Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Infections, arthritis and hospitals

Hello blitzers. Yet another apology for not updating my blog but I have a VERY good excuse....

My Csection incision was infected but deep down so you couldn't actually tell. To cut a LONG story short, over a period of a week I went from normal Amy, but a little sore, to not being able to walk or move, a temperature of 40deg and a heart rate of 140bpm. The infection had been running rampant for over 4 weeks, attacking my muscles and joints and as a result I also have Septic Arthritis.

A 10 day hospital stay, a further week of IV antibiotics at an IV clinic and another 2 weeks of oral antibiotics! Unfortunately I will have the arthritis for 6 to 9  months so my training regime is on the back burner.

I am still calorie counting and I will slowly be getting back into walking and yoga etc as my doctor says I can but it has been a very scary few weeks. When I can walk with no pain I may start blitzing again!!!

In the meant time I WILL post diet information etc but the belly blitzing will wait till at least January when i see my internal medicine specialist again.

Happy Blitzing!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Update 2, Round 2!

Not been my best week for dieting LOL! And I have done NO yoga. The infection in my incision flared up again but after a quick trip to my wonderful doctor it is all under control again. I am planning on doing some yoga today.

Weigh in on Friday!!!

Happy Blitzing!

Friday, November 18, 2011

BELLY BLITZ IS BACK!!!!!

I apologise for neglecting my blog but life has been a little hectic!

Iona Sandrine Hay was born at 0049 on October 25th weighing a whopping 5lbs10oz! She was 3 weeks early. This is my last belly shot at 37 weeks:


And my wee angel:



She was still Frank Breech so had to come out the sunroof. I went into labour on my  own and progressed so quickly it was straight into the OR and out she came! This was 3 weeks ago and as I had a C Section exercise has been a big NO NO. I haven't even been watching what I eat AT ALL as have had my parents here but regardless in the last 3 weeks I have lost 16lbs/7kg. I only put on 36lbs this time round which is a HUGE improvement on last time!

Weighing in today at 72.3kg or 160lbs. I haven't found my tape measure to take measurements but starting today I will be calorie counting and perhaps doing some gentle yoga daily until I get the all clear from the doctor to begin working out.

As I currently have a sedentary lifestyle as I am not yet working out my recommended calorie intake is 1,200 a day. As I am breastfeeding I add 400cals onto the top of that so I will be consuming 1,600cals a day.

If you remember from the first time I lost the baby weight with Callum this is not an exact science and may take some weekly tweaking to find the right calorie intake for me to lose weight but keep up milk production. I may need to increase this if my milk starts to suffer.

So this is the only picture I can find, this was taken a week to 10 days ago but will do for a guide:

I will be doing multiple updates weekly and Friday mornings will be my stats and weigh ins. Remember, this is all achieved with NO gyms, no trainers, no gimmicks and no strict regimes. Just motivation, perseverance, healthy eating and a little sparkle!

Happy Blitzing!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

33weeks 2 days

Yesterday was the Circle F poker ride/walk. I was going to walk in it with Callum but I ended up riding...was SUCH a gorgeous day and Ibble is well and truly staying put for now so I thought why the heck not!

And here is a pic from today. I don't think my belly looks any bigger than it did at 30 weeks! I hope she is growing. I have a docs appointment on Tuesday and a scan next week. If she is still breech then having a manual version in about 2 weeks. Chiro 3 times this week to try and get this baby to TURN!



I have been having SOOO  many cravings, if you can call it that, maybe urges is a better word, to go for a run. I haven't tried for a while and I am not sure I will but I can't WAIT till Ibble is born and I can get on my road bike for a good ride and go for a good run too. Not long now!!!

Happy Blitzing!!!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Slacking!!!!! 33 weeks tomorrow!

Where has the time gone?! My last post was at 21 weeks, that was 12 weeks ago, what on earth have I been doing???

Well, recently, little Ibble has been giving me som grief, she is breech and has been since 20 weeks. Her head is stuck up one side of the bi-cornuate and her feet are on the other. Causing a few problems shall we say! I am have some chiro treatments to try and get her to turn and have a version booked if she doesn't SCARY!



Weight gain...I don't feel as big this time round as I did with Callum. I stopped running at 26/27 weeks and I haven't ridden for about 2 weeks. I've put on about 28lbs so far which is within guidelines though towards the top end. The thing that I HATE is my legs have gone to jelly with the lack of exercise. I am doing yoga and walking but it isn't the same as running/riding/cycling/swimming etc. 

On a horse at 30weeks and 3 days!


This is the latest pic at 32 weeks. I need to take another one soon!


Today it has been raining and I have been CRAVING going for a long hard run in the rain. I am really looking forward to starting the bellyblitz again! I have done it once with a LOT more to lose so it shouldn't be a problem LOL! Though I am 2 years older now...haha

So keep watching and come and join me soon in blitzing the baby belly...again!

HAPPY BLITZING!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Almost 21 weeks


I was a bit slack last week and only managed a couple of days but I guess that is allowed LOL! We went for a long walk with Callum on Sunday and I went for a 6km run today.

