Body after Baby: Lindsay

Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this post!

Have you been reading the Body after Baby guest posts? You can read posts, product reviews, and even enter the fitness giveaway HERE.

Body after Baby- Lindsay's story
Courtesy Photo

GUEST WRITER BIO: I live in a family of four consisting of myself, my husband Wilson (who we call Willie), and our two sons, Joshua and Gabriel. I would say to sum up my title, I am a full-time everything! I work full time, used to go to school full time but needed to put that on the back burner ’til hubby returned from his deployment to Afghanistan, and most importantly I am a full time…all the time mother (that is my fav job of all). I am for sure kept busy and even more so this past year since I am went solo on this mommy thing, but life couldn’t get any better or chaotic, and that is my little family!!

I could talk so much more about my family life, but then I would be writing a novel…that would never end, so if you are interested in my insanity, come follow me on Facebook, Lindsay Carrasquillo (yeah, I am the only white girl with that last name so you should have no problem finding me)! 

Hello, beautiful ladies that are reading this post! I’m so excited to guest post about this amazing and yet sometimes devastating subject…my body after baby!

How I coped with my body after baby…I learned to embrace the line, “It took you nine months to put on the weight, so you have to give it at least 9 months to take it off.” Ladies, that is a horrible but mostly accurate statement! There will be many women that shed their baby weight off quite fast; for them I applaud them, I envy them, and then I call them a heifer behind closed doors! I love to see those women lose the weight so quickly, because it is absolutely motivating and empowering to see. I, however, still have weight to lose from my pregnancy that was three years ago! I’m definitely not perfect, nor did I try the way I should have to lose the weight after I had my son Gabriel.

I can say I did desire to lose the weight, and I did try, but I have to be honest, I’m married to a Puerto Rican man, and he does not like me really skinny, and he wants rice cooked like daily! So there were so many times that I just threw in the towel so to speak on trying new diets, since I was always the one cooking dinner at my house, and I just couldn’t justify wasting perfectly good dinner I cooked in lieu of a healthy salad.

When I did get started on my journey to lose weight, we were able to afford for me to go to the gym (I must also say that there were many other times that we could not afford a gym membership). I would go a lot, because I chose an all women’s gym nearby where I live that offers child care.

My husband is in the military, so that means he was gone a lot! I had to be somewhere that offered childcare or else there was no workout. I loved the gym and went often, but it wasn’t the same for me; not like it had been prior to having my son. I too was in the Army and chose to get out when my eight years of service was over with. I couldn’t see myself having to leave our children to go on a year-long deployment. When our son was very young, it was much easier to work out, as I could put him in his swing, bassinet etc., and I could work out with nothing stopping me. Now however, that would be impossible! Funny thing my son does, every time I want to work out, if I’m doing sit ups, he usually sits on top of me which makes it impossible for me to continue! Especially is he is bouncing along on top of my stomach! It is fun but also challenging with children running around you, while you’re trying to get a workout in. So I usually try to work out either very early in the morning, or after I put my youngest son to bed.

When I was able to have a gym membership, I enjoyed participating in free classes that were offered through the gym, such as Zumba, ab core classes, step class, some yoga, Pilates, and using the weights. The days that I could not or probably (I dread saying/admitting this) did not want to go to the gym, I would get out and walk with my son in his stroller. I love our community that we live in. Our subdivision is pretty nice, but to venture out into the community is so refreshing, and it also offers a pretty view as well. I started to really push myself when I went on walks; at first only going for about 30 minutes, but then after about a week of that I would go much longer than just 30 minutes. I would just walk until I got tired. I then began to get resourceful, and if I needed something from the store, if it was just a few items, I would walk to the store rather than drive and buy whatever I needed, store it in the undertow holder on my son’s stroller and continue on home.

