I 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.

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!

I think it’s about time for another Team 4all giveaway!!!

A little while ago, I asked your suggestions on what items to pick for my next 4all by jofit workout outfit to try out. Many of you mentioned that you liked the look of the Wide Strappy Tank in the New Orleans collection.

I agreed that the top looked like a great choice and had the chance to try one out for myself. It has quickly become one of my favorite workout tops. It has it all:

• a longer length that doesn’t ride up
• supportive
• cute design
• moisture wicking abilities
• a flattering look

It makes its way into my workout clothing rotation every single week.

That’s saying a lot because I have a slight addiction to workout clothes. I think some of you may relate. Lucky you, because you have the chance to win one of your own!

There are two ways to enter -

1. Visit the 4all website and leave a comment telling me something you like about the company or which fashion line is your favorite.
2. Tweet the giveaway – I want to win a new workout top from @TinaFFF and @4allbyjofit! -

Giveaway will close Thursday at 6 pm EST. That’s only 48 hours, so get cracking!