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Brie and Baby Three: Sweating off 40 pounds and loads of anxiety

Posted at 4:31 AM, Aug 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-21 16:05:02-05

It’s been two months since I got the OK to exercise. I’m not going to lie to you and say “I love exercising, couldn’t wait to get back to it.” I do love learning about fitness and nutrition, but I dread the start of my workout each day.

It’s become a part of my routine because mentally I need it (yes, physically too...blah). I suffer from anxiety and it helps SO much. Plus, it gives me the energy I need to keep up with my boys.

Of course, I’m also working to lose the mom bod. It’s easy to get down about our postpartum bodies. You no longer have that pregnant belly, just the leftovers. There have been many of those days for me. Many.

But I am finally seeing my efforts pay off. It’s been three months and I am proud to say I’m down 38 pounds. It didn’t happen without effort or overnight. I have been working my butt off and I still have work ahead to gain my strength and figure back.

38 pounds Brie? Dang, how much did you gain?

Well, this round I fully gave into my pregnancy cravings. I gained 47 pounds! 47!! That’s almost twice what I gained in my first pregnancy. I also blame it on COVID. I thought we were all gaining isolation weight together 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s not easy to lose pregnancy weight, despite what some may think. Ahem... my coworkers: “Doesn’t it just come off while you breastfeed?” “How much did you really have left to lose after you left the hospital?”

Diet changes

About three weeks post baby I cut out sugar and processed foods and started fueling my body with nutrient-dense meals. My body was probably in shock after months of ice cream and pasta.

I was also able to do low-carb, intermittent fasting safely while breastfeeding. I’ll discuss that in an upcoming blog.

Physical Activity

I have made it part of my routine every morning to take the boys on a long walk. If you follow me on Instagram (@briegrovestv) you also know we go on about 5,768 scooter and bike rides a day. What else can we do in this season of COVID? Really, give me some ideas.

I’ve learned the hard way that you need to start slow when it comes to physical activity.

I’m telling you this so you don’t make the same mistake I did. I was out hiking (seemingly easy trails) about 10 days after Hayes was born. I felt great... until I was also carrying a tired 1-year-old and dragging a 3-year-old by the end of it (with a newborn attached to me). Not the smartest idea.

I paid the price. My bones hurt for about a week after that.

Last month I was able to work in some evening jogs and finally get back to lifting. As hard as it to some days, the endorphins are SO worth it!

My point is, whether it’s to lose weight, feel better mentally, get better sleep, or just create a healthy habit- push yourself to sweat each day. You won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: when I was a first-time mom I had none of this motivation. I was sleep-deprived and stressfully learning how to take care of a newborn. As always give yourself grace.

If you have questions about how I'm able to handle a busy work and home life, join my Facebook Group - Brie and Baby Three to get involved in the conversation.

You can also reach me on my Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. Or email if you prefer - brie.groves@koaa.com.

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