Body After Baby

I have to thank Soap Opera Digest for their latest interview where Mara Levinsky got me talking about body after baby (on stands now- with a blurb on the cover!). I haven't written much about this topic because in no way do I feel like an expert. However, I think it's good to talk about the reality of life and getting in shape after having a baby. Or the reality of what it takes to get in better shape for anyone: discipline and work. The article goes in depth about the things that I didn't expect, the struggles and the joys of postparatum. Let me know what you think!

This photoshoot was two weeks after giving birth, right before I went back to shoot GENERAL HOSPITAL. I was EXHAUSTED and emotional and elated simultaneously. 

CLAUDIACRAIGPHOTOGRAPHY

my reversible top from the shoot is on sale!

I took long walks several times a week and kept as active as my energy level allowed during the pregnancy, trying not to gain unnecessary weight. Hayden got fairly big toward the end (I wrote this post after the baby shower, and this post was three days before I gave birth). I admit, I was lucky I initially lost some of the pounds I gained, but it started to creep back. I had to eat more to keep breastfeeding and wasn't working out enough. The struggle to get back in the same shape I was in pre-pregnancy has been real for me. I haven't done it yet, as I discuss in the article. My body looks different. One of the biggest struggles has been learning to accept myself for where I am in life today. A reader (thank you Cara Sue!) left a comment in another post about resolutions for 2017. She simply said she wanted to have "more self care." I love this because it encompasses more than just vanity; it's a whole lifestyle practice mentally, emotionally and physically. My priority now is my baby and my family. This used to sound like an excuse to me when other people said it, and it is to an extent, but it's simply the truth. Do you feel like you have time to workout? I don't want to be that person with excuses! My husband reminds me it's all about prioritizing the day, making smart choices.

So, I am trying to look at this as an opportunity to adjust to a new lifestyle! I strap the baby on and go hiking or walking. I use my Joovy jogger to jog if I'm not too tired. I have grand plans to escape to yoga, but my membership doesn't get as much use as it used to. So, I go when I can. Some days I feel like I'm running around in circles not being as productive as I'd like. I have to let my preconceived expectations of the day go as I step over full laundry baskets and Huck's toys. I have a feeling some of you can relate?  

I try to stay well so I have energy by implementing super simple tips I learned from Dr. Oz! I have to say, my whole household has been sick, but I have not! I still take Proglucamune, the immunity supplement from Usana.  I promised myself I would drink two glasses of water with my supplements every morning. I'm proud I have made that a habit. My mom recently reminded me of a tip we both learned from Ronn Moss (from BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL) years ago... hot water with lemon first thing every morning to detoxify the body. I remember him drinking it during the day on set, too. He swears by this habit. Healthy (and free) habits are the best! 

In order to make progress for tomorrow, I have to do something different today. Doing the same thing every day and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. So, I am making a list of easy, healthy habits to incorporate change in my life as part of my new year's resolutions. I'm going to force myself to try them--- wanna do it with me? Leave a comment of things you'd like to try. Drink more water? Vitamins? Less soda? Less sugar. Take more steps (literally walk more)? I'm thinking I'd like to start one habit at a time and build from there. 

In the meantime, in honor of the Golden Globes tonight, I'm sharing my favorite tricks I've learned over the years from wardrobe, makeup and hair that have helped me during this transition period of body after baby.  Read them HERE! 

Living the Dream? At least according to my t-shirt! Ha!

Thanks, SoapDigest! 

Nov. 20th

I'm adding an addendum to this post. I tried to put those little pants on Hayden today and he has already outgrown them. I look at these pictures (perhaps it's the cloudy day and rain) and I get a little nostalgic. He's not even 6 months yet! I used to secretly chuckle at women that cried when their kid went to pre-school for the first time... but here I am already getting choked up that he's almost 6 months. I just posted an instagram story pic of him sitting next to me while I'm working. He seems so big in his big boy chair. I guess this is a reminder to take it all in everyday. I'm grateful to have such great friends going through a similar journey, too. Hope you all had a great weekend. xo

Nov. 18th

I've been meaning to jot down some thoughts about the RedCARpet Safety event for a while now. I have a little creature that doesn't love sleep (help!) and keeps me very busy. This was one of Hayden's first "events."  He was mesmerized! Too much to see to focus on any one thing. Quite a different experience going to an event with a 3 month old (this was back in September). I barely slept the night before and felt like I was sleep walking. But, we had a good time. It was fun running into so many other friends and their babies. It was such a hot Los Angeles day! Glad I wore layers over the t-shirt (my living the dream shirt!). Take a look!

oh and ps- We missed having my stepson, Huck, with us. We picked up some goodies for him, though. He loves his Joovy Bicycoo. 

Lindsay Godfrey and I got to chat for a second with her amazing mini-me Aleda.

We got to grab a pic with Ali Fedotowsky and precious Molly.

Reunited with Melissa Ordway?  5 points to the person that can tell me when and where we worked together!? 

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Shop the Post below! Some items may be similar and not exact if original items are sold out!

1) LIVING THE DREAM t-shirt   2) Jcrew Crystal Necklace 3) Similar necklace ($25) 4) JCrew Ear Crawler ($11)  5) Flannel, Drapey soft shirt  6) Similar over-the-knee boots like Ali's (on sale!) 7) BareEssentials Flawless Mineral makeup (my go-to easy foundation) 8) lipstick package THE PERFECT BITE.  9) black cloth (with leopard print lining $25)