Oh, Spanx. You really do make the best leggings. They slim the legs like no other. I first fell in love with the traditional faux leather ones (see them on me here), then went for the green camo ones as well (see those on me here) and now they have merged both of them in one! A black faux leather camo print pair. YES! As always I sized up in them because they tend to run a bit small and also very long so I always tuck them under at the bottom (I am 5'4" for reference). I do workout in them but only for more low impact activities, but like them even more for running errands or an off duty athleisure type look. I actually ordered them at the beginning of the Nordstrom sale but they were delayed and arrived just the other day. I ended up returning my Beyond Yoga leggings for these since I felt I would wear these more. These will be perfect in the winter with an oversized sweater or sweatshirt and sneakers. For someone that loves to dress up, I have really come to love and embrace the activewear and athleisure look. LOL. But in my defense, there are so many great styles and options these days! For some other ideas on wearing activewear or athleisure, click here and here to see my old posts.
I debated doing a post about this topic because the experience of having a baby and the changes your body goes through can be such a personal one. But I have received many emails and messages from readers asking me what my experience was like so I am sharing that today. Before I begin, I want to say that this is not a "how-to" post but more about my own journey and what has worked for me.
MY BODY
I am now 9 months postpartum and have lost all of the weight I gained during my pregnancy. I should mention though that I don't own a scale, never did and never will. I only go by how my clothes fit me. So for all I know I could weigh more or less than I did before pregnancy but hate being tied to a number which can often fluctuate for the weirdest things. All my clothes fit so in my mind, I'm back to my pre-pregnancy size.
Regarding how I got back into shape so fast after having Miles, I am going to say what tons of people may not want to say or even want to hear. I think part of my ability to lose the baby weight so quickly was due to genetics. My mom had the ultimate snapback, gaining only 20 lbs with me and going back to her pre-baby weight shortly after. So I know that was a factor. How much weight did I actually gain during pregnancy? I think it was between 25-30 lbs. And you may be wondering why I don't actually know and that is because in the last month of my pregnancy I didn't have them tell me my weight when I went to the doctor (I turned around backwards when on the scale). It didn't serve any purpose for me to hear that number and I knew it would only frustrate me simply because everything did in those last few weeks. #hormones As long as the doctors weren't concerned about my weight, I was not either. Even when I went in to give birth, I was in so much pain that I didn't even hear what they said my weight was (and they told me the number in kilograms - huh?). I do think a big part of how I maintained a manageable weight while pregnant was because I eat a predominantly healthy diet and worked out 3-5 days a week. I'll touch on my actual activities and diet later in the post.
Besides the weight aspect of pregnancy, my body has changed in many more ways after having Miles. I had strange things pop up here and there while pregnant (i.e. face rash, broken capillaries, weird congestion issues, etc), but they were manageable compared to how things have changed after giving birth. Fluctuating hormones and mood swings were one of the hardest aspects to handle, and things began to get very tough around 2 months postpartum and continue to be difficult until about 6 months postpartum. I didn't struggle with mood swings daily (anxiety, frustration, irritability, etc) but they were all encompassing when they would hit. I was able to determine that they came around the days I ovulated and had my period so that helped me manage them more as the months went on. In addition to the mood swings (they are still there but have tapered off significantly in the past 2 months), I also have bouts of fatigue that hit me out of nowhere, hot flashes and night sweats that make me feel like I'm on fire, breakouts that are basically immune to whatever products I use on them, loss of skin elasticity (things feel less firm all around), cramps at odd times of the month (not during my period), just to name a few. I'm sure there are other crazy things that I'm forgetting right now as well, but those are the most significant for me. Individually these things are not so bad, but when they all converge at the same time and during this huge time of adjustment with having a new baby, it can be SO overwhelming. The more time passes, the more my body seems to balance out but that doesn't diminish how challenging it can be.
