I love TEX MEX, 24 weeks post-baby #2

But my body does not love it back! I got to spend 4 days with my college girlfriends in Austin and I think I ate my way through the weekend. From pork tacos to queso, ymmuy! And it took me all of last week to get back on track!

Just got back from an evening run, which I really didn't want to do, but I am so glad I did. After last week at my parents and pulling 2 all nighters to get my 2nd round of edits on my book done, today was back in full swing. And I totally wanted to wipe the workout off of my to-do list (by erasing it, not doing it!)

The good news is I am finally getting my endurance back! I have 3 huge hills in my neighborhood - and I can now run 3 laps without having to stop, pant or turn bright red! Given, running without a stroller tonight made me feel like I had lost 60 lbs.

2 goals this week:
1) Get the house ready for the realtor on Friday.
2) Kick my toning up a notch to get this layer of yuck off!
Ok, make it 3 goals:
3) Catch up on my 400 emails I did not respond to last week while writing my book.
Wait, there is a 4th:
4) Spend more time with my little girl...she thinks I am leaving here every time I get in the car or go out the door. And I have to leave here again next week for LA.

I am down to 109 lbs. (1 pound away ladies!), but there is still a layer sticking around my thighs and my stomach. And although I enjoyed my run tonight, I need to be doing more toning to get it off faster!

Revamp Your Nutrition in 30 Days, this August!

Make sure to check back everyday in August for a new rule in losing the food battle. No tofu and broccoli here, just real tips any mom can use. Simply click on the button above that says "Revamp your Nutrition" or click here.

Freebies & Goodies

21 weeks Post-Baby #2 - My Goal went BUST!

First, the good news. Looking at my backside doesn't make me wanna cry anymore.

Second, the bad news. Sizing myself up in the mirrors of Hot Yoga (that's 90 minutes of looking at yourself-ahhhh!) made me realize my hips, inner thighs and lower abs could use some work! Now my inner thighs always have been a trouble spot - hips and lower abdomen are totally new trouble spots.

Third, more bad news. My boobs continue to shrink back to 5th grade.

Ah well, I'm trying! And if I wasn't working out I would be goop with fat knees (experienced the fat knees at the end of my pregnancy and afterwards and I'd prefer not to go there again).

Rylan was 5 months old yesterday and my scale has not budged lately, still hovering around 110. My goal was to get back to my pre-pregnany weight of 108, and eventually to about 105 (at 5'1" this is when my "phase 1 skinny jeans" fit!)

I'm sure it had nothing to do with my eating:) I enjoyed eating out way too much while at the lake with the family. And this upcoming weekend is a trip to Austin with my college girlfriends. So I will be realistic - I'll be pre-pregnancy size when Rylan is 6 months old!!!

Next goal, go 1 week without being sore! Once this happens I know I am in good shape.

Bikini Best Body Workout

No, I do not have my best bikini body (yet). In fact I will probably not be hitting my pre-preg weight goal in 2 days when Rylan turns 5 months old. It can’t be because I’ve been eating like crap!!! But as I spend time at the lake I have been dishing on the latest People magazine. It has the Top 50 Best Bikini Bodies. And Jennifer Anniston rocks it!

I was cracking up as I read about Jennifer Love Hewitt. She tried the grapefruit diet pill and apple cider vinegar since she heard it was good for belly fat. Shocking, she saw no results. I wish there was a quick fix, but there just isn’t. BUT there is a super quick workout that burns the same amount of calories as 60 minutes on a treadmill!

I was beat red in the face this afternoon as I did my workout. My feet felt like bricks, which I attribute to eating fried grouper last night and enjoying my 32 oz Mr. Pibb with crushed ice in place of a snack this afternoon. I guess it could also be the non-application of sunscreen or the stressful morning of shopping while Taylor did NOT want to shop. Anyhoo, totally off subject.

Working out and eating well (not perfect) is the only way to go. Here is my super quick workout with super calorie-burning results!

1) Hill Run – I’m not talking a simple hill, but one with a steady incline that looks like it’s going to be easy until you are 3 hills into it! This hill run was about 190 strides up and 190 down, attempting to sprint on the way up.
2) 60 Switch Lunges
3) Hill Run
4) 60 Straight Leg Reverse Lunges
5) Hill Run
6) 60 Switch Lunges
7) Hill Run
8) 50 Push-Ups
9) Hill Run
10) 50 Dips
11) Hill Run
12) 60 Boomerangs (like in my Shed 5 Fast DVD)
13) Hill Run
14) 120 Plank Runners (you all know I love these since they melt the fat and kill the core!)
15) PostNatal Boot Camp 3 Minute Core workout Pilates #2

Do not fret! A workout similar to this will be available on my workout downloads for those of you who don’t like the written workouts. The downloads are $5 and will be available starting in September!

My plan was to do this workout T, TH, S this week and kickboxing or HIIT Cardio W, F. So far so good.

