I’m a sugar addict which is my downfall for all pregnancies and just life in general! I got pregnant at 30 and all of the sudden I wanted to stop working out (morning nausea) and just eat carbs, it was awesome at the time, not awesome the second I gave birth and I was just fat.  Yes, I get that I just gave birth, but still….My doctor told me I wasn’t eating for two but I was like no no, I’m definitely eating for two, I’ve waited to be pregnant to eat whatever I want… NOT a good attitude looking back and I didn’t even learn after the first kid! #fail

I gained 70 lbs (35kg) with each of my pregnancies…. YIKES.. I was also convinced my first kid was going to come out weighing 6lbs and then I would have to explain what the other 67lbs were for! ha.. I still had to justify about 40lbs of it but oh well!

Here is a quick snapshot of different fitness/diet/lifestyle changes that I’ve tried that I’m passionate about or that worked for me.

Fitness (Food/Diet further down):

Personal Training: Expensive but get a hot male/female trainer and you will want to workout before going to him/her.. amazing for results (yes, I openly say this to my husband!).

Pilates Reformer/Megaformer: These are not the same thing but I find both equally helpful, the megaformer in my opinion is a little harder and I’ve had mommy friends shed all weight using just the megaformer.  Google Megaformer and in London I use Studio Lagree (they might be in the US too)  Go with friends so you can’t back out!

Barre and OrangeTheory: These are very different classes but I LOVE them!  Barre: is based on the ballet workout and every ballerina I’ve seen has an amazing body so why not.. My favorites in the US is Core Fusion but any barre class will do! Orangetheory: is basically a personal training session in a class form (30 mins treadmill and 30 minutes weights!) Do it with friends.

Cycling:  I like cycling and love that it is like a disco in a dark room, I can get lost in those and sweat everything out. I can’t do the real cycling classes where everyone in the room is actually a road cyclist.. nope, I want loud music and I want to dance and sing through the class..

Go to a Club: I love dancing especially at clubs, I obvi don’t do it enough anymore since I go to bed at 9!  But dancing for a whole night is a great workout!

Yoga: I love yoga and for a very impatient person, this brings me back down to earth since I’m moving constantly throughout the day!  I completed my 200 hour yoga certificate and I love where I did it, yogamedicine.com, they are global and I love going on retreats..

Boxing: This is by far the best workout I’ve had and it’s also fun, find a real boxing gym where you are in the ring and pounds will start to come off.  In London I do, Power of Boxing, in Boston Peter Welch boxing gym or just google boxing!

Running/Half-Marathons/Adventure Runs?: This takes a lot of motivation and once I stop running I can’t motivate cause I know how hard it is going to be to get back in running shape!! Also whenever I do one after the event I stop running for at least 6 months – not sustainable!!

Fitness is great but I’m starting to realize that it is all diet!!! The real hard part!!

After baby #1, I did personal training to get down to 30lbs of my goal (pre-baby weight).  The last 30lbs I lost in 3 months withAwaken180 (my dad lost 60lbs and completely changed his life, not just for women!): This is not cheap but it works!! I believe it is only in the US but once I lost the weight it was easy to switch back to normal food and sustain it! Very grateful to them!  **Note that I didn’t workout at all when I did Awaken180, just walked and lost that weight!   This showed me that it really is all diet and working out just makes me happy (sometimes) and it isn’t the main thing!!

Now that I live in London and have to lose the baby weight from #2 and Awaken180 isn’t an option here is what I’ve tried:

• StrongerU: I lost the majority of my baby weight doing this, counting your macros! You can do it from anywhere in the world.. I think I lost 30lbs on this for the same 12 week plan.  It taught me that I was eating way too much fat and not enough protein.  Also I need to drink more water. Their programs are relatively cheap and after doing it for a little while, you could probably continue on your own!
• The Detox Kitchen: Amazing and all meals are delivered to your door each morning, it’s only your food for the day, great if you don’t have time.  I did it for 2 weeks M-F and that was enough for me.  I think I lost 7lbs. London Only, but google similar things in area!  I also thought the price was worth it since I didn’t have to do anything!!
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: Anyone can take this, but it basically helps breaking down carbs.. I like it but obviously ask doctor, and one of my idols said she takes it to lose weight before photo shoots!
• Boombod Box: No clue if it works, currently doing it, eat normally just drink a small packet and follow with water 30 mins before a meal.. so far so good and keep working out.. I think it’s just vitamins but we will see.
• Body Builders Diet:  I see body builders eating protein, rice and veggies so when I do eat, I try to make sure I have protein and everything in moderation obviously..

I’m 10 pounds away from pre-baby weight and would like to lose an additional 10 pounds, but baby #2 really stretch out my stomach so I’ll get there!! It took 1.5 years for baby #1 and I’d like to get back to pre-baby weight in the same time.  I’m NOT the mom who goes back to normal after 3-6 months! I envy those moms, but reality is, it’s not me, I have stretch marks, cellulite! and my body is just different!!