EXERCISE
My exercise preferences after having Miles are still the same as when I was pregnant. I rotate between yoga (I like a flow yoga class), pilates (I go to Club Pilates), barre classes and walking around the neighborhood. Typically I will workout 2-3 times a week doing one of each class (that is ideal) and throwing in a walk when I feel like it. Pilates has been most instrumental in helping me get my stomach muscles back in shape and building overall strength. It's designed to help sculpt the body but in a lean way. I should mention that though none of the workouts I do are high impact, they are still incredibly difficult, can get the heart rate up and deliver amazing results especially with toning and tightening (and especially with the core which was what I needed the most). Though I did not have diastasis recti, I sought out exercises online that were targeted for that because they were extremely gentle and focused on my lower stomach muscles. (this was one video I watched and the exercises were so helpful!)
I was cleared to workout at 7 weeks but because I had a particularly difficult c-section recovery, my progress was slow. I eased into my classes, often sitting out numerous exercises when I felt too tired or when my body was simply not strong enough to do it. Though I stayed very active during my pregnancy, the c-section really took a toll on my stomach muscle strength and just sitting up in bed was difficult some days. It wasn't until about 7 months postpartum that I began to feel strong again and have my stamina back.
DIET
I've talked before in prior posts (see those here and here) that I don't follow any particular diet or eating style (paleo, vegan, counting macros, etc), but I do tend to lean towards a more low carb diet. And when I do reach for carbs, I try to opt for ones that are more nutritious or full of fiber (like these crackers I eat every day). I don't count calories, but I prefer to feel better rather than enjoy that overindulgent meal which will often make me feel bloated, uncomfortable and tired. Now that being said, I do believe in moderation so because my diet is healthy 80-90% of the time, I can enjoy a pizza dinner or decadent ice cream dessert from time to time. I was the same way while pregnant. In fact, I did not increase my calorie count or eat any more than I do now. If I was exceptionally hungry on a certain day, I would add in an extra snack like a yogurt but I never thought I was "eating for two". I probably splurged less while pregnant because I knew I would bloat more quickly (I bloat easily on carb heavy foods), and it would be harder to get the weight off if I indulged too much during those 9 months. I think that consistency before, during and after pregnancy both with my diet and exercise has helped me maintain a healthy weight and contribute to helping me get back to my original size after having Miles.
Before I wrap this post up, I cannot stress enough just how different everyone's experience can and will be when it comes to having a baby. You only have one body and it's important to be proud of it, and never apologize for the way it looks. I will admit that there were days I actually felt guilty that my body seemed to be getting back into shape so quickly because I never wanted anyone to feel insecure that their body may be taking longer. I know what it feels like to have crippling insecurities about things (not just body related), but over the years I have worked hard (and am still working) at getting through those and not allowing outside sources to affect me in a harmful way. I understand that my insecurity over someone else is coming from a place within me. That realization was humbling but also empowering because when I made that connection, I was able to work on it. Thus allowing me to celebrate others and truly want them to succeed and be their best.
Thanks for reading my post! I'm always so grateful for your encouragement and support of my blog - it means the world to me.
I don't consider myself a wellness guru or a health expert, but I do like to keep my diet and lifestyle more on the healthier side. I'm not exceptionally strict and allow for unhealthy splurges here and there, but am often interested in constantly seeking out foods, supplements, exercises and lifestyle changes that can make me feel my best. I thought it would be fun to share a few in today's post. I would also love to hear from some of you as to what sort of wellness practices or products you are using and loving right now!
Quick note: I am obviously not a medical professional so I am not "recommending" these products or practices rather I'm sharing my current wellness routine and some things I've recently added and enjoyed.
1. Kombucha - I started drinking kombucha randomly one afternoon when I picked one up in a Whole Foods 5+ years ago. I ended up loving the taste and have been drinking them regularly ever since. It was only recently that I noticed myself reaching for one daily and have noticed a major change in my digestive system. I feel less bloated, my blood sugar has felt more balanced for the day and I am more regular (that's a bit TMI but many of you have asked what exact benefits I personally experience). This is a good article that helps explain the basics of kombucha and what it can do for the body. This brand is the one I drink regularly, but just discovered this one the other day and loved the taste!