20 Weeks Post-Baby #2

18 weeks post-baby #2

So we came back from Naples FL a few days early. We missed the kids! Although I am sure by Wednesday this week I will wonder what the heck I was thinking:)


Spent 2 full days of playing with the kids and managed to keep my computer closed for a full 2 weeks! Talk about refreshing!!!!!!!!!!! We took them to the Magic House, the pool and blew up Taylor's Bouncehouse and put water down her slide. That gives me a free pass to get to work this week, right?

Oh the ongoing guilt of a WAHM!

Anyhoo I maintained my weight and lost an inch or two while we were gone. Wasn't shooting to lose any weight although I did workout a bunch while I was there. Had to make up for the hushpuppies at my favorite seafood restaurant! And to be honest it felt good to eat again without pain since my gall bladder was taken out a few weeks ago!

Goal @ 5 months post-baby = be at my pre-pregnancy weight. I was 108 lbs. when I walked into the Fertility Clinic to have my eggs retrieved - ended up pregnant 2 weeks later. I wonder if I can do it...it's only 2 weeks away???

HIIT Cardio - High Intensity Interval Training

You see it a lot in all the workouts here on the blog. But here is a short (but intense) cardio workout - in 15 minutes you will burn more calories than 30 minutes of long duration cardio. You can do this outside or on a treadmill.

Beginner:
walk 3 minutes for warmup
alternate 1 minute of speed walking with 30 seconds of jogging - repeat 8x

Intermediate:
jog 3 minutes for warmup
sprint 30 seconds, jog 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds - repeat 8x

Advanced:
warmup/stretch
alternate 1 minute of jogging with 30 second of sprinting - repeat 10x

Au Revoir! I will be checking back into reality in 2 weeks! Off to Naples, just the hubby and me.

17 weeks post-baby #2

It's been a rough few weeks. My poor 34-year-old brother went into the hospital with a viral cardio myopathy. He has an enlarged heart, but is feeling better everyday. Scariest drive I have EVER made to the Emergency Room!

Then I had to throw my gall bladder surgery in the mix. My poor parents. To say the least we are getting back to some normalcy. And I am sooooo ready for Naples (T minus 2 days). I will be checking out of cyberspace and really enjoying a 2 week vaca w/o kids! It also happens that we are celebrating our 5 year anniversary, which was back in October. But I was prego and we both thought it would be more fun/relaxing un-prego.

So here we are 4 months post-prego and I almost hit the goal I set at 12 weeks after having Rylan!

I am also super excited to film my workout downloads while I am in Naples. Starting with the HIIT workout. That's High Intensity Interval Training. It's actually a super fun workout, exhausting but quick and fun! All the celebs and pro athletes are doing it and I have been researching it for the last few months. And have done it a number of times at my 5am Sports Med class. You go balls to walls for 30-60 seconds followed by a 30-60 second recovery. But my recovery will be an active one so we burn more calories!!! I feel the last few lbs meting off already!!!!

Breastfeeding Weight Loss Tools

Watch this for a 3 minute demo on how to lose weight while breastfeeding!

My Workout Schedule & Measurements - weeks 11-15 post baby #2

Since Rylan was about 6 weeks old I have had swelling in my hands/feet. Plus heartburn, indegestion, increased blood pressure and all sorts of whacky stuff. I just figured it was postpartum/post-breastfeeding hormones. But when he was 12 weeks old and I was still having problems + increased swelling + limited weight loss I called my OB who checked my thyroid. Turns out my thyroid was fine so I went to my internist who checked my blood for all sorts of stuff and found increased liver enzymes (this usually means gall stones). We checked for gall stones, none. And after another week I asked for a radioative test for my gall bladder, sure enough it had decided to stop working!

It's kinda common and I'm sure if you ask some moms around you, you will find a handful that had their gall bladder out because of pregnancy. It was an easy procedure, although a minor setback to my Operation Body Back before Naples Trip in 2 weeks. No working out for about a week and no lifting my 2 year old Taylor.

But I already feel relief and am looking forward to seeing results a little quicker now that I have that problem out of the way!

Week 11	Week 12	Week 13
Weight 117.6	Weight 117.6	Weight 117.6
Chest/Back 33	Chest/Back 32.5	Chest/Back 32.25
Bicep 10.5	Bicep 10.5	Bicep 10.5
Waist 28	Waist 27.5	Waist 27.5
Low Belly 33.75	Low Belly 33.5	Low Belly 33
Thigh 21	Thigh 21	Thigh 21
Week 14	Week 15	Gall Bladder Surgery
Weight 117.6	Weight 115.8	Weight 117
Chest/Back 32	Chest/Back 32	Chest/Back 32
Bicep 10.25	Bicep 10.25	Bicep 10.5
Waist 27.5	Waist 27	Waist 28
Low Belly 32.5	Low Belly 32.5	Low Belly 34
Thigh 20.75	Thigh 20.75	Thigh 20.75