Running is definitely getting harder, more just keeping the momentum going than actually going. I really enjoyed today but it was a case of run/power walk/run etc.

I have also noticed my hips have spread, I measured them yesteray and I am now 41inches and I used to be 37.5inches! Not fatter or anything but definitely wider. Oh all these pregnancy quirks i forgot from the first time round!

Another one is back to running, I can't seem to run for more than 20mins without wanting to pee LOL! Good thing along my route here in Vancouver all the parks and concession stands have washrooms!

Doctors appointment tomorrow so will find out what my "official" weight gain is. By  my count I am over halfway and have only put on 10lbs but the docs scales always seem a little "larger" ha ha ha.

Happy Blitzing! I am looking forward to loosing it all again! (Though not as much this time round.....)

Sunday, June 12, 2011

18 weeks

18 weeks and growing! I was working on Wednesday and got told I didn't look pregnant at all, just puffy in the face, I wanted to slap her!

This week I have found it harder and harder to run. Apparently that is perfectly normal as you progress in your pregnancy as your body is routing oxygen and blood to your baby and your legs feel heavier and you don't get as much oxygen when working out. This is exacly what has been happening to me.
A warning here is NOT to work out to the point of exhaustion. It is better if you do 2 smaller workouts than one big one if you are feeling out of breath or over tired. A work out should leave you feeling energised and not needing a nap.

This week I have done:
Monday: 3.5km run
Tuesday: 30mins strength training (weights, lunges, squats core) and then a 4km power walk
Wednesday: Work (LONG day with horses....and a 2 hour ride!)
Thursday: off
Friday: 30mins of yoga and a 3km walk
Saturday: 2km walk
Sunday: nothing yet but we are going on a 10km bike ride tot he beach (5km there then play around then 5km back)

I am still feeling great and my non maternity clothes still fit though are starting to feel tight. i am definitely toning down the exercise but still working out which is good.

Happy Blitzing!!!

Friday, June 3, 2011

17 weeks!

I forgot to get on the scales this morning so I have no idea how much I weigh but I did some measurements.

Hips are 38 inches and bust is 36 inches. I KNEW my boobs had grown exponentially! That is 4 inches...OUCH! Good on the hips though and my waist is 28inches.

Just about to go for a run in this pic - and I feel my ass is growing instead of my bump! WRONG DIRECTION BABY!

Well, I have toned down the exercising but I am still working out. So far this week I have done 2 x 3.5km runs, an 8.5km bike ride and I rode for about 90mins walk/trot/canter. I am planning on some yoga this afternoon. I think I am smaller this time round than I was with Callum. I am eating like a horse but trying to eat the right things, I have been CRAVING cadbury's wunderbars which are not the healthiest in the world but I found a cereal bar that tastes very similar and is only 110 calories so I have stocked up on them to satisfy the sweet cravings.

How are all you belly blitzers getting on? Give me another 17 weeks and I will be joining you all pretty much! I am interested to see the final result at full term.

Happy Blitzing!

Friday, May 27, 2011

16 week belly pic!

The belly is coming! I have put on 4lbs in 16 weeks so not bad at all....I REFUSE to get as big as last time!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

So so hungry!

This week I have been SO hungry like ALL.THE.TIME! I am sure it is just Ibble growing and my body telling me to eat, which I am. I am trying not to go for carbs carbs carbs all the time but mixing it up with proteins (light cheeses, nuts, peanut butter etc), fruits and veggies. Trying....I seem to have a really weak spot for cadbury's wunderbars this pregnancy and there are a few wrappers in my bin!

Exercise...I have been on a couple of runs and a bike a ride but this week I worked 3 days and my work is pretty physical (I am an Equine Therapist and lift and manipulate a horse's legs etc)

I will post some more belly pics tomorrow.

Happy Blitzing!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Second Trimester!

Hi Peeps! So I have been a little lax in updating my blog but I HAVE been working out and eating healthily for this baby.

I have to admit I am struggling to eat LOADS of calories but I chatted with my doctor and he is happy so I am happy. I am eating around 1,600 to 1,800 cals a day (probably nearer 1,600) and working out 3 or 4 times a week.

My work outs are a 20/30minute run and then 20 mins of yoga and stretching. It is REALLY important to warm up and cool down when you are pregnant as there is additional strain on you joints. A 40/60min bike ride to the beach, long walks, and yoga sessions. I am also still doing some weight and strength training.


This is me in the second trimester! I can see a little bump!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Growing that Belly LOL!

OK, so I am coming up to 10 weeks pregnant. I am still in normal clothes though my tummy is definitely 'there'. I have put on almost 2lbs so not too bad for coming to the end of the 1st trimester.

I have been running, swimming and cycling, doing yoga and working out at home. Yesterday I ran 5km with the chariot and the dog.

I am CRAVING carbs but I am trying to not reach for the breadbasket. Instead I have blueberries and strawberries in the fridge. The fruit sugar is still a carb as such but healthier for me and it does satisfy the cravings.

