My Health Mission – Getting Started

When I had O in 2011 I gained an awful lot of weight.  After he was born I had gone from a size 10 to a size 14.  At my nephews christening a month later a couple of people didn’t even recognise me I had put so much weight on.  I had stood there wondering why they weren’t saying hello and then there was a flicker of recognition on their faces as they realised it was me.

When I discovered I was pregnant for the second time I was over the moon but determined to be healthier throughout the pregnancy.  Don’t get me wrong there were still moments when I wanted a Big Mac (and if you can’t eat cake when you’re pregnant, when can you?) but I didn’t go daft.  Obviously I gained weight but whereas with O I gained it everywhere, this time it has been mostly on my stomach (and bum).

It’s been 13 weeks since G was born and the extra weight has steadily slipped off.  I’m the same weight as I was a year ago but I had just returned from an all inclusive holiday and that, coupled with the comfort eating that came after a failed IVF attempt meant that I was a little heavier than I wanted to be.  Whilst the number on the scales may be the same as twelve months ago my body shape has changed meaning that my clothes just aren’t fitting as they should.

I knew that as I was having a C-Section I wouldn’t be able to exercise for 12 weeks and I was more than happy with that.  I had no inclination to exercise and wanted to give my body time to fully recover, but those 12 weeks are up now and last Friday I dug my trainers out of the shoe cupboard and went for my first run in almost a year.  I wasn’t looking forward to it and planned to just see how far I could go.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could manage to get myself around my old running loop around the village.  Yes, it was slow and at times I wanted to give up and walk but my stubborn streak kicked in and I was determined to get round without stopping.

When I was on maternity leave with O I attended a local bootcamp several times a week and whilst it was hard at times I always loved that it was my bit of me-time during the day.  An hour when I wasn’t Mummy, I could just be Jo and didn’t need to think about anything other than trying to get to the end of the session without collapsing.  Going for a run last week gave me that little bit of time to myself again, where I could turn my iPod to loud and let my mind clear.

At 5 foot 4 inches I don’t carry extra weight too well.  A few extra pounds and it makes me feel frumpy and self conscious.  I feel that at the moment, especially after catching a glimpse of my rear in a Zara changing room (seriously Zara, the light in there is very unflattering).  I want to look in my wardrobe and be able to pick out whatever I fancy wearing that day rather than being limited to the few items that fit and that I feel comfortable in.  My arms are too big, my bum too wide and my stomach is still recovering from containing a baby.  I’m not one of those women who just ping back to shape after having a baby.  It’s hard work, especially for someone who is a lazy girl at heart with a love of chocolate and burgers, a small bread obsession and an inability to say no to a glass of Prosecco.

I started Slimming World a few weeks ago and despite my heart not really being in it I have lost five pounds.  I am slowly getting back to normal but I want to help the process along a little bit.  I need to be stricter to my Slimming World plan and I want to start exercising more.  As well as the health benefits I find it really clears my mind and that has a positive impact on all areas of my life.

The first of September seems a good time to start implement my new healthy lifestyle.  Ideally I’ve got about another 20lbs to lose to be back to what would be an ideal weight for my size.  I’m going to be taking it steady this month, starting building up my fitness again and choosing healthier eating options.

I’ll be updating on the first of each month so I will be back to update on the 1st October.  I’ll let you know how I’ve got on will be setting myself some goals for the month ahead.  My only goal for this month is to sign myself up for our local Pure Gym and get myself in there.

The past year has been all about G and about becoming a Mum for the second time but now I’m ready to focus a little more on me again.  Maybe it isn’t the right thing to say but I do feel happier and more confident when I’m slimmer.  My body has been through a lot over the past few years, it’s time to start giving it a bit of TLC.  After all, it has given me the two most amazing gifts a girl could ask for.

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9 Comments

  1. Beth @ Twinderelmo
    September 1, 2016 / 6:15 pm

    Good luck Jo. I tried SW via the app and didn’t last long. Since joining a group, the fear of the scales has really helped me. I’vew lost 3 stone and am so glad I did it. You can too xxx
    Beth @ Twinderelmo recently posted…Monthly Bucket List September My Profile

    • September 1, 2016 / 7:46 pm

      Wow, three stone is amazing Beth, well done! I had the Weight Watchers app a few years ago and I just didn’t stick to it. I’m with you on the fear of the scales, really makes me think about what I’m eating. I’m actually really good at sticking to the food, all my syns come from the wine! xx
      Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…My Health Mission – Getting StartedMy Profile

  2. September 3, 2016 / 11:19 pm

    I too need to get the slimming world catalogue out and get a start from being a size 14 back to 12 or even better 10 (as if)
    Good luck with it all x
    RachelSwirl recently posted…#LittleLoves – A Bleak WeekMy Profile

  3. September 5, 2016 / 8:08 am

    I’m with you all the way! Today is the first day of my running schedule – I haven’t run since I was a child – so I’m aiming to do the couch to 5K training program and am hoping that I can make it at least out of the door this morning without feeling utterly exhausted! Good luck with it all! #MarvMondays

  4. September 5, 2016 / 9:10 am

    Your motivation is really inspiring, and I will definitely be following along with your mission – I’m the same height as you and currently about two stone heavier than I’d like to be – in a size 14 when I’d like to be a 10 again. It’s been a year and a half since I had Zach so I have no excuse not to start, I just need a kick in the butt! xx #MarvMondays
    Chantal Milk&Nappies recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan #2My Profile

  5. September 5, 2016 / 2:23 pm

    It sounds like you’ve definitely got the motivation there! I’m sure that by combining a diet change with exercise you’ll get to where you want to be. Just remember to take it at a steady pace. Good luck!
    #MarvMondays
    Angela Watling recently posted…Five Favourite Finds – August 2016My Profile

  6. September 5, 2016 / 7:58 pm

    I’m with you, in that I decided it was time to, well, make the time for exercising again. I started the 90 day SSS plan by Joe weeks….one month in. Good luck with your #MarvMondays

  7. September 9, 2016 / 8:23 pm

    This is well timed Kipper has just turned 4 months and since he will be our last (sob) I’m determined to get back to where I was when I met me husband but that’s 11kg off!! I joined SW on Monday and was doing really well until today. But I’m going to forgive myself as Monkey started school and get back on it tomorrow! Good luck and I look forward to hearing your success next month xx #MarvMondays

  8. September 10, 2016 / 11:09 pm

    Good for you, and good luck! I really want to start making healthier choices and get fit and back to where I was before baby number two came along two. Although my ideal would be to get back to where I was pre-baby number one! I cant wait to hear how you get on, feeling inspired 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Emily

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