11w0d - 50 minutes

Shed 5 Fast DVD (workout 1) + 20 minute interval walk/jog from 30 day weight loss workout (under free workouts here on my blog)

11w1d - Rest

11w2d - 60 minutes
5 a.m. HIIT session at Sports Med

11w3d - 30 minutes
Interval walk/jog from blog www.lindsaybrin.com/30dayweightlossworkout with stroller

11w4d - 43 minutes
Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD + 20 minute max interval from 30 day weight loss workouts (under free workouts here on my blog)

11w5d - Rest

11w6d - 35 minutes
2.6 mile jog with Plank Intervals – I stopped about 8 times and did all sorts of planks (mostly from the Shed 5 Fast and Core Fitness for Moms DVDs)

12w0d - 30 minutes
Shed 5 Fast Workout DVD #1 + CFS Method DVD Phase 3

12w1d - Rest

12w2d - 60 minutes
5 a.m. HIIT session as Sports Medicine.

12w3d - 45 minutes
Walked hills with the 64 lb. stroller!

12w4d - 23 minutes
Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD

12w5d - 45 minutes
Outdoor Boot Camp workout found here on my blog!

12w6d -Rest

13w0d - 52 minutes
Post Natal Boot Camp DVD: Warm up (3 min), Floor Work #2 (3 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Floor Work #1(3 min), Plyometrics (10 min), Body Resistance 2 (10 mini), Toning Intervals (10 min), Cool down (3 min)

13w1d - 7 minutes
CFS Method DVD Phase 3

13w2d - 36 minutes
I slept right through my 5am training and felt SUPER guilty! But a good replacement – Postnatal Boot Camp DVD: Floor Work #1 (3 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Body Resistance 2 (10 min), Fat Blaster (10 min), Pilates #1 ( 3min)…yes I was bad and skipped the warm up and cool down

13w3d - Rest

13w4d - 52 minutes
Post Natal Boot Camp DVD: Warm up (3 min), Stability Ball ( 3 min), Floor Work #2 ( 3min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Fat Blaster (10 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Plyometrics (10 min), Cool down (3 min)

13w5d - Rest

13w6d - 40 minutes
I had the chance to workout by MYSELF, so I went running outside! I did hills for 30 minutes and halfway through I stopped for a bunch of different planks (thread the needles, boomerangs from Shed 5 Fast DVD). Got home and did CFS Method number 3…I can finally hold my abs in on auto pilot! Activating my pelvic floor and Transverse Abdominis is finally a habit!

14w0d - Rest
I noticed a HUGE difference in my abs (especially the lower abdomen) after more toning and less cardio.

14w1d
Outside Boot Camp Workout from my blog + an extra 1.2 miles since we lost Taylor’s shoe along the way!

14w2d - 60 minutes
5 a.m. HIIT session as Sports Med

14w3d - Rest

14w4d - 45 minutes
CMJ DVD + 20 minute interval run

14w5d - 49 minutes
Jennifer Galardi’s ballet toning DVD—I did ballet and Pilates cardio dance while prego with Taylor…it’s been a while and my back is sore!

14w6d - Rest

15w0d - 23 minutes

Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD. Feeling rather crummy today and after 2 weeks of tests I am ready to have a diagnosis on what’s wrong with me. Self diagnosis: take the ole gall bladder out!

15w1d - Rest

Feeling awful.

15w2d - Too much is going on to workout!
My brother went into the hospital with his heart functioning at 20% - scary!!!!! Once mom and dad arrived I had to go see my surgeon. Gall bladder is functioning at 10% so it’s coming out in the morning!

14 weeks 2 days post-baby #2

Finally my pre-prego jeans fit. Yes I had to shimmy my way in, but we're there. 1 lick for the confidence!

I noticed a huge difference in the last week. I am finally holding in my inner core without having to think about it. Not just during exercise but all day long, even while holding the baby I make sure my abs are pulled in. The CFS Method DVD got me there!

Also more Toning less Cardio last week.
Monday: Post Natal Boot Camp DVD: Warm up (3 min), Floor Work #2 (3 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Floor Work #1(3 min), Plyometrics (10 min), Body Resistance 2 (10 mini), Toning Intervals (10 min), Cool down (3 min)

Tuesday:
CFS Method DVD Phase 3

1Wednesday:
I slept right through my 5am training and felt SUPER guilty! But a good replacement – Postnatal Boot Camp DVD: Floor Work #1 (3 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Body Resistance 2 (10 min), Fat Blaster (10 min), Pilates #1 ( 3min)…yes I was bad and skipped the warm up and cool down

Friday
Post Natal Boot Camp DVD: Warm up (3 min), Stability Ball ( 3 min), Floor Work #2 ( 3min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Fat Blaster (10 min), Toning Intervals (10 min), Plyometrics (10 min), Cool down (3 min)

Sunday
I had the chance to workout by MYSELF, so I went running outside! I did hills for 30 minutes and halfway through I stopped for a bunch of different planks (thread the needles, boomerangs from Shed 5 Fast DVD). Got home and did CFS Method number 3

Outside Boot Camp Workout-Int/Adv

No pictures with these ladies, just a workout I did the other day! Feel free to ask any questions (I think I have some illustrations if the explanations don't help!)