I will start posting belly pictures soon, then in 6  months when it is time to blitz the belly again we have a definite starting point!

Happy Blitzing!

Friday, April 1, 2011

I always seem to be apologising!

Sorry again for letting my blog down but it may have to take a slighlty different turn. Very unexpectedly we just found out I am pregnant...again! We are not 100% sure of how far along I am, 8 weeks at least and possibly more!

I will still blog weight and fitness but I may also blog my pregnancy. The first time round I put on 55lbs, and lost 55lbs, due to bedrest and some bad diet choices. This time round I only want to put on 30lbs. I am having to take it easy right now until my next scan just from past history but I am still working out, yoga, swimming and gently jogging.

I am going to try very hard to eat right, exercise right and will do weekly weigh ins as my pregnancy progresses!

Happy Blitzing!

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Basics...Number 2

They say it takes 21 days for something to become habit for an adult, so if you mentally prepare yourself to do SOMETHING for 21 days it will become the norm.

The motto something is better than nothing is also a good one. I started just making sure I did at least 20minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Think about it, 20 minutes out of your day is nothing, and often the THOUGHT of doing something and working up to it is worse than actually doing something. I would try and get my workouts done in the morning, then if I felt like it in the afternoon I would maybe do some yoga or just go for a walk but my main session was over.

Depending on your fitness level, aim to do 2 or 3 cardio sessions a week and 2 or 3 strength training. This could be a 30 minute walk every other day and yoga up to a 5km run and then weight training. Cater it to your own goals.

My 'gym' was in my spare room. I had 2 x 2lb weights, 2 x 10lb weights, a pilates ball and a yoga mat. At the beginning I would go for a walk with the stroller and then come home and do some stretches. The next day I would do some weights and lunges etc. I built this up to running and 30 to 40 min strength sessions (lunges, crunches, squats, kicks, push ups etc)

They key is to mix it up weekly as your body gets used to doing the same thing weekly. Also DON'T BE SCARED OF WEIGHTS! You are not going to bulk up  and look like Arnie but you will be toned and lean and  muscles are active in burning calories even at rest.

I will come back with some basic routines from beginner to more advanced.

HAPPY BLITZING!!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The basics...Number 1

So a few of you have asked for a recap on HOW I managed to lose all the baby weight, or what exactly the Belly Blitz entails and how it works. Over the next few posts I will go back to basics. I think what I now take for granted, the things I have learnt on the Belly Blitz Journey will be new news to many of you.

  1. THINK about what you eat. And portion sizes.
  2. Try to make sure you eat your 5 portions of fresh fruit and veg a day
  3. SUGARS are CARBS! Any carbs your body can't break down turn into fat and go straight to your hips/thighs/tummy
  4. NEVER skip a meal especially breakfast. Your body is an engine, and like engines it needs constant refuelling to keep your metabolism steady and to stop you from feeling hungry.
  5. NEVER eliminate a food group from your diet. You need proteins, carbs, fats etc for a reason. Excluding something is not sustainable.
  6. Find your balance...that is the amount of calories you need per day to enable you to lose weight at a steady rate. (about 0.5lbs to 2lbs a week)
  7. Your day should go like this - breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner
  8. Carbohydrates add bulk and fill you up, proteins keep you from crashing and stop you feeling hungry between meals or snacks. Your Carbs should be complex carbs and whole grains. Avoid white breads, pasta and rice and go for the brown, multi and whole grain alternatives.
  9. Water Water Water...drink plenty of water, it will keep you hydrated and flush toxins from the body. You should aim to drink 8 glasses a day, approx 2litres.
  10. Don't feel hungry and don't deny yourself anything. If you want a beer or a glass of wine or a peice of cake...HAVE IT but make up for it with a run or a walk or something.
Next blog will be activity tips.

Happy Blitzing!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Back in the Belly Blitz wagon!

Sorry for my absence everyone...my computer is broken and I am missing my blogging!

Wedding and honeymoon are over, my goodness they were fantastic! I will post details soon, my dress fit perfectly and I learnt some great new slimming tips that I will share with you!

Be back tomorrow with a recap and a proper blog...

As always

Happy Blitzing!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

A quick recap

I started my blog just over a year ago and in that time I have dropped around 50lbs and back to my pre preg size and weight. No faddy diets, no excluding food groups, no gimmicks or dvds or gym memberships and I have never denied myself anything. Just me and a lot of determination. It just goes to show it CAN be done and it doesn't have to cost you a penny.

Just to recap....the before picture (about 2 weeks Post Preg) and 185lbs/84kg





and hitting my goal weight and size this summer, 137lbs/62.5kg:



Christmas and new year is never easy with all the parties and food and alcohol but I have enjoyed  myself, eaten cake and chocolate and drunk wine but I have also been for long walks, rides on my bike and some runs.

I have been reading up on LOADS of interesting articles and have some new moves for you all so stay tuned and watch this space!

Happy Blitzing!