2. GG Crackers - After hearing a ton of buzz surrounding the diet book F-Factor, I picked it up and began following the founder on Instagram. The premise of the book is talking about the benefits of eating a high fiber diet. I have only skimmed through the book, picking out a few recipes here and there, but noticed that she was always talking about GG crackers. GG crackers are very low in calories but extremely high in fiber and a great option to replace breads and other carbs in your daily meals. To be honest, they taste like cardboard but are best when loaded up with other great things such as avocados, all natural peanut butter, a low fat cream cheese and smoked salmon - all are combos I make regularly. For me I can only eat 1-2 a day right now because they truly help get things moving if you know what I mean. But that is what fiber is supposed to do and as a result I feel fuller longer and have hardly any belly bloat after meals.
3. Lily's Chocolate Chips - Another product I discovered on the F-Factor instagram (someone did an insta-stories takeover and talked about these) were these chocolate chips. Sweetened with stevia, they are a great sweet treat without all the additional sugar and calories.
4. Rx Bars - I have seen these every time I am in the checkout line at the grocery store. They have limited ingredients but a decent amount of protein so I decided to try one. I loved the taste and found that I stayed full for hours after eating it. I usually eat oatmeal with a spoonful of all natural peanut butter and a drizzle of honey for breakfast and have been doing so for 5+ years (I'm a creature of habit). Any other breakfast combo (yogurt, eggs, whole grain waffles/pancakes, etc) never keep me full until lunch. I tried an Rx bar for breakfast one morning and next thing I know it was 5 hours later and I was still feeling full. Since then I have been having one for breakfast with a kombucha and really enjoy how I feel all morning.
5. Pilates and yoga - I've shared before that since having Miles I am enjoying pilates and yoga the most for getting back into shape. Occasionally I will try other workouts, but pilates and yoga are the two that I keep consistent in my routine. For yoga, I visit a local yoga studio and prefer a vinyasa or flow class. I recently discovered Club Pilates which is a chain across the country. I love doing the exercises on the pilates reformer and have seen fantastic results already.
6. Gratitude journal - I have been wanting to incorporate meditation into my daily schedule, but truthfully have had a difficult time committing to it each day. However, I was sent this 5-minute journal and have had great success with it already. It is a bit more structured for me and since it forces me to be active in the process (writing in the journal), I find myself sticking to it. There is a morning and evening journal entry and both focus on gratitude. There is only 2-3 questions per entry so it truly only takes me 5 minutes, but it makes me stop and actually think about things I'm grateful for, my hopes for the day, and then a recap on how the day transpired.
7. Valerian root tea - I have trouble sleeping and always struggle to turn my mind off. For a while I tried Zzzquil a few times a week to help me get to sleep but it left me feeling groggy in the morning which seemed counterproductive since I was trying to get to sleep in order to wake up early! A friend of mine recommended valerian root tea as a more natural alternative and for me it has the same effect but without any grogginess the next morning.
8. Collagen peptides - This is something that I haven't yet seen results with but I wanted to share it anyways. I have heard about all the great benefits behind collagen peptides and picked up this powder to add to my tea each morning. To be honest, especially when you have an exceptionally healthy diet to begin with, it can be hard to see specific results when adding in different supplements or foods. And many of them can provide similar benefits. I try not to overdue it by adding everything and anything all at once and try to stick with certain things for 6 months to a year to see if I notice a change.
9. Elderberry - My mom first turned me on to elderberry as a way to help naturally prevent a cold or any other sickness I could get during certain times of the year (winter is always the worst for me). The first time I tried it, I was beginning to feel a cold coming over me and after taking this intensively for 5 days in a row, my body ended up not getting sick! It was amazing! And since then, I have seen it stop those first few body aches or sore throat symptoms from turning into a full blown cold, flu or strep throat. Now I take it regularly during the cold and flu season (actually my mom, Stan and I all take the gummies), and find that it has helped us avoid any major common illnesses. And it's an added bonus that the gummies and syrup taste delicious!
