Month 4 Progress Update
Posted: May 11, 2011 at 9:00 amI had to pick my jaw up off the ground this morning. My little man is suddenly 4 months old! I do not know how this happened.
I just want to snuggle him! Even with all that drool on his shirt.
Well, the fact that another month has passed not only means another visit to the doctor, but also another installment of my Body After Baby progress!
This month certainly posed the most difficulty to date. A lot of the challenges were mental and I had to really dig in my heels to not throw in the towel, like I wanted to a few times. Once I calculated up my totals for the month and took my measurements and progress pictures, I learned that the month in fact did bring much success. And the biggest success came with the learning I did through it all.
| This Month’s Totals | Overall Totals | |
| Weight | - 3.2 lbs | - 13.6 lbs |
| Stomach (Smallest) | - 0.5” | - 3.25” |
| Stomach (Belly Button) | - 1.5” | - 4.5” |
| Hips | - 0.75” | - 3.75” |
| Butt | - 0.75” | - 3.25” |
| Thighs | - 1.0” | - 2.5” |
Front Progress Shots: Month 3 on Left – Month 4 on Right
Side Progress Shots: Month 3 on Left – Month 4 on Right
This month seemed more challenging because, well, I had two weeks where I actually gained weight. In fact, I had only lost one pound on the scale over the course of the month before my final check-in. Frustrating.
Despite the frustration, I fought to keep perspective. I also considered what factors could have hindered my progress on those two weeks I gained. Here’s what I learned:
- Week 1 = + 0.2 = Social Eating: This week came after a week that included quite a few social engagements. I knew I had slacked on the healthier eats, especially on the weekend. I had lots of pizza and also quite a few sweets between a birthday party, cook out, and a movie night with Peter that included lots of candy. I don’t regret those things at all, though!
- Week 2 = – 1.6 = Kept Up Normal Habits: I got back in my groove as soon as possible and it gave me results. I didn’t do anything crazy this week, but kept up with workouts and choosing healthier options. I still had treats though! Margaritas, Mexican, and fro yo, anyone?
- Week 3 = +0.4 = Eating Too LITTLE: This week started off with a bit of indulgence with Easter treats. I found myself in old habits of trying to cut back extra here and there on my calories through the week to counteract the treats. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until I tried to figure out my gain on that reflective long run I had. I know from experience that my body will hold onto weight like crazy if I don’t fuel it properly. Case in point with the gain I encountered that week, despite eating even less than normal. And feeling cranky from hunger was no fun.
- Week 4 = –2.2 = Kept Up Normal Habits: Once I got back to eating enough and treating my body with respect – bam! Another good loss.
I also want to emphasize a few things that this month shows as well. Consistency matters most. When I keep up with healthy habits, my body makes progress. You have to treat healthy decisions truly as a lifestyle to make strides in reaching your fitness goals. And part of keeping it a lifestyle is to live life! I didn’t give up my holidays or events with friends.
It is also important to remember that progress is not linear. There will be ups and downs along the way, but keeping the bigger picture in mind can help with focus and determination. It helped me to trust the plan that healthy living will bring my body to its happy place and not give up because of a few bumps in the road.
And lastly, the scale does not show everything! If I had focused solely on the scale, I would have missed out on seeing such great progress as evident in my measurement losses and pictures. I see a better difference there than expected based on the scale progress. Your body can make great changes even without huge weight shifts, which means more to me anyways.
I hope you enjoyed this month’s progress update! I know I did because it reaffirmed to me that taking care of my body is all I need. It goes a long way.
- Have you ever faced what felt like a stall in your goals, but actually wasn’t?
- Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a new workout top!
Tags: body after baby, progress pictures
you look wonderful!!!
you look INCREDIBLE! Wow. This is so inspiring. Keep up the amazing work! 😀
Okay, woman, first of all, you are looking and doing fantastic, especially for a mere four months after delivering. Second, you are getting a BUTT! How are you doing that? I’ve been doing every glute exercise known to man, and I still have a flat-as-Florida butt.
I have always had a booty. In fact, my sister and I call each other “whooty” (white girl with a booty) as a joking term of endearment. It’s funny – I love that I have a bubbly butt…but not really until I start toning up because otherwise I always feel self conscious it just looks big. <-- Even I have my hang ups after all. 😉 Thanks for the compliment! I guess all those squats I've done for years and years helped? 🙂
Thanks for the reminder to not be discouraged with the ups and downs. Because the pictures? ONLY positive. WOW
You are looking FABULOUS my friend! And man… is he cute!
