by Jenn Hollowell

Created on: September 18, 2008   Last Updated: February 06, 2011

When I found out I was pregnant for the first time that was one of the happiest times of my life. I found myself making one mistake, though: I ate for three, rather than for two. I was hungry all the time, and I didn't deprive myself from anything. (Pringles is a good group; I don't care what anyone says.)

As a result, I gained 74 lbs. with my first pregnancy and 60 lbs. with my second pregnancy. McDonalds had a seat reserved just for me, and I was on a first name basis with the lady down at the gas station (she also knew to keep Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in stock for me). I was conscious of eating healthy, too, but I ate a LOT of food. Much more food was consumed during my pregnancies than ANY other time in my life.

I was in a panic after delivering my first child. Despite all the walking I did during the pregnancy, the weight still mounting up quicker than the baby clothes I was collecting. What was I going to have to do, work out sixteen hours per day and give up food that has taste for a year? I don't think so. I had to devise a workable plan or else I would never get my figure back.

When my first child was born, it took me six months to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. That's right! Six months! I was proud of myself, I wasn't starving myself, and I was staying healthy. You can do this, too! Here's what I did:

1. I was nursing my baby, so I was very conscious of what I was putting in my body. I ate in moderation, rather than eating everything in sight. My appetite subsided considerably after giving birth, which was a huge bonus. So, I ate what was recommended for a breast-feeding mom.
2. I used my baby as a weight. He was 8 lbs. 6 oz. at birth, so I was able to use him as "gradual" cardio. He was a little guy, so I didn't feel like I was over-doing anything. I also pushed him around in the stroller at a "heart pumping pace" for at least one hour per day.
3. I used gimmicky things like the Ab-roller and Thigh-master with excellent results. While the little guy napped, I rolled. While he practiced blinking, I mastered my thighs!
4. I drank a LOT of water. There were times when I was convinced I was hungry, even though I had just finished a decent meal. Drinking water resolved that problem. I quickly learned that, when someone is thirsty it is often mistaken for hunger. (I wonder how many times I made that mistake during my pregnancies!?)

These practices were implemented when my second son was born, but it was a bit more difficult. He was 10 lbs. 1 oz. when he was born, so I had a bit more weight to lift when "weight training" with my bambino. I also had a two-year old running around that really helped with cardio. I also breast-fed this little guy, so I was able to follow the same diet as with my first child.

It isn't impossible to lose your pregnancy pounds after delivering your little person into this world. I'm not Wonder Woman (despite the costume in my closet), so if I can do it, anyone can do it!

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