My Postpartum Fitness Journey

I’ve heard from a lot of you asking about my wellness journey after having Harrison, so I’m excited to share more for anyone interested. 

But first, I’d like to preface by saying that this is my journey and what has worked for my body. I say that because I never, ever want any of my Cella Jane followers to compare their wellness journey to mine resulting in negative or defeated feelings. I am sharing only to ignite inspiration, provide new tips and help you channel your inner strength that is most certainly there. I am not perfect, and still need to channel my inner strength every morning when my alarm goes off! Love and appreciate your body, and create a plan that works for YOU. I’ll always be here along the way for motivation and self-love encouragement!

EAT YOUR VEGGIES

I like to build my plates/bowls like this: 1/2 vegetables, 1/4 fiber rich carbs (think sweet potatoes or quinoa) and 1/4 protein. I always make sure I’m getting a good balance of healthy fat, protein, fiber and greens in every meal! I prefer to load up on fiber-rich vegetables (think kale) instead of a heavy carb to keep me fuller longer.

INTERMITTENT FASTING

After I was done breastfeeding, I went back to intermittent fasting where I don’t eat for 12-15 hours each day. It might seem like a while, but it’s mostly while you’re sleeping, so from after dinner to breakfast! What works for my schedule is to fast typically from around 6:30 PM (on the weeknights!) till I eat breakfast around 8:45 AM.

SLEEP

A solid 8 hours of sleep I feel is what my body needs to be full functioning and ready for the day. I love working out early in the morning before my family wakes up, but if I am not able to get a full 7-8 hours, I will skip my workout and get that much needed rest!

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding Harrison helped me shed most of the weight I was looking to lose post-baby. I really listened to my body and ate when I was hungry, which ended up being often and in large portions! I had the biggest appetite while breastfeeding and am grateful to have made it 6 months.

WATER

This might be my most important tip. Drink A LOT of water! I’ve probably said this 1000 times but it is so important to stay hydrated. As a busy mom of three, sometimes I will forget to hydrate and then will later mistake my thirst for hunger. Which is why I now keep a water bottle by my side at all times!

STRENGTH TRAINING

It is so, so good for your body! Strength training builds muscle which in turn burns calories longer, even beyond your workout. It strengthens your joints, promotes bone health and supports weight loss. If I only have 10-15 minutes to workout you better believe I am lifting weights! TIP: I love wearing ankle/arm weights often for an added burn. Not only will you burn extra calories, they’ll help tone your muscles, too! Sharing my favorite ones below!

This is an excerpt from May’s Beyond the Blog newsletter, which you can join here to receive on a monthly basis!

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