Look at you!!! I agree, the number on that scale definitely doesn’t tell everything. You’re also gaining muscle back.
Tina, you looks AMAZING! I totally agree with all your philosophies…enjoy life and know that there are ups AND downs along the way.
…and your baby boy is adorable 🙂
You look AMAZING!!! I hope I have that kind of progress after baby #2 is born 🙂
You. Look. Great!
Keep up the hard work, and Baby B is ADORABLE!
You look great! And the baby is so adorable!
Tina, you are looking FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations! And B is absolutely adorable. There are good genes in your family! 🙂
Tina you look amazing! 4 months of consistent hard work is definitely paying off — wow!!!
If I feel as though I’m stalling in my goals I try to switch things up and that usually breaks me out of those thoughts.
great job you look awesome! so sorry you had a tough couple of weeks. 🙁
It wasn’t too bad. More a bit of frustration but I knew I couldn’t let it get to me much because then I would have let it hinder me a LOT. It was tough to have it suddenly not go so seamlessly as before, but I still kept hope. It worked. 🙂
Wow you look amazing!
you look awesome! you’re inspiring me to get my butt in gear! I haven’t lost a single pound since 2 months post baby 🙁
You’re a great example to other women, you don’t have to starve yourself to get back to your pre-baby body!
great work Tina!
Don’t fret! You can still make progress! 🙂
He is simple delicious!
I can’t believe those pictures are only one month’s of progress-you look fabulous, girl! Congrats on your success thus far!
Okay, it has been said before: but you look freakin’ amazing!
and no matter what: you still have this natural glow!
Keep it up and thanks for inspiring me and everyone else with your progress!
Your little guy is so cute!!!
And wow! You look awesome! I’m so impressed with your dedication – keep it up! You are such an inspiration. 🙂
My goodness you look FABULOUS!! Thanks for sharing your progress Tina – it really is encouraging to know that when the day comes & I have a baby of my own, it really will be possible to get back to pre-baby body without starving myself or working out like a maniac.
I’ve felt stalled lately – for months actually. My weight has not budged since the fall but I’m realizing that not all is lost. My clothes are still fitting differently & I’m definitely seeing more muscle tone. So the pounds might not be changing, but my body definitely is.
And think of it this way – you don’t walk around with a sign flashing your weight for people to see…but people CAN see a fit, healthy body AND a happy, confident attitude. 😉
WOW TINA. You seriously look amazing. i can’t believe you had a baby 4 months ago!!!!
Girl, you’re looking amazing! Congrats on the progress!
Tina,
I am so glad that you mentioned that the most important aspect of the past month has been what you have learned! You’re doing great in staying health focused and still living and having fun 🙂
Not having balance is no good. And no fun! I need my fun. 😉
You’re totally rocking that bikini. That was only one month between pictures? Your approach is so reasonable and is yielding such great results. Your stomach…wow, just wow!
Your little man is adorable. Enjoy all the snuggles!
You are such an inspiration, I’m so glad you are sharing your progress. Your confidence and progress is amazing!
You are looking awesome!! I can’t believe the baby is 4 months old already! That’s crazy!
I can’t believe he is 4 months already! You look so good and should be so proud of yourself for doing this the healthy way.
Wow! 4 months after having a baby and you look better than I’ve ever looked. Damn girl!
I’m so impressed by you! Congrats on the amazing progress – you look fantastic!
I’m with you on the social eating – spring time is hard for me. It seems like everyone is ready to “play” and I have event after event.
You look awesome, Tina!!! And thanks for all of the great tips about consistency and frustration!
Actually, I felt stalled out on my career for a while, but I’m feeling a little boost right now. I have to keep it all in prospective. It may not look like much is happening, but it’s getting there. You look incredible. Keep up the positive thoughts!
That’s great! I know you are such a hard worker, so keep doing what you can and I have no doubt success will come your way. 🙂
Oh gosh….it’s already been 4 months?!?! Time has flown! I am actually at the same spot right now…I feel like I’ve stalled but every day there are signs that show me otherwise, both physically and mentally!
