Hi mums! I have lost 16kgs* with Lose Baby Weight.
I still have to pinch myself when I realize just how far I’ve come from my old “dieting days” and that I have actually reached my goal weight of 60kg!
Having lost 16kg* with The Healthy Mummy products and Lose Baby Weight 28 Day Challenge, I am enthusiastic about the company, products, programs and support group, as they have become ingrained into my healthy lifestyle!
There have been many ups, and numerous downs, along my journey – all providing me with learning experiences and opportunities to reevaluate my goals and strategies.
A big thing that has helped me has been planning and preparation.
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This not only helps me daily, but also in managing special events and unexpected situations!
One challenge faced by many of us, is how to handle the dreaded PMT and inevitable “Aunt Flo”, or “Shark Week”, as it is affectionately known as in the Support Group.
You know that week leading up to “that time of the month”, when you feel under the weather, bloated, tired, moody, hungry, and craving all sorts of naughty foods? And if you’re like me, the chocolate cravings continue throughout Aunt Flo’s visit!
How do you handle it? For me, this is no different to any other week (apart from gaining a kilo or two in water-retention, thank you hormones!): try to stay on my healthy eating and exercise track and, like a good Cub Scout, “Be Prepared”! (yes, yes I was!)
There are some great articles on the Lose Baby Weight website which offer good advice for managing PMT and bloating, so definitely have a read!
Increasing your intake of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and cutting back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat, and salt, will not only benefit you during this period, but also your health in the long run.
The complex carbohydrates in whole grains are believed to contribute to a chemical chain reaction that supports mood-enhancing emotions. Magnesium, Calcium and Omega-3 all assist managing hormones and moods as well.
There’s a great Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie (AKA “Beat PMT Smoothie”) on the Lose Baby Weight website, which incorporates these important minerals.
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Or you can join the challenge directly here
If you don’t get enough of these things through diet, you can also try taking supplements. The Healthy Mummy Fish Oil Tablets can help increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Staying active is also very important for managing PMT symptoms.
Moving for at least 30 minutes most days can help ease sadness and anxiety, help boost your endorphins and reduce stress, in addition to managing your weight. You don’t need to smash out an hour-long session at the gym.
You could go for a walk in the sunshine, swim some laps, bust some moves in a home dance party, complete your day’s exercises in the Lose Baby Weight 28 Day Challenge, or for something a bit more heart-pumping, try the 5-4-3-2-1 Workout or 1-30 Workout on the Lose Baby Weight website!
If PMS leaves you feeling anxious and tense, it’s a good idea to learn some relaxation techniques.
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Stretching techniques such as yoga or tai chi can help you relax and will soothe aching muscles and joints.
Take some time out for yourself. My personal favourite is having a massage – but this doesn’t always fit into the schedule or monthly budget. Alternatively, take some panadol, grab a hot water bottle or heat pack, and have a lie down in a quite place. Sounds dreamy..
Cravings seem to be the main area of concern for ladies approaching Shark Week. Some crave salty foods, others want fatty foods, and others, like myself, can’t get enough of chocolate!
Some people prefer to stay away from the food they crave, for fear of losing control. I don’t like to deprive myself of anything, and I’ve reached the point of trusting myself and feeling confident that I won’t overdo it too much.
I get myself a portion and, most of the time, I remain in control and enjoy my treat. I’m so grateful that the Lose Baby Weight website and the 28 Day Challenge Recipe Hub are full of amazing chocolatey treats I can make ahead of time and store in the freezer, to cater for my monthly visitor.
Looking for quick and easy meal recipes? Try this FREE dessert recipe sampler here
Or you can join the challenge directly here
My favourites are the Protein Packed Choc Bites, Healthy Zucchini Brownie, Healthy Hedgehog Slice, Peanut Butter Fudge Bars, Tasheena’s Weetbix Balls, Healthy Chocolate Lava Microwave Cake (this is easily made on demand), Almond and Cacao Fudge, and let’s not forget the trusty Chocolate Healthy Mummy Smoothie!
I like to add spinach to all my chocolate smoothies around that time of month, as I find increasing my iron intake also helps lift my mood and energy.
Take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone in this.
You’re not the only one who wants to sloth around all day and eat their body weight in chips/chocolate/icecream/whatever your craving.
It is hard to not do so, but you don’t have to abstain from them entirely.
And it’s completely normal. If you do slip up and overdo it, it’s okay. You’re human and are allowed to make mistakes.
You’ll get yourself back up and on track again, I know you can!
Preparing for times like these has helped me survive the worst of it, so I know it will help you too.
Libby xxx
Looking for quick and easy meal recipes? Try this FREE dessert recipe sampler here
Or you can join the challenge directly here
Results from mums on the 28 Day Challenge
Mums lose an average of 4-6kg* (8-13 pounds*) on our 28 Day Challenge and below are some of the amazing results from mums JUST LIKE YOU who are already using the 28 Day Challenge and losing tummy fat – make the change and join them today too!
You can see lots of more results and you can join here too
Tasheena Lost 35kgs* with the 28 Day Challenge
Tasheena says: “Flashback Friday – I am a Single Mum to 3 kids, 6yrs and under.
I’m 28yrs old and 178cms tall.
I was 112.8kgs and now around 76-77kgs.
Feeling amazing and all thanks to the LBW plans and 28 Day Challenge”
Join here
You won’t regret it!
