Tuesday, May 26, 2009

BACK TO NORMAL

I went to the doctor on Friday for my six week postpartum check-up. They weighed me, asked me how I was feeling and then he did his check-up thing while I looked at a sign on the ceiling that said "RELAX." Funny how they think that a sign on the ceiling with a picture of a beach with palm trees next to it can make you feel relaxed while THAT is going on. So, I made small talk with the nurse about how they had finally updated the "RELAX" sign with fresh, bright writing. It had looked faded and old last time.

Then the doctor stood up, helped me to sit up and said, "You are all back to normal." And I said, "Yeah, as normal as I am gonna get." He smiled and looked as if he might laugh at my attempt at humor. But, he didn't. Then he added, "You can start exercising now, but hold off on any abdominal work for two more weeks." Like I was going to rush out and do sit-ups and he had to hold me back!!!

I don't like working out and I really do love to eat cookies and ice-cream and food in general, but I do have a strong motivating factor at this point. You see, I am not "back to normal." I am still wearing maternity clothes and there is a good 15 pounds between me and my regular clothes. This means that I have three choices- continue wearing maternity clothes, go out and buy new, bigger sized clothes (never a good idea), or lose the weight.

I asked on Facebook the other day, "How long is it socially acceptable to wear maternity clothes after you have had a baby?" The responses were funny. A friend of ours in Kenya said, "As long as you are social, it is acceptable." I thought that was clever and funny. Others said nice things like, "As long as you need honey." My cousin said, "Two and a half years." I loved that one- she actually gave me a time limit.

But really, I don't want to be wearing them four weeks from now so that means I have to do something. You see, the easy weight has already come off and I have been steadily at the same weight for two weeks now. So, working out and eating right are the only option. I am nursing so I can't do any crazy fasts or fad diets, which I don't believe in anyway.

So, I am going to start today. Here are my goals for the week.I am going to walk for at least 30 minutes for at least 4 times this week. I am also going to work out with arm weights, doing biceps, triceps and shoulder reps. I am going to cut out cookies and ice cream. Oh, that is going to be hard.

I am wondering if any of you want to join me. You know bathing suit season is coming really soon. I came up with this idea that I could do a Weigh In Wednesday post where I post how much weight I have lost each week and you could post how much you have lost in the comment section. It turns out that another blogger already came up with the "Weigh In Wednesday" title, but who says I can't use it too?

If I was really transparent, I would put on one of those work out outfits like they wear on the show The Biggest Loser and post a picture of me in it. Sorry, that is not going to happen. But, I will post my progress on Wednesday's because I think it will be a good motivator for you all to keep me accountable. I would love for you to join me if you want to.

Okay, I am off to walk on the treadmill. I am just wondering how I am going to fit in a workout and a shower during baby's nap time. We shall see!

This could take me all day.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe in you and think of how great you will feel after each workout is over. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

I have been treadmilling for a year and still fat, I hope you have better luck than me (I'm sure you will, mine must be stubborn evil fat)
I have zero willpower when it comes to food, so if you really want to lose that WHOLE HUGE 15 pounds (NOT HUGE believe me) then you will actually have to diet and not just cut out ice cream and cookies (unless you are an annoying thin person...if you ARE an annoying thin person, just do one or two situps, dont eat ice cream or cookies for oh about three days, and then weigh yourself and contemplate telling fat people how to lose weight...for fame and profit. Sigh. I would probably buy your tape and still be fat.
you know I'm just joking right? Haggard dieter here. 15 pounds to me looks like NADA!

Lena said...

what a great idea....!! i would love to join in the weight loss. oh and i love my sweets too... chocolate, sweet coffee and etc. but losing weight is good for our health. i need to loose about 20 lbs. well good luck to you, and everybody else who wants to join in. (by the way i like the new design on your blog, very nice)

Mercy said...

O.k. I am in. I want to join you. Your blog makes me laugh and the bugger one was fantastic.