It’s such a mental game sometimes! At least we know sticking with it will work eventually. 🙂
Tina, you look great! These pictures are clear evidence of how much your hard work and determination is paying off. Like you said, you have had some set backs, but clearly you were able to power through them! You are so right about the scale, it really does NOT mean everything and that is certainly something I have to remind myself on a daily basis. That dang number does not define me 🙂
Girl! Your abs are smokin already! You rock. Dear Universe, please let me look this good 4 months post baby too, love Erica 🙂 Despite the challenges, I think you rocked it. And I agree, consistency is key! And its amazing how much eating too little can impact your effort. Hope you have a good one
You’re stomach looks great. It’s totally changed shape. You have really whittled it down. Go you! I look forward to seeing your progress pictures every month so I can imagine how exciting it must be for you! 🙂
You look great! Totally ready for bikini season!
You look awesome! I love seeing your progress! 🙂
What an inspiration! You seem to be doing well to me, and yes, I agree that progress isn’t always linear!
Congrats to your little man too!
You are doing so great! This is the type of progress that is maintainable. Thanks for the inspiration.
Aw, happy 4 month b-day to the little man!
You look phenominal! A true role model for when it’s time my husband and I settle down and start talking babies….
Quick question….how do you know how much is too much or how little is too little? I’d love to see an example of your everyday eats…
I workout every morning, switching up stregth training and cardio….I tend to burn 500 calories on a typical day. I need some suggestions as to where I should up my calorie intake (if necessary) I totally understand you are not a dr nor would you be able to know what’s best for MY body but maybe use an example….?
PS. I’ve been a silent reader for a few months now….I love your blog!!
I posted before that I usually eat around 2300-2500 calories on average each day. I do account for an extra 500 or so for nursing, so that would have me “dieting” at 1800-2000 calories comparatively. I will have to do a “What I Ate” post soon. I’ll do one next week for you!
I think you are one of those people whose tummy is actually flat by default and exercise can only make it better. I am seriously considering envying you now. Not really because I kind of like you 😉 Thanks for the reminder about consistency and not perfection is the key to having and maintaining great results!
My stomach does get flatter easier. My butt ,though? That always is the last and hardest to tighten up! LOL
You’re looking FAB, Tina! Congrats on all the progress you’ve made! I love your perspective–It’s all about moderation and celebrating two steps forward instead of one step back. 🙂
I want to snuggle Baby B too! He’s adorable!
Tina ayou look GREAT!! Seriously. Would never guess that you have had not only one but TWO babies. Amazing.
And baby B sooooo cute. I just want to squeeze him!
Wow, Tina! I can’t believe it’s been four months…already and only! Little man is getting SO big! It’s so inspiring to read your monthly recaps! You look phenomenal!
Last week, I couldn’t help myself when I saw a scale in the locker room at the gym. I hopped on…ugh, 5 pounds more than what I thought it would say. I won’t lie, it got to me a bit at first, but then I started to consider how much muscle I may have built over the last few months. I know I haven’t been eating the greatest lately (way too many sweets)and my tummy may not be as flat as I’d like, but the muscles in my legs are really starting to show more! I’m just doing my best to quiet that scale obsessed monster in me and just go one day at a time…jut like you said, focus on the bigger picture!
I can not believe its already been 4 months. You look incredible Tina. Its hard to believe you JUST had a baby. You’re doing amazing. 🙂
You look awesome, SO happy for you!! PS. I’m using your “not looking at the scale but weighing myself route” for the Barre N9NE 60 day challenge…I do not want to know WHAT the number says, just that it will change in the next 60 days. I love your approach, hope you don’t mind that I borrowed it 😉
It’s a great approach! I’m loving that method. It keeps me motivated and accountable…but not obsessed. Perfect balance.
WOW! You look great! I can really see the difference. 🙂
hi Tina!
I have been reading your blog for a few months, but this is my first comment! First of all- you look AMAZING!! There is a huge difference between month 3 and 4 pics, you should be so proud of yourself.
I, too, have struggled with many of the same issues that you deal with on your blog. I appreciate your honestly and open approach in the way you discuss and write about all of these issues. You make me think and you have helped me to recognize and deal with some issues in my own life.
Again- thanks so much for all of your wonderful posts! 🙂
Thanks, Marie! I think its important to openly share about all of these various things so we can help each other out as a community of women seeking a quality, healthy life. 🙂
I SO agree! The more we talk about these topics – body image, eating issues, getting your body “back’, etc., the more we all realize that we all have our own struggles and no one (not your neighbour, not the skinny girl at the gym, not that blogger who always seems to have it together…) is perfect. Besides…perfect is no fun!! I’ll take the ups and downs and all the in betweens anyday!! 🙂
Looking fantastic!!