I recently ran a 7-week weight loss challenge that was open to over 50 contestants. Contestants included everyone from moms, powerlifters and other athletes, and busy working professionals. To my pleasant surprise, 2 of the top 5 winners were both young busy moms to multiple children. We all know the challenges that just one child brings insofar as scheduling the time to train, plan meals, and generally find “alone time.” So, how do two busy nursing moms with several young children manage to lose weight during a fitness challenge?
“NoMoreChubby” lost 9 lbs or 6.5% of her total bodyweight during the 7 weeks. “2TiredMama” lost 8.6 lbs or 5.4% of her total bodyweight during the same time period. I asked them to answer some questions to help give other moms some insight into how these nursing lost weight, despite being so busy (and tired!).
What made you decide to join the challenge? Why now?
NoMoreChubby: Your challenge was perfect timing for me! I had a baby 1 1/2 yrs prior. And hadn’t lost all the weight, and was not feeling good about myself. It’s tough when you are a busy mom. About a month prior to your challenge, I committed to myself that I was going to lose weight. I purchased Advocare (tailored it since I’m breastfeeding) and lost some weight. I needed to make sure I not only didn’t gain the weight back, but continued to lose.
2TiredMama: 1. Just had baby #2 and frustrated that I never lost baby #1 weight. Needed some motivation and accountability.
How does a mother of 2 find the time to exercise? How do you schedule it in?
NoMoreChubby: It’s been hard! I’ve been just getting in one exercise session a week. But as I’ve been continuing to lose and see results, I’m trying to do more! I get to the gym once a week, but just began exercising more at home with videos and my husband (it’s fun working out with him!).
2TiredMama: I have a baby that is up every 2 hours at night and two in diapers, if I have spare time all I want to do is clean or zone out. I pay a sitter or bring the kids.
How important is diet and nutrition to you?
NoMoreChubby: Diet and nutrition is the most important. It’s important to eat clean (as often as you can).
2TiredMama: Nutrition is just important (if not more) as exercise for me right now. If I don’t eat right I have even less energy and motivation.
Do you have any tips for new moms with respect to eating for fat loss post-baby? (Side note: I wrote a whole book in the subject here)
NoMoreChubby: I found that I have to make separate food for myself. I’m a vegetarian (I have to stay away for pasta!) so I cook up a bunch of tofu so I can easily toss in salads or quickly lightly stir fry fresh veggies to toss in. I also make sure I have a ton of berries and apples on hand so I grab fruits now instead of sugary snacks. For snacks with protein and good fat, I grab nuts.
2TiredMama: Plan ahead as much as possible. I use Studio Kitchen for frozen meal delivery – healthy paleo and gluten free meals (I find that following a strict diet about 75% time helps me give myself “rules” since I’m having a really hard time with moderation)
Was being a part of the challenge helpful? Do you intend to continue and if so what the next goal?
NoMoreChubby: Yes, the challenge was helpful for me. It made me accountable. There was no way I was going to let anyone see my weight go up!
I feel better physically and emotionally. I’ve dropped 3 clothing sizes and my BMI decreased 5 points! I’ve lost a total of 16-17 lbs in the last 3 months and have kept it off.
For me, partnering my good eating habits and more exercise with Advocare really helped. I needed a jump start to lose weight. I knew that if I saw results, I would continue. I then did the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I feel amazing! So good that I became a distributor. My website is www.advocare.com/140544628
2TiredMama: Being a part of the challenge was helpful but knowing I need to lose weight slowly (and have a hard time losing any weight while breastfeeding) I didn’t think I would do well but it was nice to have some accountability and a reason to keep my eating in check.
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