10. Apple Cider Vinegar - Much like kombucha, apple cider vinegar delivers many of the same results. I have been adding it to my diet for years and find that it has done wonders for helping my digestive system stay a bit more regular and my stomach is often less irritated and less bloated. I tend to add a tablespoon to a large 20oz bottle of water on the days I don't drink kombucha. It does have a very strong taste but it doesn't bother me anymore after drinking it for so many years. There are a ton of other ways apple cider vinegar can be helpful in addition to consuming it, such as helping soothe bug bites and sunburns and can even help give the hair a healthy shine boost. If the taste is absolutely impossible to get through, I have found mixing it in water with some honey and cinnamon makes it more bearable.
I would love to hear more from you guys about health or wellness practices that you find successful in your own lives. Leave me a comment below!
If you look back a few years ago on my blog, you will notice that I never wore workout gear. NEVER. Mainly because when I did work out, I would wear whatever old leggings and tank top I had laying around so it was frankly never worthy of photographing. Since my last spine surgery, my chronic pain is much less so I made a commitment to myself to make exercise and physical activity a big part of my life. I was an avid figure skater growing up, practiced almost every day after school with my coach and loved it. Once I got to college and then to NYC, I really stopped being active and didn't make the effort that I did when I was younger. I have been back working out a few times a week since before I was pregnant and as a result I really enjoy activewear! Frankly, it gets me more excited about working out and I think that whatever encourages me to go is a good thing. And I actually find myself wearing these pieces on days that I don't work out because they are so flattering and stylish by themselves. I put on a small bit of makeup, leave my hair in loose waves and I feel comfortable meeting a friend for lunch or running errands.
Beyond Yoga is a brand that I have worn before and really love how comfortable and flattering their leggings are. My only complaint is they run very long especially with my short inseam, but I just tuck under the excess fabric and still find that the look fine. This ombre pair was a definite hit for me as soon as I saw them online. I also pulled together a bunch of other Beyond Yoga pieces that caught my eye and put them in the widget below!
I'm already crazy over these faux leather leggings that I've been wearing on the blog for the past year (see them styled here, here and here), so I knew I had to finally get the same style in camo print. And do they fit as well? Yup. They have insane stretch to them but manage to slim the legs without ever making them feel smothered or constricted. I have a few other brands of leggings that are slimming, but these are by far the best of the best. I joke that these Spanx leggings give me new legs. LOL My only complaint is that I wish they would offer a cropped version because they are always too long for my short inseam. But that is definitely not a deal breaker when they are this flattering.
I have been on a book listening spree this past month! Each night in the few hours before I put Miles to bed, I keep an audiobook on speaker while I'm playing with him or walking him around in the Solly wrap. Here are the books I've finished the past few weeks:
1. The River at Night - This book made me actually gasp out loud while I was listening to it, and then promptly burst into tears. It's captivating and an emotional roller coaster (but those kind of books are the best kind). It's a story of 4 best friends that go on a white water rafting adventure in Maine. The story takes a while to get going, but once it does it flows as fast as the rapids they are traveling on. Be prepared to stay up all night with this one.
2. The Secrets She Keeps - After just having Miles, this book hit very close to home. It's the story of Agatha and Meghan, two strangers whom are both pregnant but soon develop an unlikely friendship after meeting at the grocery store where Agatha works. Meghan thinks their friendship is genuine but sadly Agatha has different motives. I can't share much more without giving it all away, but the story is heart wrenching and leaves me feeling sorry for both characters in different ways.
3. The Surrogate - I expected this to be a bit more of a scary thriller, but it wasn't. I still really enjoyed it but it moved at a less intense pace. The main character reunites with an old friend from her childhood who graciously offers to be her surrogate. But the relationship with this friend is one wrought with grief, tragedy and secrets. Those secrets reveal themselves as the pregnancy progresses, but the ending was a complete shocker for me.
4. The Marriage Lie - Iris and Will seem to have a picture perfect marriage, until Will leaves for a business trip, his plane crashes and all the passengers are killed. The odd thing is that Will was never supposed to be on that plane so Iris is left trying to figure out exactly who her husband was and what secrets he was keeping from her. Nothing that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but definitely a good read that moves along at a good pace.
5. One Perfect Lie - This was an absolute snoozefest for the first few chapters, but once I was a quarter of the way in it began to get good. Chris Brennan moves to a small town to be a high school teacher and assistant baseball coach. However, Chris' entire life is a lie and his motives for working at the school have a much more frightening reason. This book did keep me guessing from chapter to chapter, though the ending was a bit of a letdown unfortunately.