50 plank runners, 50 bicycles, 20 PF (pelvic floor) butterfly crunches
walk 2-3 minutes
jog 10 driveways (or 5 city blocks), 20 switch lunge plyos-repeat 5x
20 dips, 15 wide arm push-ups, 15 pike push-ups
Jog 10 driveways 9or 5 city blocks), 20 screamer plyos-repeat 5x
20 dips, 15 wide arm push-ups, 15 pike push-ups
10/10-10 second sprints 10x
1 minute plank hold, 50 bicycles, 50 scissors


plank runners = hold tight plank position and run knees in one at a time while maintaining tight plank
PF butterfly crunches = crunch position with monkey feet (feet touching so legs butterfly open), activate the pelvic floor by pulling belly button towards spine and crunch
switch lunge plyos = lunge, then jump up switching your legs so the other leg lunges (do not perfrom if you have bad knees)
pike push-ups = start in a push-up position, now raise butt in the air so a majority of weight shifts towards your arms (do not perfrom if you have bad shoulders)
screamer plyos = hinge forward in a lunge, touch left hand to right toe as your left leg goes behind in lunge (keep left leg straight to target your buns), bring left leg forward as you bend your knee and jump--these are from Shed 5 Fast DVD
scissors = lie on your back with feet in the air, legs straight, pelvic floor activated, switch legs up and down

*for days 1, 3, 5 (toning and cardio days)

12 weeks Post-Baby #2

Breastfeeding Weight Loss Meal Plan

There are a few things to remember when breastfeeding and exercising. Most importantly, all of your snacks and meals should consist of protein, carbohydrates and fats. And drink to thirst. You can find some great recipes on my website (just click on the image to the right).

Most women should consume between 300 and 500 calories more when breastfeeding. Which is about how many calories you were consuming while pregnant. And by that I mean how many calories you were "supposed" to consume while prego! You can click on the 1800 Meal Plan here and print off a meal plan for weight loss while breastfeeding. The Subcommittie on Nutrition during Lactation recommends 1500-1800 calories/day (this is without exercise). So go for the 1800 Meal Plan and decide if it's right for you by measuring yourself weekly. If you are losing 1/2-1 lb. a week it's working! If you are losing more than that you need to add an extra 1-2 snacks, both consisting of protein, fat and carbohydrates (like an apple with peanut butter).



See how I eat while breastfeeding here. Or find more information on Breastfeeding and weight loss here or the La Leche League.

Most women will lose a lot of weight between 3&6 months of breastfeeding. But keep in mind some of us hold onto extra lbs. and some of us don't! Nonetheless try not to get frustrated...I held onto extra weight for several weeks after I stopped breastfeeding and then it fell off! I just had to stay consistent with my nutrition (turn off the breastfeeding meter of meal portions) and exercise!

My workout Schedule & Measurements - weeks 6-10 post baby #2

Week 1	Week 6	Week 7
Weight: 123.8	Weight: 121.2	Weight 123.8
Chest/Back: 35	Chest/Back: 33.5	Chest/Back: 33
Bicep: 10.25	Bicep: 10.5	Bicep: 10.5
Waist: 32	Waist: 29	Waist: 29.25
Low Belly: 36	Low Belly: 34.5	Low Belly: 34
Thigh: 21.5	Thigh: 21.25	Thigh: 21.25

Week 8	Week 9	Week 10
Weight: 121.2	Weight: 121.2	Weight 121.2
Chest/Back: 33	Chest/Back: 33	Chest/Back: 33
Bicep: 10.5	Bicep: 10.5	Bicep: 10.5
Waist: 29	Waist: 28.75	Waist: 28.5
Low Belly: 34	Low Belly: 34	Low Belly: 34
Thigh: 21.25	Thigh: 21	Thigh: 21

All DVDs listed in my workouts can be found at my website www.momsintofitness.com

6w0d (6weeks 0days) - 25 minutes
1.2 walk, 3-5 minutes jog with stroller + fitness testing (wall sit, pushups, situps, squat thrust, hi knees) + CFS Method
See fitness testing here
6w1d - 28 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warm-up, cardio/toning #1 and #2, cool-down
6w2d - 90 minutes
Hot Yoga
6w3d Rest
6w4d Rest
6w5d - 37 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warm-up, core #1, cardio/toning #1 and #2, cool-down
6w6d Rest

