When you are focused on pregnancy weight loss, it’s all too easy to let your idea of success or failure be determined by a set of scales.
After all, if the numbers have fallen, you must be doing something right. And if they’ve gone up, then you must be doing the wrong thing. Right?
Well not exactly. While your body weight is a good indicator of how you are progressing with your pregnancy weight loss, it’s not the be all and end all.
There are lots of factors at play (even things like warmer weather where you may appear lighter but you’re actually dehydrated) which is why you should use other measurement tools as well as the scales to see how far you have come.
Take Measurements
Taking your body measurements (read our ‘how to guide’ here) is a great way to keep track of your pregnancy weight loss progress.
The scales could sometimes say we have put on weight or only lost a small amount, when in fact our measurements have shrunk as our body tones up.
Understand
Understand how the scales work and make sure that you take measurements too – see our guide here
As you begin doing exercise and light weight bearing exercise you will gain lean muscle tissue, a substance which is denser than fat. So you may actually see the number on the scales increase. Even though the scale may not be moving, it doesn’t mean that you’re not getting smaller. Muscle is more denser than fat, so it takes up less space. You can be in a smaller pants size and not be any lighter on the scale – and this is why we advise to take measurements each week as well as weighing yourself.
It is also a good point to note that this extra lean muscle tissue has added benefits too – not only will you appear smaller, but muscle will help raise your metabolism too which helps to burn more fat – win win!
Have a look at Jess’s story here too which illustrates this point and see her picture below
Hormones
PMT and hormones are one of the common issues which cause us problems when losing weight. And many mums have no energy, crave junk food and are in a bad mood which means weight gain and a feeling of demotivation
Solution
Preparation and damage control are the keys to surviving this week!
Bloating, cramps, swelling, mood swings, cravings, binge eating, and weight gain are all side effects of the hormones present in a woman’s body at that time of the month. Plus there is the very common side effect of water retention which can send your weight and measurements off. During the time of the month our bodies hold onto fluids like a drought is coming and the best advice is not to weigh yourself at this time. Get our tips here on how to plan around PMT
Take Photos
If you haven’t already, take some ‘before’ or ‘starting weight’ photos of yourself.
Take them in your swimmers or underwear from the front and the side so that you can see a really clear snapshot of where you began.
Like Kat in the above example, comparing the old photo to a photo from today (same clothes, same positions) can be a real motivation boost when the scales are not working in your favour.
Take Notes
Have you considered keeping a journal about your weight loss journey? It can be really positive to look back at old entries and see how you felt at the time compared to how you feel now.
Often once we have a few successes and people start to notice our weight loss, we can find ourselves in a more positive frame of mind. Write those nice comments down!
Note down how you feel when you go clothes shopping. It will be great to look back on in the coming months when you are most likely going to be feeling more positive about the experience.
Take A Step Back
You can also note down the difference in your fitness level as it improves. Perhaps at first you could only manage a 20 minute walk; now you can walk for 30 minutes and even do a bit of jogging too.
Maybe you could only manage the plank for 20 seconds, and now you are hitting the 2 minute mark.
Perhaps you’d never dream of being able to complete an Exercise DVD, but now you are powering through.
All of these successes won’t show up when you step on the scales, so it’s important to note them down as you might forget over time.
Take the time to reflect on how well you are doing and how far you have come – it can be an even bigger motivator than a number on the scales.
About the 28 Day Challenge
A few key things to note are:
- The Challenge menu is FULLY customisable
- You have access to over 1600 exclusive recipes
- You have access to over 300 exercise routines
- Meals are family friendly and are made in under 10-20 minutes
You can also see some INCREDIBLE results from mums on the 28 Day Challenge here
Leashaa Lost 15kg* with the 28 Day Challenges
Leashaa says: “I’ve Lost 15kgs thanks to LBW and over 150Cm of fat!! I started my journey last year and thanks to LBW I’ve been able to lose weight, create a healthy lifestyle and maintain my breastmilk supply allowing me to continue nursing my daughter into our 3rd year! Thanks Lose Baby Weight 😄😄😄😄“
You won’t regret it!
Join the challenge here
Samantha Lost 22kgs* with the 28 Day Challenges
Samantha says: “Today marks 1 year of Lose Baby Weight for me 😄 22kg gone all up and feeling fitter and healthier than I have in my entire life. I hope you all have a fabulous 2016 and achieve all of your goals xxx”
You won’t regret it!
Join the challenge here