6. Little Fires Everywhere - This book is a series of relationships and encounters that almost have a domino effect on the story and characters. It takes place in a idyllic upscale community called Shaker Heights, and chronicles what seems to be the perfect suburban family, the Richardsons. When they rent out one of their rental properties to Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl, so begins the intricate relationships and problems that begin to upset their picture perfect life. A high profile adoption case in the community prompts Mrs. Richardson to look into Mia's past which reveals many devastating secrets. Slowly the dominos begin to fall and relationships crumble, family bonds are tested and Mrs. Richardson is left to deal with it's effect on one of her daughters. A powerful read with so many layers. However, the ending was so abrupt and left me literally with my mouth open and feeling so frustrated. That doesn't mean I didn't love it but I would have liked a more concrete ending where things were resolved.
First of all, can I get a big LOL for the fact that I am carrying around my Kombucha drink in all these photos. Truth be told, when I don't have a handbag or something to carry, I never know what to do with my hands and end up with the most awkward photos. So right before I got out of the car to take these pictures, I grabbed my Kombucha that I had with me and voila! Only slightly awkward hand poses. :)
Since I am officially 10 weeks postpartum, I am finally beginning to ramp up my workout routine. I was quite active during my pregnancy (read about that here), but it really surprised me how even with that regular exercise I still feel incredibly out of shape after giving birth (energy and strength wise). So I began first with just walking around the neighborhood pushing Miles in the stroller, and am now back to taking more structured workout classes. The three types of classes I will be rotating into my routine are barre (for toning and tightening), yoga (for strengthening, stretching and it's one of the best stress relievers for me) and cycling (for cardio). The only new workout to me is cycling so I'm unsure how I will like it, but am willing to give it a shot for a few weeks. In addition, Stan will be helping me with a few at home exercises because he is a HUGE workout fanatic and goes to the gym almost every single day, and has been doing so for years. He will help me target certain areas a bit more specifically (like my stomach and hips/thighs).
Now I cannot end this post without talking about the most fun part of working out - the clothes! I specifically picked up this new sweatshirt and leggings as a present to myself as I begin my post baby workout journey. When it comes to leggings in particular, Zella is still one of my favorite brands to wear. I have a few pairs from them and love how they always give a slimming effect without ever feeling constricting. I swear by this style from Lululemon which got me through my entire pregnancy though they were not even maternity. Alo makes some of the chicest workout pieces, but can be pricey so I splurge sparingly (these moto leggings are a must have). I also discovered Beyond Yoga last year (these ombre leggings are currently sitting in my cart) and found their pieces to be very soft and insanely stretchy (which is obviously what you need for yoga in particular). A few more brands that have caught my eye that I would like to try are Outdoor Voices, Onzie and if I am feeling particularly spendy this brand! And this site has been recommended to me by a few of my readers and they have the chicest workout gear!
Once I found out I was pregnant, I made a commitment to myself that I would keep up my activity level as much as I could during the next 9 months. I really fell off with any and all physical activity after my first spine surgery on my lower back 6 years ago. I did different things here and there to try and rehabilitate but shortly after my recovery was when my neck pain began intensifying basically sidelining me from most activities. After I had my second spine surgery on my neck almost 2 years ago, I had hoped I would be able to get back to an active lifestyle. It took quite some time but I finally felt strong enough and at a low enough level of pain to attempt a regular fitness routine early last fall. Since then I have really been committed to working structured physical activity into my week at least 3-4 times and wanted to continue that consistency while pregnant. It definitely has been more challenging but even on my worst days, I have pushed myself to work out in some form and it has made such a difference in regards to my energy level and managing symptoms.