7w0d - 33 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warm-up, core #2, cardio/toning #1 and #2, core#2, cool-down
7w1d - 40 minutes
Stroller 40 minutes interval walk jog (walk 2, jog 1 first 30 minutes & walk last 10 minutes) + CFS Phase 1
7w2d - 40 minutes
Stroller Pump level 2 (felt like I was going to throw up…could be that I pushed it too hard too fast or that I forgot to eat breakfast!)
7w3d Rest
7w4d - 23 + 15 minutes
Core Metabolic Jumpstart + 1.2 lap around neighborhood with hills (my abs and arms were burning while pushing the stroller after doing the CMJ video)
7w5d Rest. My abs are killing me and it hurts to laugh.
But I need to pretend I sewed my belly button to my back so using my inner core becomes a habit!
7w6d - 42 minutes
Dance Jam DVD

8w0d - 39 minutes
Postnatal Boot Camp: warm-up, Pilates #1, body resistance, kardio kickboxing, body resistance 2, cool-down(I forgot how hard PNBC was…dying…did about 40-50 seconds of each 1 minute exercise). And as I was stretching I noticed just how tight my hams and calves got during pregnancy, which is common since the hams attach at the lower back.
8w1d - 26 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warm-up, cardio only #3 and #4, cool-down
8w2d - Postnatal Boot Camp: warm-up, Pilates #2, 3-10 minutes intervals, cool-down. Almost did a full minute of each exercise!
8w3d Rest. My abs, inner thighs and butt are killing me from yesterday.
8w4d - 90 minutes
Hot Yoga
8w5d - 23 minutes
Core Metabolic Jumpstart…I started with a 5 lb. weight but had to move to my daughter’s playground ball for my “weight”.
8w6d Rest. Again, it hurts to laugh…but it hurts so good!

9w0d - 40 + 8 minutes
Outside Boot Camp workout (see here) I did 4 minute jogs. I did it with my stroller, but plan on doing it Wednesday by myself.
CFS—I’ve got Phase 1 down and moving to Phase 2. Although I know how to do all the core activation it was easy to forget. But I am getting closer to it becoming habitual so I don’t even have to think about activating my core during exercise and non-exercise.
9w1d - 40 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warm-up, cardio #3 and #4 + 1.2 mile lap around neighborhood by myself + stretching
9w2d - 60 minutes
5a.m. HIIT session at Sports Medicine + CFS phase 2.
9w6d
Where did the week go??? I haven’t exercised in 3 days.

10w0d - 40 minutes
Boot Camp 2: warmup, core #3, cardio/toning 5, cardio/toning 6, core #4, cool-down
10w1d
40 minute interval walk/jog with stroller from the 30 Day Weight Loss Workout
3 minute walk as warm-up
2 minute jog
50 steps sprint
50 steps walk
25 steps sprint
25 steps walk
repeat from jog
10w2d
Postnatal Boot Camp: warmup, core, 3 intervals (unfortunately no time for cool-down, Rylan was hungry)
10w3d - 8 minutes
CFS Phase 2
10w4d - 60 minutes
2.5 miles with stroller:
50 plank runners, 50 bicycles, 20 PF (pelvic floor) butterfly crunches
jog 10 driveways, 20 switch lunges-repeat 5x
20 dips, 15 wide push-ups, 15 pike push-ups
Jog 10 driveways, 20 screamer jumps-repeat 5x
20 dips, 15 wide push-ups, 15 pike push-ups
More core…but I don’t remember exactly since Taylor was performing with me! But it was a lot of plank teaser stuff from Shed 5 Fast
10w5d
March for Babies Walk
10w6d - 23 minutes
Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD (I did it with the 5 lb. weight this time!)

11weeks post baby #2...117 lbs!

Ahhhh, victory. Well not really my goal quite yet, but thank goodness that scale finally budged. Been working my tail off and was ready to see a lil' reward. It took 8 weeks for that scale to budge--woop woop!

The best news is my jean shorts do not look as awful as they did a few weeks ago. They sure don't look good! Yet! But at least I feel comfortable exercising in shorts again. Doing a few weeks of bed rest before Rylan was born due to low amniotic fluid+ the 6 weeks no exercise post c-section really did a number on my legs! My knees were fat and the dimples...well...they're gone now.

Now I haven't gotten into the shape that I did 12 weeks after Taylor, but I had a book photo shoot at 13 weeks with her. So I ate PERFECTLY! This time around, not so much. But over the weekend I did my 3 day sugar cleanse (which is not a scientific cleanse whatsoever). All I do is get rid of pop and bagged/boxed snacks for 3 days. And after 3 days the cravings are gone, well almost. I am sure the sweets have something to do with the time of my cycle, but if I gave into those hormones every time I'd be a few lbs. heavier!

