I’ve considered myself lucky when it comes to being in shape. I had the mindset that if you work out, you’ll never get fat and never have a hard time staying in shape. When I got pregnant at the age of 30, I didn’t have the glow everyone talks about my glow came from constantly sweating.

My heart was in the right place in the beginning of my pregnancy. I worked out every day and ate healthy during the first two trimesters. However, during the third trimester, when I realized my son was healthy and fully developed, I let myself enjoy every pregnant moment.

I was already a member of my local gym prior to getting pregnant, which was why I thought it would be easy to stay fit, but I took that for granted. Before I got pregnant I weighed 113 pounds; after my pregnancy I weighed 160 pounds. I was so obsessed and anxious to get back into shape and I was looking forward to hitting the gym, which I never did.

My light bulb moment was when I was unable to put my own shoes. It got to the point where I needed my husband’s help and that scared me.  And even though I’d heard about this thing happening, I truly thought women were over-exaggerating. I would laugh and think they needed to try harder. But then I remember thinking, Why should I want to go through with this for the rest of my life if I could do something about it?  I’ve always lived by the motto: Do not complain about anything, just do what you can do to better the situation. That seemed to work for me.

After a year, I weigh 106 pounds. My husband is my number one supporter. We’re very lucky to have the life we have. Sometimes my husband and I tag team. I’ll workout during the day when my husband can watch the baby and after work I’ll watch the baby so mu husband can work out. So, in a sense we work together.

When it comes to our meals everything is measured to our body weight in order to maintain portion control. We try to balance our meals with the right amount of carbs, protein and fats.

Getting in shape has taught me that I’m a stronger person, both physically and mentally, than I used to give myself credit for. It has taught me that if you put your mind to it, you can truly accomplish anything! [via]