All about getting back to shape

May 26, 2014

It has been many months since my last update on my post pregnancy weight loss progress, and I’m happy to say that I have finally shed the extra kilos.  I have received many emails from my readers that they were also expecting or just became a new mum in the past 12 months. I’m so grateful to hear their stories so I thought I’d share my experience with you all too.

Set your expectations right

With all the celebs/models posting pictures of their sexier-and-skinnier-than-ever bodies shortly after giving birth, it’s creating a lot of unreal expectations on normal women like us. Unless you have a super fast metabolism or an entourage of people such as nutritionists, personal trainers etc at your disposal, the average time for most women to get back to their pre-pregnancy shape is about 9 months. It takes 9 months to give birth, so it is natural and normal for your body to “reverse back”. As for me, it took a total of 7 months to achieve my goal, with a disciplined eating plan and daily workout.

The workout that works – Pilates

I am not a “dance aerobics by myself in front of the TV” person – I like working out with other people and seeing them highly motivated!  So I try to go the gym every 2 days, or at least 3 times a week. My gym offers a range of different types of pilates and yoga classes, and my favorite is the pilates reformer class. It is the most amazing and effective workout to tone up whole body without bulking up, and it targets core strength so it promotes flat abs and good posture which is exactly what I need. I never thought I would say it but I really enjoy fitness these days!

Me on the reformer machine!

Portion control

No matter how much exercise you do, it’s redundant if you don’t control the food intake. I don’t diet, and I don’t believe in depriving myself from a complete range of food classes.  I find that the weight just bounces back as soon as I stop following the diet plan, and I cannot commit myself not to eat tasty food for a lifetime! I find the easiest way for me to lose weight is not to eat after 6pm (or 6:30 by latest), and no water after 9pm. I normally have a big breakfast, and eat whatever I want for lunch but at a small portion. For dinner I eat healthy and carbs free. This is tried and tested as this eating plan works every time I feel the need to shed some weight.

Some superfood I take throughout the day. I also drink a glass of green juice everyday – it’s the best natural remedy for detoxification.

Coconut Water, Organic Yoghurt, Chia Seed Pudding, Goji Berries, Quinoa

Please note that I am no expert in nutrition neither in fitness, this post is purely for sharing my own weight loss journey. Do you have any tips and advice to share?

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Claire May 27, 2014 at 3:44 am

Being a mom myself, and strictly speaking from my own experience, breastfeeding is bar none the best way to loose pregnancy weight and keep it off, providing you do it full-time and on-demand for at least the first 6 months. It is nature’s way to restore the body’s balance. That and just be mindful of what you put in your body (you will naturally do this when you are breastfeeding), and enjoying motherhood.

Easier said than done, of course, I understand there are many solutions as there are women & her lifestyles. I hope motherhood has been kind to you & that you’ve enjoyed your time being a mom.

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Reika May 29, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Thank you Claire! I absolutely enjoy being a mum – it’s so hard yet incredibly rewarding 🙂
Good to know that bf helped you losing weight. I had quite low milk supply so I was never on full bf…so hat didn’t help me much for dropping the baby weight.

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Rene May 27, 2014 at 3:16 pm

Hi. I m so glad u r back! I have been going to your almost every week for months, hoping for updates. I always like your beauty recommendations.
Good job on getting back to shape. Timely reminder for me to rebook my exercise and diet regime.
Look forward to most posts!

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Reika May 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Thank you sooo much Rene. You are so sweet!

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Jeslynj May 28, 2014 at 7:41 pm

Great advice! I love reading what other women do for health/nutrition/exercise. I haven’t tried Pilates but you make me want to try it out 🙂

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Reika May 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Thanks Jessie! You should really should Pilate out – it’s so fun to do and effective!

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alexa May 29, 2014 at 10:04 am

I also love pilates, but am so afraid to leave the baby to go to a class!
So I only do mat exercises at home.
Do you mind me asking who takes care of your baby while you’re at classes?
My husband would not last half an hour!

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Reika May 29, 2014 at 3:45 pm

Lol my hubby is the same 😛
I am so grateful that my mum comes and give me a hand sometimes, so I leave my baby with her.
Do you have any help?

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Ceci May 29, 2014 at 11:56 am

Love your blog!! So glad that you are back!! I recently became a new mom too and I do have to agree with you on portion control!

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Reika May 29, 2014 at 3:42 pm

Oh..congratulations Ceci! Hope motherhood is treating you well! All the best 🙂

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Ana Brown May 30, 2014 at 8:15 am

Great post! I enjoyed reading this which made me realized that I have to lose weight as well. I gave birth nine months ago and I have noticed that I am gaining more and more weight than when I was pregnant. I guess its time.

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