On a random note, don't ever do those detox programs! You will lose water weight and they will mess with your metabolism and the second you start eating "normally" you will gain it + more. If you need a quick fix for the weekend:
1. get rid of white stuff
2. drink water (divide your weight in half to figure how many ounces you shoudl drink with exercise)
3. base your meals around protein/veggies (careful not to increase the fiber too much as this causes bloating)

Ok, goal tomorrow while the nanny is here: outside boot camp workout for you all and my measurements/workout program for the last several weeks.

10weeks post baby #2

We're getting there! Slowly, but surely. The scale budged today! Kinda made my morning until the trip to Target. Taylor threw a fit so we only got 1 item off of my huge list. Anyhoo back to the body stuff.

 Nutrition
 60-80 ounces water
 Exercise
Sleep

I can check off 3 of 4 boxes and I'm feeling pretty good. Whether or not the scale is showing it (only down 2 pounds since week 4) I am much happier as I look in the mirror.

Still retaining fluids. I cannot wear my rings post-pregnancy but could wear them all the way through pregnancy. But I am sure once my body gets normal again after breastfeeding that will go away. Water will flush the fluids out (reduces swelling and flushes fat too!), but if I drank anymore right now I'd be hitting up the potty every 10 minutes.

P.S. Did I just say "potty"...guess you can tell it's potty training time for Taylor!

30 day WEIGHT LOSS WORKOUT

We all like to go outside when the weather gets warm. So I have put together a workout you can use both inside and outside. AND it will get your ready for that bikini!

Don't forget to print off your FREE meal plan to lose weight quicker. I recommend the 1200 Calorie Meal Plan in addition to this workout. (If you are breastfeeding you should use the 1500 or 1800 calorie meal plan)

If you only have 1 of these DVDs take advantage of our FREE Shipping. Use code "freeshipCMJ" valid for 72 hours onlystarting 4.19.10.

Monday: Shed 5 Fast DVD (workout 1) + 20 minute interval walk/jog (see below)
Tuesday: 30-50 minute interval walk/jog (see below)
Wednesday: Shed 5 Fast DVD (workout 2) + Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Core Metabolic Jumpstart DVD + 20 minute max interval
Saturday: Same as Tuesday
Sunday: Rest
*You can separate the double workouts if you don't have a big time block.

Shed 5 Fast and Core Metabolic Jumpstart can all be found on my website www.momsintofitness.com. Click on the right and save!

20 minute interval walk/jog
2 minute walk
1 minute jog
1 minute sprint
repeat 5x

30-50 minute interval walk/jog
3 minute walk as warm-up
2 minute jog
50 steps sprint
50 steps walk
25 steps sprint
25 steps walk
repeat as many times in between 30-50 minutes

20 minute max interval
2 minute jog
20 squat jumps
15 push-ups
2 minute jog
30 walking lunges (arms behind head)
20 dips
repeat above 2x
finish with 3-4 sprints and a walk to cool-down

Going on a 7 week standstill!

I am definitely being tested! Rylan is 10 weeks old tomorrow and I haven't seen a whole lot change, except a little definition, since he was 4 weeks old. Gotta stay consistent!

But my body might be able to get to some normalcy soon. And my hormones too...my mamas know what I mean by that!

BTW I promise, promise, promise the outside Boot Camp workout is coming. And my weekly workouts as well. I have all my workouts in my journal, just need to move them from point A to Point B. Work has been swamped, we switched nannies and went down to 1 day a week, and I am trying to put the family first (most days anyway).

Conceive Radio Show 4.14.10

Today 1:00 CST I will be speaking with Kim Hahn of Conceive Magazine about things you can do to boost fertility, infertility yoga and my IVF story. As most of you know my husband and I have undergone 4 IVFs and I'd like to share what worked for us!

If you'd like to listen to the show click here, and if you are battling infertility I urge you to visit www.conceiveonline.com. You will find info on everything, including the right way to ahve sex to get prego!

9weeks post-baby #2

So I did Core Metabolic Jumpstart on Saturday and have been unable to laugh or move my arms over my head. It hurts so good! You can watch me suffer in the video below...

So I have to use the photo to the right as my motivation at 9 weeks post-Rylan, cause my willpower isn't there! This photo was taken 1 year after Taylor and 3 weeks before I got prego with Ryaln. I know motivation works much better than willpower, but I need to regain a lil' willpower. Maybe once I sleep through the night 50% of my willpower will come back???

Sure enough...frustration has set in. I measured 1/2" less in my waist, otherwise no changes--not even an ounce on the scale, zilch. Week 3 I was 119 lbs. and week 4 I have remained at 121 lbs. I know my body hangs onto the extra for a few weeks after breastfeeding, but come on! Enough already! Swimsuit season is fast approaching and I plan on going to the lake a lot!

I've received a ton of Facebook messages and emails (thanks for the encouragement--we all need it when we're frustrated) and I wanted to clarify a few things about breastfeeding and weight loss. Sure this is my blog and I rant a lot, but I am also a pre/post-natal expert so I should teach as I go!