Body after Baby- Lindsay's story
Courtesy Photo

Walking, jogging, or even riding a bike outside is something that is so relaxing and healthy to do. I know have a workout buddy, a neighbor and close friend of mine that has committed herself to losing weight and changing her eating habits to healthier choices. I am all about trying new “diets” as some people call them, but one thing I always try to focus on is that it isn’t so much a diet, but healthier choices of foods to eat. Some people call it a diet, because I don’t always fully commit to eating healthy daily……still quite a work in progress on that. Something that isn’t new to me but what I am planning to eliminate from my daily consumption is carbonated beverages. I did eliminate carbonated beverages before (my drug of choice…Coca Cola), and I had very quick, obvious results immediately after discontinuing drinking anything carbonated.

I strongly believe that you can set a goal and achieve it. Nobody should tell you otherwise of that, but sadly our own worst critic is usually ourselves. I think the most important thing to remember about your body after having a baby is to be so proud of yourself! Having a baby takes a tremendous amount of energy, strength, compassion and so much more. Babies are miracles that we helped to create, so to hate your body after having a baby is almost the equivalent of condemning yourself for having a beautiful blessing from God! How blessed are the women that are able to carry a little miracle inside of them for such a short period of time! I know I still have some weight to lose from my pregnancy, and some major toning, but I’m working towards it and stay positive that one day I will be back to pre-pregnancy weight, and my goals are to surpass the health I once had and strive to be that much more healthier as well as be an example to my family! I applaud anyone who has read these posts about Body after Baby, and I pray that you overcome any and all obstacles that will be put in your way and that you find comfort in the body you were blessed with! Set a goal, and work your butt off to achieve it! The more you push yourself in the positive direction, the closer you will be to obtaining your goal!

Disclaimer: All information presented during this event is purely personal opinion and shared for educational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise, weight-loss, or nutrition program. Please note, My Life: A Work in Progress does not necessarily endorse any opinions presented by guest writers during this event. Not all exercise or nutrition programs are suitable for everyone.

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Review: ENERGYbits® & SKINNYbits® (Body after Baby)

I think I’ve mentioned it already, but I’ve started training for a half marathon in the Spring. I’ve always disliked running but wanted to change my mentality. The best way seemed to be to just force myself to do it more and more. So I set a goal. While researching products meant to help people while training, I came across ENERGYbits®. They seemed like a fantastic, nutritious food, so I reached out to the company with the Body after Baby Fitness Event in mind. They sent me two sample tins -one of ENERGYbits® and one of SKINNYbits®- to try out and review.

ENERGYbits on My Life: A Work in Progress

About and My Experiences:

Made with 100 percent organically-grown spirulina algae, ENERGYbits® and SKINNYbits® are small bits of food loaded with 40 nutrients. With just one calorie per tab, they have an exceptionally high concentration of protein. Considered a superfood by many, spirulina algae has even been endorsed by the United Nations as a means to fight malnutrition. Both types of bits can increase your energy and endurance, curb hunger, and accomplish even more. Although SKINNYbits® have a different packaging, they’re essentially the same as ENERGYbits®.

I’ve been reading through both the literature on the ENERGYbits® website and the massive number of articles and other sites that talk about the benefits of spirulina algae as a superfood. It really is impressive!

The first time I took my ENERGYbits®, I tried chewing them. After all, I’d had algae before and liked it…or so I thought…all the way up until I crunched into 6 bits at once. That’s when it hit me that I’ve had seaweed before not algae. Fail! Going to be brutally honest here: algae tastes like fish food or what I would imagine fish food tastes like. It definitely smells a little like fish food. It’s pretty gross tasting and would probably take me a long time to get used to them. I’ve since swallowed all my bits with water, and it’s been a much better experience!

ENERGYbits on My Life: A Work in Progress

I actually played a trick on my 2-year old nephew and son. I asked them if they wanted candy and then gave each of them one of the ENERGYbits®. Their faces were priceless! Mean, I know, but it didn’t hurt them. ENERGYbits® are good for them!

So how did I feel after taking them? Well, I did feel energized without coffee, but that possibly could be a placebo affect. But I do believe algae grown in a clean environment is very healthy to eat. A quick Google search shows you the many benefits of algae. Besides the UN and WHO’s position on algae, NASA’s astronauts do eat algae or algae-based foods.

The only downside to ENERGYbits® that I can see is the price up front. On the ENERGYbits® website, you can only purchase a large back of 1,000 bits (1 to 2 month supply) for $115. I’d like to purchase some but will have to save a little bit for it first. It’s important to realize that ENERGYbits® are not pills. They are tiny bits of food, which makes the price more reasonable, in my mind.

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SKINNYbits® and ENERGYbits® are only available at ENERGYbits.com. Jonathan (their brand manager) has shared with me that he’d be happy to connect anyone with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits. You can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.

If you want to win sample tins like mine, stay tuned for the Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway later today!

Have you ever tried eating algae before? Would you?

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Review: Sweaty Bands (Body after Baby)

If you have any hair at all (and maybe even if you don’t!), you probably need a reliable headband for your workout sessions. While researching online, one company that continually stood out to me was Sweaty Bands. I contacted Sweaty Bands, and they happily sent me two headbands- one to review and one to give away.

Sweaty Bands no-slip headbands. See the review on My Life: A Work in Progress

About and My Experiences:

Sweaty Bands are no-slip headbands that feature a ribbon-like material on one side and felt on the other. Available in two sizes -narrow and wide- Sweaty Bands come in dozens of patterns and colors. Custom designs are available.

One thing I really like about Sweaty Bands is that the founder -Donna- started this business sewing headbands in her basement. Since then, her company has grown until her headbands are now sold in more than 1,000 locations including all Nordstrom stores. Since I’ve started looking, I’ve spotted Sweaty Bands in two different fitness stores here in Hampton Roads. I think it’s fantastic that this female-founded business has grown at such a rate and still makes its headbands right here in the U.S.

My contact at Sweaty Bands let me know that the best way to wear my headband was near my hairline, so that’s what I’ve been doing. It has never slipped. I have not had to readjust the band even one single time while it was on my head. I’ve worn my Sweaty Band for numerous runs over the last three weeks, including a six-mile jog. My Sweaty Band has stayed on during aerobics, running errands, cleaning, and even while sleeping.

Sweaty Bands no-slip headbands. See the review on My Life: A Work in Progress

I have read a few negative reviews online (a very small fraction compared to the positive reviews), so obviously these bands don’t work for everyone. We all have different head shapes, head size, and hair texture. But I’m confident that Sweaty Bands will work for the majority of women, because I’m one of those people who has never had good luck with a headband until now.

For reference, I’m 5’10”, and usually wear a 7 1/4 cm hat size. My hair is fine and quite slippery. My Sweaty Band is also the narrower version.

At around $15 each band, they may seem pricey, but if Sweaty Bands work, it’s worth it in my opinion. It’s always driven me batty when I’m trying to exercise, and I have pieces of hair sticking to my face! Plus, these are made here in the U.S., so yes, they’re going to be more expensive than headbands sewn by little kids in certain foreign countries.

As far as keeping the sweat out of your face, the Sweaty Band does help. It’s not going to keep all the sweat from your face though, because these bands go over your hair, not your lower forehead. If you sweat below the band, the sweat is still going to run into your eyes. I have noticed a difference wearing my Sweaty Band, so I know it’s keeping my head sweat (yuck!) out of my eyes.

Hand wash your bands to ensure they last. I take mine in the shower with me to wash, then hang to dry. My band is usually almost dry by next morning. I’m planning on buying a second one, so I can rotate between the two bands.
Sweaty Bands no-slip headbands. See the review on My Life: A Work in Progress
If you’d like to see some of their styles and learn more about Sweaty Bands, click HERE.

Want to win your own Sweaty Band? Stand by for a Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway. It’s starts later today!

What’s your favorite Sweaty Band color or design?

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