"The best project you'll ever work on is you." - Unknown
After having my second child, I found losing weight to be a major struggle. Despite following a strict diet and exercise routine, I still couldn't get rid of those extra pounds, especially around my belly area.
To give you an idea, my exercise routine looks like this:
Monday: 10km run
Tuesday: Rhythmic Cycling
Wednesday: 10km run
Thursday: Core Exercise
Friday: 10km run
Saturday: Pilates/Yoga
Sunday: HIIT/Mixed Cardio
I've also been eating clean, homemade Vietnamese food and drinking lots of water throughout the day. But even with all of this effort, I'm still struggling to lose weight. I've been wondering if breastfeeding is affecting my weight loss, and if my age, metabolism, and hormones are also contributing factors. It's tough to hear people tell me I should be losing weight while breastfeeding, and I've even wondered if the type of birth (C-section versus natural) could be playing a role in my belly fat.
I've heard that it's not uncommon for breastfeeding to impact weight loss after pregnancy. I have to eat after every feed to maintain the weight, even though I don't particularly enjoy eating. Otherwise, I won't have enough milk. Others have told me that research shows breastfeeding can actually increase the rate of weight loss in the long run, but that hasn't been my experience.
I try to remind myself that every woman's body is different, and weight loss after pregnancy isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. While exercise and diet are important, it's also crucial to be patient and kind to ourselves. I miss my old self, but I also want to be able to breastfeed my child. It's hard to set realistic goals and not beat myself up when things don't go according to plan.
TRUTH: Maybe it's time for me to shift my mindset and enjoy the experience of breastfeeding without worrying too much about my weight. After all, we have a lot on our plates as new moms.
What was your weight loss journey like after pregnancy? Do you have any tips or advice to share? Let's support each other through this journey and share our experiences!
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