I wish there was a number we could all expect to lose after baby, breastfeeding, not breastfeeding etc. But the truth is we all gain different amounts of weight and our bodies adjust to breastfeeding and postpartum non-breastfeeding differently. But what I can tell you to expect...if you do not workout and eat right you will stay right where you are. If you are proactive, exercise correctly (intervals, toning and inner core training) and watch what you eat you will feel better and look better!

My body seems to cling onto every last bit after breastfeeding. Everyone is different. In fact most women will lose more between 3 & 6 months of BF. Check out the MIF FAQ (click on breastfeeding and weight loss)or La Leche League for more info. I've seen hundreds of women go both ways, some lose the last 5 lbs when they are done and some are lucky enough to lose all the lbs. during. I personally chose to stop breastfeeding for a number of reasons, not just to get my body back. I got to the point I did not enjoy it. And I wish I could've made myself enjoy it more for the benefits to Rylan!

But either way we are all left with the jiggle in the middle! And only toning + cardio can remedy that! (unless you do plastic surgery which I don't recommend)


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New Trouble Spots 8weeks post baby #2

So we all have trouble spots! And unfortunately there is no such thing as spot reduction. Meaning you can't do leg lifts and expect to only thin out your legs. We have to do total body, although you can concentrate on making a certain area stronger. And stronger=thinner=less trouble!

My butt and inner thighs always have been my trouble spots. But back fat and outer thighs are new to me!!! Well not totally new as I was about 20-25 lbs. heavier in college when I enjoyed pizza and beer. Now I only have a beer like 4x a year & I know carb-free diets don't work, and I can eat pizza just not the whole thing as a 4th meal.

Even my workout pants are hugging my new outer thighs and they're stretchy! Trying on jeans to go watch my Jayhawks in March Madness was a whole different story...which ended in pulling out the maternity jeans. I wore my favorite jeans at 4 months pregnant with a rubberband and even they don't even fit right now. Sure they were a bit tight while prego, but at least they fit over my outer thighs!

All this hard work and nothing to show for it...YET!

Given I still have about 12-15 pounds to go. Breastfeeding zapped it off the first 2 weeks, but since I have been at a standstill with the scale. And only a few changes in the waistline. I seem to have my eating in check so that will help soon too. I know it will happen. And again I have to remember the lesson I learned in going through IVF--PATIENCE and PERSERVERANCE.

My book, which I did the photos at 13 weeks post-Taylor, is my new motivation. And I bought some new jean shorts that I cannot wait to fit in. They hang front and center in my closet as motivation!

7weeks post baby #2

No weight change, zilch, since 2 weeks post-baby. But since last week (the first week working out) my lower abdomen has gotten smaller and I feel a little stronger everyday. My endurance is improving a lot!

I cannot imagine what my body would look like 3 months from now if I didn't work out...still flabby I'd imagaine. I think that's why some moms end up overweight after 3 kiddos...not working out in between to get that body back! I know it's difficult to find the time (and energy) but the energy and a healthy body image can do wonders! We have to use our muscles to make them do anything. Although I think we all (me included!)have this notion that my body will resume its normalcy on its own. It can get close. But goodness I don't think the scale would budge for me if I wasn't getting my workouts in.

P.S. Love my Baby Jogger City Select! It is an awesome double stroller.

6weeks post baby #2 no more Booby feeding!

So I decided last week I was done. Then my Taylor got sick so I stuck with it for another week (I guess figuring the added immunity I give to Rylan wouldn't hurt). So although my boobs hurt and I have to "turn off" the pregnancy/breastfeeding eating, I feel free!!!

I realized as I was at the doctor on Monday that I really need to "turn off" the eating. I was at the hospital every week the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy and I always stopped at the cafeteria for a yummy treat. Did it again on Monday...but as I stood in line I realized my extra treats are soon a thing of the past. And last night for dinner we had Taco Bell...it's back to 2 tacos, not 3!

I did my Boot Camp DVD this morning, same workout as Tuesday. It helped my soreness! But I was having severe hot flashes so I put on shorts (which I hate myself in shorts). And to my horror my knees even looked fat!

I just bought a pair of jeanshorts as my motivation, now I am truly motivated.

6 weeks 2 days post baby #2

Starting from Scratch, kinda...6w0d

Soooo...I can exercise again! And after leaving the doctor's office at 122 lbs. I sure feel the need to lose it, and quickly! About 15 lbs. to go, I know this will take time.

And as most women I will probably achieve the 15 lb. weight loss a heck of a lot quicker than achieving the tight/tone I am looking for.

I started my journey today at 6 weeks 0 days.

Goal: 1.2 mile lap with hills + CFS Method DVD
jog up the small hill (3 minutes) and power walk up the monster hill (10 minutes) without stopping. With 26 lbs of stroller and 32 lbs. of kids.

