Happy September! I hope those that had it enjoyed the three day weekend. I really soaked it up and felt like we sent summer out with a bang. Our great friends, Joe, Jane Marie and baby Ridley, came to visit for the weekend and they really are some of the most fun people to hang out with. We miss them so much since they moved!
I wasn’t expecting much action for the weekend considering we had a 2 year old, a 7 month old and a 3 month old between us, but sleep schedules lined up pretty beautifully and we ended up packing in a ton of fun.
Boat rides, swimming around, football watching (GO DAWGS!!!), a little slip ‘n slide action with the neighbors, eating…
and drinking.
See, parents can be cool too.
Well, we try.
The weekend left me feeling happily satisfied to send summer on its way and bring in fall. It also left me feeling ready to kick up my fitness.
See, we took a lot of video (cannonballs off the dock require documenting) and as I was watching it back I cringed a little when I saw myself on film. I’m just trying to be honest here. I’m not comfortable in this postpartum body.
Now I’m all for self love and taking it slow as your body heals, so let me say that I love myself plenty and think my body is awesome for what it can do. However, if I’m being realllllly honest with myself, I am at a place where I can kick it up a notch. I physically feel 100% healed, Hailey starts back to ‘school’ this week, Kaitlyn is on a predictable schedule and sleeping (knock on wooooooooood) consistently through the night. So it’s time.
To kick things off, I’m starting September with a little structure. For the next week (and possibly two weeks) I’m going to start every morning with a healthy smoothie consisting of 2 scoops of Shaklee’s vanilla Vitalizing protein (there are sweet free membership specials going on right now if you are interested! Just email me), a cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, half a frozen banana and spinach. These keep me full and taste like a milkshake so win/win.
I’m also going to have a salad packed with veggies and protein each day for lunch. This week’s concoction is champagne caper vinaigrette, carrots, red peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, feta and romaine.
Then a sensible dinner. This was last night’s steak salad (I added corn and it was delicious)
I’m also committing to consistently taking my vitamins because after taking them off and on, I realize I really can feel a difference when I take them.
This isn’t a strict dieting plan. If I’m hungry in between, I’ll eat. I have Greek yogurt and fruit ready to go. I have almonds stashed in all my bags. Bananas and peanut butter are at the ready. I’m just looking for some simple structure (and honestly smoothies and salad jars are quick and easy) while I focus on what is really missing from my routine… real workouts.
I’m committing to getting in 4 real workouts each week with at least some movement (a mile walk, push ups, stairs, etc) every day. Some options include 30 Day Shred video, runs greater than 2.5 miles, PopSugar Fitness videos, Blogilates videos and strength workouts, like this one from Burn Bootcamp.
I feel like this will help me stay accountable to kicking things up a notch in a realistic way. It may still be in the 90s this week, but fall is coming and I’d really like to avoid having to buy an entire new wardrobe.
Do you ever give yourself challenges to kick your health/fitness up a notch?
What helps you get and stay motivated?
Lindsay says
Also I found that around 3 1/2 months postpartum with baby 2 ad 3, my body changed drastically for the better and I lost all remaining weight without doing anythig different. I’ve heard from a lot of people that’s just like the magic time (as log as you’re eating healthyish and beig active, whihx you already are).
Brittany Dixon says
Hey I hope that is the case for me too! Either way, I don’t feel strong or fit right now and look forward to feeling that way again 🙂
Heather @fitncookies says
I think this looks totally manageable, and a great way to kick off a fresh start! I know you’ll do great with it, and this has some accountability by telling all of us 😉 Sounds like a really fun weekend, too! I’m so jealous you live on the lake. I’d love to have our boat just a walk down the grass!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I’ve been horrible about my eating habits lately – but I blame marathon training! All I want is carbs. I wish I liked salads but no matter how much I put on them I’m just never full!
John J. Stathas says
Way to kick off “Fall” with a well balanced food and exercise program. You, and your Mother, are constant reminders/motivators to keep on “bringing it”. Consistency is crucial to lock in good habits for me.