MY FITNESS ROUTINE DURING PREGNANCY
I began taking barre classes early last fall and enjoyed how low impact they were yet very targeted towards toning and shaping. However, I got bored with only doing that, so I found a yoga studio that I love and began attending classes there 2-3 times a week. I was an avid yoga practicer years before any of my back issues and found it to be instrumental in helping give me a long lean shape while still building strength and muscle. Now that I am pregnant, I alternate between barre and yoga 3-4 times a week and then walk my entire neighborhood the other 2-3 days of the week. My ob/gyn advised me to do at least something physical every single day even if it was a 10-15 minute walk and I have done my best to stick with that during the course of my pregnancy. I have skipped a day here or there, but I find that when I don't do anything for a few days in a row I really notice a difference in my energy, mood and overall well-being. However, I will say that on the whole my pregnancy has been quite uneventful which has allowed me to stay active on a regular basis. As I am nearing my third trimester, I am finding it more difficult to move around in certain classes, and have tried to head to our neighborhood pool more frequently which helps me get in some physical activity with more ease.
MY DIET DURING PREGNANCY
While my diet overall was quite healthy before pregnancy (see my original "what I eat in a day" post here), I have limited my splurges more now because I find that my bloating gets out of control. Before I was pregnant, I would grab pizza with Stan or a big dessert splurge 2-3 times a week and feel fine the next day without it ever affecting my weight. Now I find that my hands and feet will swell after certain carb-heavy or rich foods, so I have spaced out any splurges to once a week or once every two weeks. Most of my diet consists of salads (ugh, so much salad), lean proteins, complex carbs and healthy fats. For breakfast, I am back on the oatmeal train and drop a spoonful of all-natural peanut butter (look for the ingredients to only say peanuts or peanuts, salt - nothing else) and a drizzle of honey. Lunch is almost always a salad whether one that I make myself, buy pre-made from the grocery store or eat out at a restaurant. I like my salads to be heavy with tons of various veggies, grilled chicken is normally my protein of choice, cheese (yes, I still eat tons of cheese - I don't find cheese affects me too much so I kept it in my diet) and a basic dressing like olive oil and lemon or a light balsamic vinaigrette. Because I am so tired by the time dinner rolls around, I usually heat up a frozen dinner or buy these pre-made dinners from my local grocery store. Wegmans does these amazing protein rich pre-made meals (not frozen) with chicken/salmon, tons of veggies and small serving of whole grain rice or some other nutrient rich grain. I have also found a ton of great frozen dinners that have limited ingredients and are super healthy. For dessert, I love Yasso frozen yogurt bars, small York Peppermint Patties or even a scoop of Halo Top ice cream. I drink TONS of lemon water all day long and enjoy peppermint tea at night before going to bed.
MY FAVORITE ACTIVEWEAR PIECES
I never really cared about the comfort of my workout wear until I got pregnant. Then comfort became of the utmost importance! The cropped pants I am wearing in the above pictures are by far my favorite activewear discovery. I heard sooooo much hype surrounding them and I really didn't understand what all the fuss was about. And then I bought myself a pair and they have been the best leggings my legs have worn during this entire pregnancy. They are slimming but not constricting, super thin but not see-thru and stretch comfortably with my stomach. I know I will buy a few more pairs before the baby comes because I have a feeling they will come in handy during the last month and right after I have him. Besides these Lululemon leggings, my favorite styles are still the Zella leggings (both regular and cropped), Alo moto leggings (this is a similar moto style at a lower price point as well and the Alo elevate ones are great as well but not while pregnant), regular GAP leggings and these Beyond Yoga leggings I recently purchased. As far as sports bras, I went ahead and linked my most worn styles in the widget at the end of the post. This style from Lululemon has been with me the longest and I find it to be the most versatile when it comes to activity level. Since I am on the busty side, support is very important to me but because most of my exercise routines are low impact I still want them to be comfortable and easy to move in. As far as tops, I love these stretchy tanks from Nordstrom (only $12), these flowy tanks I picked up from Zella and this fitted tank I purchased during the Anniversary sale that has truly been a dream for my pregnant belly. Regarding sneakers, these Nikes have been the best discovery over the past few months because they feel like nothing on the feet. So lightweight and comfortable compared to any of my other sneakers. I love these sneakers more for their chic look and enjoy the slightly padded sole on these that I picked up from the Nordstrom sale (also available here). But my Nikes still win out for favorite sneaker!