Although my lungs were on fire, my skin red/itchy and my booty flopping in the wind I accomplished my 1st workout. Even did fitness testing so I can test again later on. Oh and some screamers (if you've done my Shed 5 Fast DVD you know what I am talking about when I say booty-burn!) at the top of the hill.

Fitness Test:
Wall Sit: 46 seconds and my legs were shakin'
1 minute push-ups: 10 real push-ups, 13 girl push-ups
1 minute sit-ups: 28 (little tender around my incision, otherwise just weak)
1 minute squat thrusts with jump: 11
1 minute high knees (elbows at 90 degrees hitting hands): 60


Tomorrow's Goal: Boot Camp DVD warm-up, toning/cardio #1 and #2 (10 minutes each), cool-down

Later this week, a Hot Yoga class. That's not taking it slow but I haven't been in so long!!! I will probably end up lying on the floor for the last half of class.

I feel like there is a light at the end of a very long tunnel. And if I have learned anything from going through IVF it's that Patience is a Virtue. I'll get my body back, it will just take time. Heck I know what to do! Now I just have to do it!

Pelvic Floor Exercises

They make you skinnier without diet or exercise!

1) Pelvic Tilts, place the crook of your knees on a couch and pull your hip bones towards your rib cage slightly. Be carefull not to squeeze your butt (which is why it's important to start on the couch). Eventually work up to doing these with your feet on the ground and knees bent. 15 reps.

2) Pelvic Shrugs, get in the position of a crunch and pull your right hip bone toward your right rib cage, trying to only use the PF and not lifting your back or squeezing your butt. Do the same thing on the left. 15 reps each side.

3a) Pelvic Scoots, get in the position of a crunch. Slide one heel out while keeping your core activated (back doesn't lift off the floor and stomach doesn't pooch). Only go as far as you can eventualy trying to get the leg straight.
3b) Add an arm lift: as you scoot the leg swing your opposite arm above your head, maintaining core activation. 10 reps each side.

4) Supported Seal, lie on your stomach and lift your torso. Your hands should be on the floor for support (but try to just use back strength!) Remember your back is part of yoru core...so strengthening it helps bring in the tummy! 5 x 30 seconds

5) Posture, make an upside down hershey kiss with your hands (index and thumbs touch)and place on your lower abdomen. Inhale and as you exhale pull your skin (using the PF) away from your hands. You should see a little bit of light. Keep the PF activated as you continue to breathe, eventually making this a habit so your PF is pulled in all day long!

If you can activate the PF with #4 all day long you will instantly look slimmer! I promise.

You should be able to master these within several weeks and eventually integrate them into all the core exercises you do. If you need help intergrating you may want to look into my CFS Method DVD

WAHM vs SAHM

The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Well I for one am learning to think my grass is green. Of course I adore my family and lead a wonderful life. But some days I wish I worked outside of the home and some days I wish I was a stay at home mom!

I do have it pretty good being a WAHM (work-at-home-mom). Although it made me laugh this afternoon as I was so excited for my mom to be in town so I could head out to Starbucks for a few hours and get out of the house! Really? Excited to go to Starbucks and work?

Sure, I have a group of employees for Moms Into Fitness that do a lot of work for me so that I can be a WAHM. So I am lucky! And I can take a nap when I want, take the kids to the park when I want and work when I want. But I can never "turn off" work and sometimes being in my home feels like work.

I've had several moms ask me how I am able to work and be a stay-at-home mom. I by no means have this mastered, but I am learning. I can no longer prop Taylor in the Baby Bjorn and write my books until 2 in the morning. We HAVE to have a schedule. So I bought one of those post-it calendars and put it in my laundry room.

I have all of the kids stuff (from soccer to gymnastics to nanny days) written down. And I was so excited to add my workouts starting next week!!! Monday p.m. I do my videos, Tuesday a.m. I do stroller, Wednesday early a.m. I do group training, Friday early a.m. I do Hot Yoga and Saturday I do Boot Camp. 5 days for now...then I will take it down to 4 days.

Anyhoo--I have all the major stuff written in the calendar. Then during nap times I have Facebook, Blogging, emails and smaller items listed. And on my 2 nanny days, Monday and Wed afternoons I get all the work done that I can. Outside of all this scheduled stuff I do not work or get on the computer!!! (of course I cheat a lot, but I need to spend that time with my hubby and family, not tied to my computer and/or work).

As I am the queen of rambling, I will stop there. But what I learned from my calendar (which even has laundry schedule mid a.m. on Tues/Wed/Thurs) is that if I stick to it I am really happy and not stressed about work looming over my head.

So I AM happy being a WAHM. Some days I want to get dressed up and go in an office and some days I wish I didn't work. But my grass is green for me on most days.

My IVF Journey

Fertility Lifelines Video, Lindsay Brin & Taylor

So here is the story of how we got Taylor! All summed up in a video that makes me cry everytime.