mummy's beginning a 21 day journey

I did it. I pulled the trigger and bought the 21 day fix (extreme version). I’m one of THOSE moms who ended up thinner post pregnancy. Take your moment to mumble “bitch” under your breath…All done? I’m not exactly sure how I became one of “those” moms, but I did and I’m very glad because it was one less thing I needed to worry about. Being honest, I had no freaking clue what I was getting into when I became a mother. The schedule was rigorous and absolutely unpredictable.  I don’t even know where I’d squeeze working out in. Probably somewhere between being puked on, snoozing for five minutes, or in between boobing down my kid. Over the last year, I’ve dropped a significant amount of weight from breastfeeding and probably running myself ragged. For such tiny people, they have awfully BIG demands. Working out wasn’t really a top priority for me. Lately, I have been able to squeeze in some workouts, but it’s so inconsistent. I need something that is planned and is structured, or else I’ll continue to fail. The 21 day fix is giving me that guidance. Knowing I have a 21 day goal that isn’t months and months long, makes this even more desirable. I’ve noticed over the last month, a few of those pounds creeping back on. So far, I’ve only gained a much needed 5lbs, but I don’t want that number quadrupling. I’ve decided it’s time to get serious, so I bought the 21 day fix!

I want to document this journey over the next 21 days. It may end up being nothing but a sad, sob story where I fall flat on my face and fail, but what if it turns out to be this incredible adventure that helps inspire other moms? Let’s be real, if you had a program that didn’t take too much time, gave you some good guidance, and told you what to do to lose weight, get in shape, and be healthy would you try it? I’d like to be YOUR guinea pig. Can I do these workouts and follow the eating plan that doesn’t  require me straying from my regular grocery list? If I can, then you can.

I don’t know about anyone else, but after I get my crazy toddler down for the night, I’m left to my own devices. I’m bored. That’s a dangerous thing to say. (Please knock on wood. I don’t want to jinx my quiet time). What the hell is there to do at 8pm? Eat? Watch tv? Sit on my ass on pins and needles awaiting a shriek, or a cry to start blaring out of the baby monitor? It’s hard to relax. It’s even harder to sit still when I’m constantly in motion chasing around a tiny mad man. I thought this would be a great cure. It gives me something to do, focuses my attention on anything, but that damn monitor, and will keep me moving.

I’m already meal planning and preparing dinners to freeze well in advance, so I have no issues with that. I’ve discovered a hidden gem in my kitchen cupboard: The Crock Pot. I advise anyone not using one to get with it! It’s so much easier to dump your dinner in the crock to cook, while being at work all day. When I get home, I barely have to do anything. This fits into the 21 day fix PERFECTLY! I can still pre plan meals, so I’m not scrambling trying to figure out what the hell I can eat that fits into all of those tiny containers. The work is ALREADY done for me! That’s half the battle!!

I have a VERY tight budget, so I make sure the groceries I buy consist of real food, not junk. There are times that I sneak in SOME snacks, but I usually hold off because I’m extremely cheap. I didn’t want a program that dictated me into drinking expensive shakes, or buying ridiculously overpriced healthy foods. I want to eat what I’m eating now, so that I don’t have to cook separate meals for my hungry hippo of a toddler. Yes, we try to eat as healthy as possible, but I do love pasta, rice, and potatoes. If I’m limiting it, fine, but to cut it out completely isn’t going to work for us. We need to find a good balance between mama and toddler.  Just because I can’t have something, doesn’t mean he should be cut off from it too. Carb-free diets are wonderful, but that just won’t work in my home with a growing child.

I welcome anyone to come along with me on this journey. I hope you can find some inspiration for yourself, or to at least get a chuckle or two, while I try to find the motivation to get off my ass! Below are my starting metrics. I’ll update after one week, two weeks, and then do a final tally! Let’s hope for some BIG results!

Before Pic: