Postpartum (ish) get yourself together thread

[DandelionNumber12]

It's 13m since I gave birth to my son. I'm 37. I have a serious sugar addiction. Never used to struggle with this, but since having a baby I'm constantly stuffing chocolate into myself.

I'd like to change this and I need some kind of accountability, even just on an anonymous forum.

There's a few other things I'd like to do too, such as taking better care of my appearance, have more sex with DP (if I was less hairy, I could be more spontaneous... It's a theory, anyway). Listen better to DP, I find these days I only half listen a lot of the time. Go jogging. Write a little every day.

Oh, and stop buying crap.

Sugar first though!

Does anyone want to join with their goals? We can keep eachother on the straight and narrow.

Hello! How is everyone feeling?

The good - I went for a 5k run today. First time I've ran since I was pregnant.

The bad - I also ate quite a lot of cake and some chocolate because my Mum is here (bad excuse). Oh well, back on the wagon tomorrow

The...ugly? Does anyone else sometimes feel really angry for no reason? I never felt cross at all before having a baby

@girlmom21 I'm taking iron (history of anaemia) and vit D. I'm going to move to a multivitamin when I've finished the pots I have though - probably floradix as I'm still breastfeeding and it's cheaper than e.g. pregnacare.

Was away for the weekend and a few pounds have crept on in todays weigh in! Been pretty good today though so hoping they will go again.

Cool and wet today so feeling less grumpy too.

Can I join you ladies?

I'm not fussed about losing weight as would love to conceive another baby soon, and a diet won't help that but my eating habits are getting worse and worse. Chocolate, sweets, biscuits, cake, ice cream... You name it, it goes into my mouth!

I'd love to get back to eating healthy. I ate a really healthy diet pre-pregnancy, if I had a biscuit or a peice of chocolate, it was a small amount (think 2 finger KitKat rather than family sized bar of Cadbury dairy milk!) I usually ate fruit or rice cakes with nut butter instead of processed junk food.

I'd also like to improve my strength and fitness and take a little more time for self care...

First things first- drastically reduce the sugar intake. I ate so much crap today it's almost embarrassing. I need to eat healthier!

Hello @Porridgeaddiction you sound just like me. I'd have a sensible amount of chocolate/treats, able to stop after a few squares of chocolate. Now I'll eat a whole bag of chocolate buttons in a day. Or would - it's a week since I've done that.

Have you got any theories about why you switched to eating so much sugar? I think I was using it as a dopamine hit.

Few aches today after my run yesterday, but not horrendous given I've barely moved recently. I'm going to try to run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays each week but might just do Tues and Sun this week to allow myself to recover.

How's everyone else doing?

For me, breastfeeding made me ravenous and I could eat more without putting on weight, so I guess that it was a good excuse to treat myself, although the more you eat, the more you want.

If I read into it, it's probably also a bit of comfort eating as motherhood is a very isolating experience. I lost a few good friends (well I thought that they were friends) when I got pregnant and not being at work has basically left me pretty starved of human contact. Maybe I'm eating to stuff down feelings?!

Never really thought as to why I might be eating this way!

@DandelionNumber12 take a short walk today and then have a good stretch to help ease off your muscles.

It's also a good idea to start on 2 runs per week, then increase to 3 to wean yourself back in.

I just started postnatal circuit classes and boy do I hurt afterwards! Once my fitness starts to come back, I'll add in a short run as well, then stretch to 2 runs plus a circuit class every week.

But first my goal is to eat healthier.

I hope everyone else is ok

I’ve given up. Everything I try to do to make myself better just backfires and I end up worse. 😩

I’ve read this thread nodding along the whole way through- some of you have described my habits to a tee! My youngest is coming up to 3 and I’ve been feeling quite ashamed that I’ve not sorted myself out yet. I need to quit my sugar habit and up my exercise to lose the final stone to return to my pre-baby weight. The women’s health physio I saw after baby #1 advised against any high impact exercise so I gave up running and I haven’t yet found something to replace it. I also suspect I’m a bit anaemic which doesn’t help.

But knowing I’m not the only one feeling like this has spurred me into action. First step is to try and avoid chocolate/cake all day!

@Varoty oh no! Backfires how?

Welcome @ilooktothehills how's it going avoiding the cake/sugar?

@Porridgeaddiction you sound like me 3 years ago 🙈 If you have goals I always say never put anything on hold for the sake of TTC, plus I find it a great distraction if things don't happen quickly as you'd like 😊 you're right motherhood can be very isolating, I think it just becomes habit too, certainly for me it has!

@DandelionNumber12 great effort on the running! I'm doing postnatal classes twice a week and trying to book them as far in advance as possible as it kinda forces me to go

I've also reset up my subscription for Sweat, anyone else use/used this? I used it pre wedding about 6 years ago and found it very good so trying the postnatal programme

So far ok thanks! I avoided my usual teatime sugar hit by snacking on some pistachios instead of biscuits.

I've done quite well today I did have a biscuit and a couple of Werther's original sweets, but it was ONE digestive biscuit, not half of a packet. The sweets- another habit I've formed and need to break. I keep them in my car and every time before I drive off anywhere I pop a sweet into my mouth.

I made a lovely veg and lentil soup this morning, so today I've had overnight oats for breakfast with half a banana and some almond butter, soup and a sandwich and a pear for lunch, a cup of tea and a biscuit for snack, followed by an apple, chicken breast, brown rice and veg for dinner, then a grapefruit and a couple of rice cakes with almond butter this evening. Also took DD on a 3 mile walk on her pram. I'm feeling positive!

Wow @Porridgeaddiction amazing! That's great. Big fan of soup and overnight oats here too. What goes into your veg and lentil soup? But wethers originals make me think of my granddad haha.

Well done @ilooktothehills too 🙂

Because my Mum was here and then DP's friend I have eaten quite a bit of cake in the last few days... But previously I would have had cake and still had my own sneaky chocolate too, so at least I'm not having both. Not sure I can resist the temptation if everyone else is having cake and coffee!

So I'm trying (not v successfully haha) to eat less sugar and I've started running. I wonder what to add next week... I might keep it simple. I was thinking about making Wednesday the day I make sure I do some er, grooming. Like hair removal. So maybe I'll start grooming Wednesdays haha.

I might join you on the Wednesday grooming! My legs haven't seen a razor for quite a while! 🙈

All my soups have carrot, celery and onion for a base. If you add lentils, the soup will thicken with that, if not, add a potato, then whatever other veg/meat/tinned beans or chickpeas that you have to hand with a veg or chicken stock cube and enough water to fully cover the veg. Simmer for half an hour, then give it a blitz with a hand blender. If it's very thick, add a bit more water, then blend again.

For this soup, I put in a large onion, 2 carrots and 2 sticks celery and then also put in a leek, a couple of parsnips, some yellow split peas, red lentils, a garlic clove and thyme, margoram and parsley (I just pick a couple of random dried herbs usually) delicious and full of goodness!

Hi all

Good to hear some people are feeling more motivated.

Took another covid test today and there's only a very very faint line now (tested positive on Sunday originally). However I've been suffering with tonsillitis as well the last few days! Have never had it before so think it must all be linked. Honestly I think it's been worse than the covid, got some antibiotics so hopefully once they start to work I'll feel better, the almost negative covid test has spurred me on a bit because I was worried once my tonsils were better I'd still feel rough with covid symptoms.

So no health motivation for me. Today is my fifth day in bed. Thankfully DH is off this week anyway as had leave to use up so he's been looking after DS and the dog.

My appetite has been very low so I've hardly eaten the last few days but I don't count that as a good thing when it's because of illness! Hoping to be back fighting fit by Monday!

Ive lost all motivation. Im so disgusted with what I see in the mirror and im so embarrassed to go out in public. I dint know what to do. I can’t stick to anything.

When you try to make changes, are you making small changes or going all in fast and hard? @LidFlipper

Sometimes people make resolutions and try to change too much and it doesn't fit into their lifestyle or it's demoralising and so it's easy to fall off the wagon.

If you're overeating at the moment, why not just cut out one snack per day, or if you know your current calorie consumption (if you track calories), take 200 per day off your current calorie intake. Replace one chocolate bar with an apple, have chips with your dinner, but half a portion and fill the plate up with veg or a bit of salad. If you're not very active, aim to go for a 10 minute walk every day, or do 10 minutes of stretches, do 10 squats .. nothing extreme. Just do something small.
Even self care can be done in baby steps. If you don't moisturise, after your shower, take 30 seconds to pop a bit of face cream on, or apply a bit of mascara or lipstick every morning if you've gotten out of the habit of wearing make up. Take a bath, buy yourself some nice shampoo or shower gel...

I'm rooting for you. You can do this! Sending hugs

@LidFlipper please don't feel bad about it. Sounds like you've had a lot going on. Did you get to speak to someone about the lithium?

Definitely think it's about small changes and building them up over time, like @Porridgeaddiction said.

Thanks for the soup recipe btw! Sounds lovely and warming.

@Socathe really hope you feel better soon. Tonsillitis is horrid! Glad you are able to rest

@LidFlipper I bet that i) you don't look bad and ii) when you go our everyone is looking at your lovely baby not you anyway. (Anyone else feel a bit invisible these days?)

My pilates mat is still gathering dust . . . Maybe I'll start next week.

Hello!

Woken up by DS about 5 times last night, he ended up in our bed. No idea why, he's cheerful enough this morning. Feel a little bad he's off to nursery as he doesn't nap well there. Off to work now...erk this could be a long day.

Hope everyone has a good day today. And you're all a bit more awake than me 😉

This is me! Mine is 15 months. I didn't put on any real weight after pregnancy. It all went on during maternity. Daily cafe trips and 2 breakfasts. Then the nightly glass of wine.

I've just started couch to 5 k again. This usually helps shift a few lbs. I have ditched the weekday wine and snacks. But my goodness it was hard. Literally craving sugar like cigarettes! Hungry all the time. I've only got half a stone to go but it's oreabout shaping up. I'm just saggy all over an need to be stronger

My day yesterday started off great- oats and a banana for breakfast, soup and sandwich for lunch, I snacked on carrot sticks, rice cakes and hummus, dinner was a chicken stir fry with plenty of veg.

Then I sat down with a cup of tea in front of the TV after dinner. The tea was accompanied by 4 digestive biscuits, a peice of fudge, a square of dark chocolate and a bounty. I just kept getting up and looking in the fridge for something else! I was still peckish later, so tried to even it out with an apple and a handful of almonds.

I'll try harder today to eat less sugar. I'm going to try to jog for a mile. I've not been running for ages so need a short distance to break myself in.

Hoping that everyone's day goes well!

@Porridgeaddiction evenings are always the hardest aren't they! Especially when you can finally relax when kids in bed etc!

Not a great day yesterday as was out all day so kinda planned for and won't be today as wedding anniversary so we're getting a takeaway and drinking champagne and chocolate 😬 overdone it on the exercise which has made my back worse and having a period from hell so giving myself a couple of days grace 😆

Small successes . . . I have had my brows threaded (first time since Covid, ouch) and bought some smaller jeans. Current pair are comfy but starting to fall down a but.

Have been using a medication app to remind me to take my vitamins and it's working nicely.

Aim for next week is to get some bras that fit. I'm in ancient feeding bras that do absolutely nothing for me. Need to do boob or bust measurement then go to a shop . . .

I'm thinking of things I can do now to make life easier when I go back to work. So far I've started a major declutter (1,450 items out since May) and got clothes ready for the next 2 sizes for older ds. His old stuff is ready and waiting for dc2. I usually buy second hand which can be time consuming. Other suggestions welcome!

Baby is now crawling so life is becoming more hectic.

How is everyone else getting on?

Hello @DuneFan it's nice to get an update! Sounds like things are going really well 🙂

I keep forgetting to take my vitamins! Right... I am going to put them next to DS vitamins because he always has his after breakfast. I'll take mine at the same time.

Yeah I need to get measured too. I'm still wearing my nursing bras, but I really need a new running bra. No idea what size to go for. I still don't have big boobs, but they are definitely bigger (and... saggier) since having a baby.

It's sort of sad that I get bigger boobs, but feel less attractive haha! After wishing for bigger boobs most of my life.

Ohh wow counting the items you're decluttering is such a good idea! We've been doing some decluttering too. I wish I'd been counting.

Running going ok, I'm doing 3 mile runs 3 times a week.

I'm also doing grooming Wednesdays (mainly just hair removal). It's been good keeping on top of it.

Possibly TMI, have actually had sex a few times 😊hooray

Sugar... Well perhaps not going as well as the other changes, but I'm avoiding buying myself extra treats like those big bars of chocolate that I was getting through in 1-2 days and just sticking to a couple of biscuits for example. So could be a lot worse.

This week I've started drinking tea in the evening and avoiding beer/alcohol free beer and the salty snacks we've got into the habit of having. Beer/wine is just for weekends.

I think next week I'm going to add in cleaning my teeth twice a day every day 🫣 as too often I forget in the morning these days. But I always remember DS's teeth so I should be able to remember my own!

How is everyone else doing?