“Pregnancy for me, is like pulling the rip cord on an inflatable life raft.”

EmilyBlog, Fat to Fit } My JourneyLeave a Comment

Now you know, I wasn’t kidding when I wrote in my very first blog post, “Pregnancy for me is like pulling the rip cord on an inflatable life raft.”

Hormones and weight do not play well together for me. The first time I became aware of the impact of surging hormones was at the onset of puberty. I was never overweight as a child. Between soccer, swimming and a determination to make the cheer team, I started my freshman year of high school at 5’9 and 125lb.
Screen Shot 2015-10-28 at 10.26.58 AMAt 5’9 and 125lb, I was actually underweight… most likely the reason I was such a late bloomer(17). It is sad to remember how fat I felt back then. My peers and a vulnerable teenage self-esteem had a hand in that distorted body image.

With the onset of puberty I was introduction to the role hormones would play in regards to my weight. I gained 15-20 lbs a year until my hormones leveled out and I found a new balance between an active lifestyle and what I ate.

Pregnancy has been a whole new game. Between bouts of bedrest, restricted activity due to respiratory issues and the surging hormones that come with growing a human… My weight ballooned each time.

I can’t lie, I panicked when we found out we were pregnant this last time! I had worked so hard to finally be the strongest and healthiest I have ever been. I just signed up to take my ACE Group Fitnes Instructor exams and I was eager to start a new career with both of my girls in school.

How does the saying go…”Man plans and God laughs”.
IMG_0050Pregnant with our newest little love, I knew I would have a battle on my hands, to try and controll my weight. Despite counting calories and doing my best to stay active, complications set in. Before I knew it, I was couch bound and packing on the pounds, 3-4 a week to be exact.

At this point I was at a crossroads. I could give into the feelings of defeat and throw in the towel or I could just buckle down and find a way to make the most of it. I did my best to shake of the feelings of frustration about my ballooning weight and restricted activity requirements. I focused on growing a healthy baby. I found that setting myself up for future goals, helped me to stave of the feelings of defeat that nagged at the back of my mind.

The hardest part for me is not letting discouragement and the self doubt settle in. I successfully regained control of my health with the first two pregnancies so, I know I can do it again. I made up my mind, wrote down my goals and said them out loud to anyone who would listen. This helped me to own my goals and brush of the negative thoughts.
IMG_0024I used the down time that was out of my control, to complete my ACE GFI certification. I completed course work for Nutrition & Weigh Management and a Health Coaching Certification. Not only will these trainings help me meet my own personal goals, they will allow me to better help others who are also battling weight and need tools to take control of their health.

I have to be honest, I still squirm on the inside and I am riddled with anxiety about sharing progress photos in my current state. I constantly question why anyone would want to read what I have to say? Why not wait until I complete my weightloss and then post my success?

It all comes back to why I write. I write for my girls. I want them to know that if they find themselves in the same struggles with weight, it is okay. That the feelings of doubt and the fear of judgment are valid feelings. I wouldn’t want my daughters to fixate on their insecurities. I would want them to define what they want for themselves, make a plan and take pride in each action they take toward meeting that goal!
IMG_9436These post are for them. These posts are for anyone who finds themselves wondering how they got to where they are and who are eager to take back their health.

So here we go, the real, unfiltered and raw stages of taking control of your health. Loosing the weight that bogs you down and holds you back. I hope these post will be encouraging for those of you on this journey with me.

Thank you for the encouragement that of many of you have given me. Your support has given me the guts to post this journey and own each stage of progress along the way;).

In my next post I will share with you how I have lost 15 lbs in the last month with 3 basic steps.

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