruits and veggies dominate every meal. I got cucumbers 2 for $1.00 and have several fresh slices every time I eat. I also like to get a large carrot and munch on that while I'm preparing my meal, that way I'm getting an extra serving of veggies before I even sit down to eat :) I've also been getting things like berries, peaches, grapes, and kiwis so that when I have an urge to snack at least it's something healthy.
So addition over subtraction has helped a lot. And it also makes me feel less guilty when I'm working late and I have a fast food slip up (like last night lol). The next step will be adding exercise to my routine, especially core workouts. My main issue is, as Badu so eloquently put it, "I've got a little pot in my belly..." ;)
Black Butterfly: Arts and Culture from Brooklyn to the Bay and Beyond!
http://www.soulgoddess.blogspot.com
Hello Sistas:)
I can definitly relate F.rebma!Im 5'5 and weigh 184 pounds I just had my 3rd baby a year ago and I weighed 232 pounds.I have lost 48lbs so far and im tryin to lose 40 more.It is definitly a STRUGGLE.I was walking 5-6 miles a day during that time and added 64ounces of water,fruits, and veggies into my diet. i just recently started Jillian Michaels 30day shred and im on level 1.Im lovin it so far you really work up a sweat doing her workouts.Ladies can u tell me if u have any problems with getting rid of love handles and the lower stomach area due to having children.What do u do to get rid of them?I cant seem to make it go away:( Thanxs**DominicanPrincess**
That lower pooch...
Jillian Michaels is something else! I do the same workout too (I have Comcast onDemand, so 99% of my workout routines come from the Exercise/Fitness portion of onDemand!).
But I know what your'e talking about about the lower belly flab...especially being a mom! I've learned that regular crunches only works your rectus abdominus muscles--the ones on the surface that gives you that 6-pack look, but it WILL NOT attribute to actually flattening our stomachs, or that little pooch we women get. To achieve that, we have to incorporate movements that strengthen the core abdominal muscles--the muscles underneath the rectus abdominus.
The pilates method of strengthening the core is a really great way to achieve the results you'd like. Gaiam has a great Pilates/Yoga Abs combo DVD that I've used in the past, and it worked great! Also, check out any other ways to work out the abs BESIDES the standard crunch movement. The
reverse crunch is an example, and is quite effective.
Of course, all this strength training is all for nought if you don't incorporate cardio into your exercise regimen. Think of it this way...resistance training (or in this case, ab workouts) STRENGTHEN the muscle, and cardio (i.e, power walking, running, dancing, skating, running up and down stairs, swimming, etc.) helps BURN THE FAT surrounding the muscles. You need both. Hope that helps!
.
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!
That stubborn pooh!!!!
Thanxs:) I totally agree....Both is def needed.I love the on demand fitness section also!!! I do go power walking and jogging some mornings thru out the week and I added the shred vid into my reggie.I did slow down with the jogging and the power walking within the past month.I was walking 5-6 miles a day now im walking 3x a week and the rest strength training and vids.But ima pick up my cardio a bit and see if this stubborn pooh can disappear soon lol.**DominicanPrincess**
Update!
I'm weighing in at 195! A 5 pound reduction from 20 days ago!
"I am a divine original, fashioned by Yah to be radiantly beautiful."
I'm on
MySpace!