I'm incredibly pleased with the fat loss progress that I’ve made since having my son almost 6 months ago.  I’ve returned to my pre-pregnancy weight (even lost a little extra) and am wearing my “before Jackson” jeans with confidence! 

My tummy has tightened, I’ve almost completely closed my diastasis recti and within 12 weeks, my ABS even started to make an appearance… (YAY!)

This hasn’t come without challenges, though.  And I’m by no means back to exactly where I want to be.

For any mom who has tried to get your pre-baby body back, you know, it’s TOUGH!  I’m no different than you…

The night I gave birth (picture below…keep reading!)

As a new mom, I had zero time to exercise, prep food for hours and dedicate the whole day to healthy living, like I did as a young fitness pro. Yet, I wanted to look and feel healthy, lean & functional for my newborn and to be a great mom.

Here are of my biggest challenges as well as the solutions I’ve come up with to make getting my body back (in the quickest, easiest way) possible:

1. Sleep (or lack there of)- Sleep is a huge part of fat loss, and can be a prime time to either burn or store fat. As a new mom who already has increased cortisol, long nights with little to no consistent sleep is a major issue for not only stalling fat loss, but also making me a crazy wreck the next day (poor husband). I’m still trying to figure this one out, but for now, trying to get on a schedule and to get as much rest as possible is the goal.

2. Time- It didn’t take me long to realize that time was certainly going to be an issue. I love being able to be home all day with my sweet little man… but between diapers and feedings and burping and more diapers… I definitely don’t have time to spend hours at (or some days even get to) the gym. Some days I barely have time to shower, so quick & efficient fat burning home workouts have been vital!

3. Hormones- Prolactin is a hormone that is necessary for the production of breast milk, but also affects adipose (fatty tissue) and the body’s ability to metabolize fat. This hormone, when added to the already crazy “mommy hormonal soup” of increased Cortisol and other stress hormones) and decreased fat burning hormones (HGH and testosterone) is a recipe for increased fat storing (or at the very least, more difficult fat burning) if not kept balanced as much as possible.

4. Emotional Eating- I’m tired (see above!), emotional (hello, hormones) and let’s face it… as much as I love the little guy, sometimes I’m STRESSED (and all I want is chocolate)! The other day I told Patrick that I was a “giant ball of feelings,” and as funny as that sounds, it’s actually pretty accurate. Am I crying because I’m happy or overwhelmed? Or both? I don’t know, just hand me the chocolate. And pizza. And how about some of those chips from the Mexican place…   Just as pregnancy cravings can take on a life of their own, emotional “hunger” is a fat loss adversary that needs to be recognized and warred against on a daily basis for me.

When I catch myself wanting to eat at a time when I’m only emotionally hungry, I tell myself “I’m not hungry, I’m just __________,” and move on.   Sometimes easier said than done, but I’m a work in progress!

Speaking of progress…. (It’s about to get REAL)….

The night I gave birth: (10 hours post-baby)

We want to hear from you… what have been some of your biggest challenges when it comes to getting your body back?

By Kate Horney