Katie says
Good luck with your new plan! I am 6 months pp and have been really zeroing in on my fitness for the last couple months (especially my core…). It’s hard work, but I’ve actually enjoyed the challenge and having a goal to see change. Before getting pregnant, I worked out just to maintain. Also, I agree with the person who commented that your body kind of naturally goes back to normal at like 3-4 months pp. But this is my first, so it’s interesting to see what it’s like the second time around for you!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I need to focus on my core too! I’m shocked at how weak it is, though what did I expect I suppose 🙂
Good for you for amping up your workouts!
Marjorie says
I have gotten so addicted to those protein shakes in the morning! Sipping on mine now. 🙂 They fill me up, and I guess the extra protein helps me feel less hungry throughout the day. I love eggs too, but you would have to eat a whole lot of eggs to get as much protein as one of those shakes.
I also like salads at lunch with some kind of meat (usually leftover chicken, pork, etc.) and lots of veggie toppings and homemade dressing.
I find that routines like this reeeeeally help me to get back on track. Because with routines it becomes automatic, and I don’t even have to think about it. When something is automatic, there is no decision involved. It just makes it easier.
Working out on the other hand….well, I am still trying to figure that one out! I have yet to be successful to make that part of my routine. Sigh.
Jen says
I definitely have been challenging myself as of late in an attempt to get back into all of my pre-pregnancy clothes. I break it up into weekly challenges, put it on the fridge, and check the stuff off as I do it. I’ve been focusing on strength training a couple times a week, walking 3-4 times a week, and sticking with one dessert a day! Finally a week or two ago some of my bigger pants/shorts started fitting, so I’m getting closer! Little Biscuit will be 4 months old on Sunday, and my main goal was to fit back into all my stuff by six months out, so I’m really happy with how things are going!
Brittany Dixon says
Way to go!! Having clothes start fitting again is the best feeling ever. I look forward to it!
Sabrina says
I sent summer away with a bang this weekend with nightly ice creams and a s’mores evening. I am happy that I enjoyed every moment of summer, and now I’m ready to get back into my normal routine. Excited to join you on this journey.
Brittany Dixon says
Glad I’m not the only one feeling up for a reset of sorts. Let me know how your health focus goes too. I stay motivated when I hear others are focused too. Though now that I heard you mention s’mores, I have those on my ‘must make’ list for fall. How fun!
Sabrina says
Goals for this week – planned dinners. drink lots of water.
Next week: gym 4 days plus planned dinners and lots of water.
3rd week: gym 4 days plus planned dinners, lots of water, and early bedtimes for everyone.
Lori says
I am in the same boat as you. My son is 2 yrs 5 months and my daughter is 5 months old. I am still wearing my matenity clothes and I HATE it! I have had the intention of starting the same plan as you for about a month now. My body seems to do best on those kinds of meals. Your post has given me, hopefully, the motivation to begin it. It seems like there are quite a few of us on the same path. Maybe a weekly check in would keep us all motivated and on track. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, join me please!! I do so much better when I know others are focused on staying motivated too. I like your idea to check in, so I’ll try and share how it’s going once a week or so. Great idea 🙂
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I’m all about getting refocused this fall to (see my post today)! By focusing on small, simple things it feels fun instead of dreadful getting re-motivated again!
Katie says
I’d love that dressing recipe or the brand name if you bought it!
Brittany Dixon says
It’s the Brianna brand and I thought it sounded awesome too, but I found it to just be ‘eh.’ I like the homemade red wine vinaigrette I made much more. Lesson learned!
Beth says
Sounds like you’ve god a great solid plan to follow. I’m going into September with the hopes of increasing my workouts. We live in NYC, so I walk a lot, but I’d like to get more cardio in. I’m a kids yoga teacher, so I’ll also get a lot of fun movement in once school starts and I usually get to a yoga class for myself on the days I teach. My 2 yr old is starting school 2 hrs twice/wk, so I’m looking forward to some extra personal time to accomplish some fitness goals. I’d like to lose some weight, but more, just feel more toned and better about my body. I also looked at some recent photos and just thought, ok, time to make it happen.
Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift says
I love challenges, and plan to implement several during September! I used to love them a little TOO much, and challenges would look like “eat nothing but skim milk and vegetables all weekend”…but thankfully, I’m much better at setting reasonable challenges. The best kind are those that can eventually turn into a habit.
