My Postpartum Body Transformation

Nearly 12 weeks ago I gave birth to my first son, Lochlan Ryan Clark.  Lochlan was born May 5, 2014 at 1:24 am. He weighed 7lbs and 9oz.

                                                  

Look at those lips!!! 

He truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me and now more than ever I am determined to have my health in check so that I can be my best for my son.

The first 4 weeks after coming home from the hospital was all about my recovery while loving, nurturing, and providing for my sweet boy.  Walking around the house put enough stress on my postpartum body and when I had free time... I slept.  Labor is extremely taxing on your body and one of the best pieces of advice I took to heart from other parents was to sleep when baby sleeps.

I gained about 32 pounds over the course of my pregnancy.  I was ecstatic when I lost the first 20 pounds within just a couple of days. I thought that it would be easy breezy to lose the rest.

You vs. Cravings...The Great Battle

I recently wrote this blog for FOR TWO FITNESS, a company that sells maternity fitness clothing and helps moms-to-be have a healthy and fit pregnancy.  You can check out their company here  http://fortwofitness.com/blog/

Many of you may know by now that I am expecting my first baby next spring!  Danny and I are excited about this new adventure of parenthood and we cannot wait to meet our little guy (That is right, we are having a boy!!).  I am 22 weeks along now and I have to admit pregnancy is not what I had expected.

There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to pregnancy and nutrition.  I have heard from dozens that I can "eat for two" or to "listen to the baby; baby will tell you what you need".  For many women these myths can lead to massive, out of control cravings that can take control of their food intake (and life) while pregnant.  As we all know, most women already struggle with cravings before pregnancy.  Add in an increase need for nutrients and astronomically high levels of estrogen and good old fashioned will power becomes totally ineffective.  Averting cravings while pregnant can be difficult but it is possible with a little nutrition and psychology 101.

First, let's talk about nutrition...the physical part of cravings.

Food Made Simple

          I have had so many people ask me what I eat and how much I eat since my body transformation.  I thought that I would help out by breaking down some very basic guidelines for eating properly as well as a list of healthy protein, fats, and carbohydrate sources.

Basic Guidelines for healthy eating:

Motivation to Get Your Bikini Body Too (video)

       

          This is proof in the pudding. Training and eating well throughout the summer can give you good results that will help you feel confident in a bikini.  Last summer my body did not look like this. After cleaning up my nutrition and structuring my workouts I can now maintain this physique even in the "off season."

XOXO,

Abby

10 Tips That Will Help You Stay on Track During The Summer

          Summer time; a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate around campfires, pizza, and refreshing mojito's.

          This time of the year can be challenging for many to stay on track with their nutrition and training. I know personally this summer has been challenging because it has been a great one full of celebrations like my wedding, Danny's birthday, and my brother visiting us for 2 weeks. Staying on track with a healthy meal plan can become tiring and inconvenient.  However, with a little strategy and awareness you can enjoy your summer without neglecting your goals.

The Truth About Commitment

          Commitment...not a commitment to another person, work, or your favorite TV show.  I am talking about a commitment to your health and fitness. I have been a personal trainer for 6 years now and apart of the gym world for over 10.  Throughout my career I've sadly seen many people get super stoked about their New Year resolution and hit the gym hard for a few weeks only to burn out because they aren't getting the  "American fast food" like results they thought they'd get.  They then  either quit all together or flee to yo-yo dieting, bad supplements that say will give them the results they want in only 12 days, or even worse go under the knife.

          Change takes time...if it were quick and easy we'd all have 6 pack abs.  If you want to change the way you look, feel, or increase your sport/athletic performance you must understand that change will vary depending on your current level of fitness and your level of commitment.

 If you want to change you must commit to your training.  You must commit to nutrition.  You must commit to yourself!  There is no way around it.

          Take my word for it. I have seen dramatic results in my body since I have finally committed to eating right and training smart. Yes ladies, you must lift weights if you want to see some definition. No ladies, you will not look like a dude. For example, I am currently training for a bikini competiton. One would think all I do is starve myself all day and do tons of cardio. There's no way I would lift weights because I would just bulk and not look like a bikini model at all. Wrong!  4-5 days per week I strength train...hard and heavy. I include kettlebells, barbells, dumbbells, power ropes, and pull-ups. I do 1 maybe 2 cardio sessions at the most per week and one full day off for recovery.

           And starving myself?  No way. I eat 6 meals a day every 3 hours. I eat almost 1800 calories per day. I understand every body is different and will vary (that's why you should work with a qualified trainer and nutritionist). If you continue to float around shooting in the dark your results will never be met. Having control of my nutrition and training has given me freedom from the stress and unhappiness I felt when I couldn't get my body to where I wanted it.

          I have had made the commitment to my health and fitness.  I know many of my clients have also committed to their health and it is truly inspirational. I applaud all of you for making this commitment. You are true champions!

       
XOXO,

Abby