Sounds like you’ve got a great game plan, and I look forward to hearing how it goes for you! If you’re interested, I know Fitness Blender is a site with tons of free workouts (I haven’t tried them yet, but I’ve heard great things).
Catherine says
Looks like you have a plan and a goal and are on your way!! Blessings, Catherine
Jeni says
Love it! I just came back from my labors day weekend trip with a reset in mind too: daily Bikram yoga + eating paleo for at least 2 weeks. Will check back in with you periodically for inspiration 🙂
Grandma Honey says
I have a question. So does putting your salad in layers like that keep it fresher rather than mixing it up? And does it really hold together by about the 4th or 5th day? Or is it starting to brown and wilt some by then? I’ve never tried this idea but I think I would like to! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
It’s really amazing because it does keep it fresh! It’s all in the stacking- dressing on the bottom followed by a hearty topping (carrots or chickpeas are two of my favorites), then other veggies (from most hearty to least), any cheese you want and then greens on the top. I’ve had success with eating one up to 5 days later and it was still fresh!
Giselle says
I think this time of year is the perfect time to reboot and add in some structure. For me summer is so hard to be strict at eating and fitness because there are so many barbecues and parties which comes with social eating and drinking. It’s much easier when things slow down and you have a little time to focus on you. Plus there’s more time to plan and prep.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I think your plan is sensible and totally doable! I’m excited for you. It’s kinda fun to make some new goals for yourself and go for it. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
It is fun isn’t it? I’ve had a pretty relaxed approach to everything after Kaitlyn was born, but it feels good now to be motivated and ready to make some changes!
Sarah (SHU) says
I’m doing a little paleo experiment and after 4 days I’m really liking it, especially as a “reset”. I have no plans to be 100% paleo forever but this far really like how it makes
me feel.
Will definitely let you know if it also helps w getting me back into my clothes! Too soon to tell on that front!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
At the beginning of this year, I set a goal to walk/run 12,000 steps a day and after I conquered that goal, I upped it to 15,000 steps. That led to getting back into running, which I did until I got pregnant. I’m taking a break from running until after the baby, because, I’m just the running-while-pregnant kinda woman. 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
Well, I didn’t have a baby, but I just don’t feel all that great in my body right now either. I don’t necessarily want to lose weight, I just want to eat a little cleaner and exercise a little smarter – we’re in the middle of moving though and that’s put a serious damper on all of that – for about 2 weeks I won’t have a kitchen to cook/eat in so I’m just going to do the best that I can…I think we all get into ruts or go through phases where we can kick it up a notch to feel a bit better and more confident. You go, girl!
Lauren Brennan says
I have logged exactly ONE exercise session (yoga for 30 minutes that was interrupted by a crying baby) since I got the ok from my dr 4 weeks ago! I’ve been taking walks with the stroller too, but I can feel that I am really starting to get the itch for real exercise again. My main problem is TIME! How do you find it?! Also, at the end of each day, I feel like I’ve run a marathon! I guess I’ll figure something out, and maybe reading about your new reboot will be motivation for me! Go Mama!
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
Your weekend looks amazing!! The food looks yummy and it looks like you had a fun time. As much as summer is fun, I am ready for Fall!
I love giving myself challenges, I’ve actually recently lost 17 lbs just by challenging myself monthly. 🙂
Gcroft says
It must be the month for recalibration. I started the Whole 30 program last week. All of July and August, I felt as if I was stuck in a vicious circle of poor health, lacking in energy and making less than sensible food choices. Oh, and back to weekly pilates classes. A week on and I’m feeling better already.
Karen says
Hi,
I love your blog!!! Yesterday I made some of the salads in a jar, I am so excited for my lunch today. I do have a question, what size are your mason jars? The ones I have seem small, I am interested to see when I pour it out today how much stuff I actually have. Maybe I just have a big appetite 🙂
The girls are adorable, you look great, like I said I LOVE your blog…
Thanks
Karen
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Karen- Thanks so much for reading! I use the large quart-sized jars for my lunch salads. They are usually a decent size! I hope your’s turns out bigger than you expect 😉
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