8 Tips to Help You Lose "The Baby Weight": A Short & Sweet List For New Moms!

Thanks to Premier Protein for sponsoring today's discussion,
regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

I can't even believe my baby will be half a year old soon, she's getting so big so quick, and I'm so honored to be her mommy. What I'm not so happy about is all this baby weight I still seem to be carrying around, so I'm doing something about it in 2017!

I want to be in shape to be able to enjoy every single moment with Lainey, which means I need to shed these extra lbs NOW! I'm not doing anything dramatic, there's no use in that... but with everything I AM doing combined, I've managed to shed a few lbs in just 2 weeks. I'm excited to say, if I keep this up I'll be seeing my pre-pregnancy weight on the scale in no time!


So, are you a new mama hoping to be able to squeeze into her pre-pregnancy jeans? Are you wanting to shed the baby weight without taking time away from the baby? That's where these tips will come in handy.

1. Be Determined - This is the most important part of your weight loss journey and the simplest if you really want a change in your life. Having enough strength and determination to spend time exercising is tough and adjusting your diet can be grueling, but as long as you set your mind to it... you can do it!

2. Meal Plan - It's easy to meal plan. I suggest following the 80/20 rule. What do I mean by 80/20? Well, it's simple, a majority (80%) of your daily food intake is defined as healthy "good for you" items like veggies, protein, etc... and the other 20% of your diet consists of more indulgent items like sugary organic fresh fruits, dairy, and even things like cake or pizza in small amounts. It's all about making sure your portion sizes are correct, so instead of playing a guessing game - start meal planning and portioning out your daily nutrition, after all, abs are made in the kitchen.


3. Add Baby to Your Workout - It's easy to get a work out in when you want your baby to be a part of it! If your babe is really little like mine, it's easy to include them in your routine - from mommy and baby yoga classes to weight training using your infant as your small weight. If you have an older little one, encourage them to participate in a workout with you - whether you enjoy a jog together or do a pilates tape as you giggle with each other, have fun and get active with your babe!


4. Stay Hydrated - Making sure you are getting enough water is vital to your weight loss. Your body functions better and digests food differently when it's fully hydrated, so allow your body to work at full capacity by making sure you always drink more than enough water!

5. Find support - Spending time with people that are in the same boat can be refreshing and being able to hold each other accountable is so nice, so find a group of women who also want to change their lives and start getting healthier.


6. Consume more protein (Premier Protein) - Instead of adding a carb to every meal, I suggest you add more protein! There are 25 grams in a Premier Protein shake and they make the best post workout fuel, just energizing enough to give me the pick-me-up I need to continue on with my day. Fuel your body and feel better about consuming less calories (at only 150 cals) when you choose Premier Protein. Plus, I find comfort in knowing no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors are added to these tasty shakes and the taste can't be beat!

7.Use a motivator - Instead of just hoping to see a certain number on the scale, I suggest having a goal item in your closet that you want to wear and spend time admiring it each week. It'll serve as a good reminder of how far you've come, especially once it finally fits well!

8. Stay Entertained - This one should be fairly self explainatory, but I know I'm guilty of doing it... so let me go ahead and say it, NO BOREDOM EATING. It's a waste of calories, it doesn't serve you, and you likely have things you could be doing with your time that don't involve eating for no reason other than your bored.


While I'm still a work in progress, making sure to utilize this list has helped me tremendously with my weight loss. I can't wait to share that I've hit my weight loss goal in a few months, but until then I'm going to continue working towards a better me. With that said, what ways are you working on a better you in 2017?

Boost Your Weight Loss in 2017 with These 8 Tips!

Thanks to Horizon for sponsoring today's discussion, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.


I wish it wasn't true, but I'm like most new mamas and I have a little "pooch". I suppose you could call me, uhhh... dare I say "fluffy" in the middle. While this isn't something I'm proud of, I am proud of the fact I'm committing to a lifestyle change and because of this I'm going to be healthier in 2017!

With so many gimmicks and silly rumors about how you can lose weight, it's easy to see why some people fall for all of that. The truth is, the best, most efficient way to lose extra weight is to work at it.

So instead of wasting money on some silly new pyramid scheme diet drink, I suggest you look into upping your fitness gear and start monitoring your diet. With that said, here are 8 things everyone hoping to shed some pounds should do:

1. Start by taking a Multivitamin, daily - Whether you are a new mama or a seasoned parenting veteran, taking a multivitamin is an important part of your daily routine and it's an easy step to take! Grab a bottle that has everything you need to balance your diet and start feeling the effects immediately!

2. Add The Perfect Workout Machine to your home - Finding the time to go to the gym isn't always a possibility, but when you bring the gym to you... you have no excuse! Horizon Fitness Machines are the answer to getting in a daily work out. The simple, easy to assemble and use fitness machines make getting started and sticking with your new year's resolution a breeze. Having a machine that's designed to fit your body so that you can move naturally while working out is life changing... and, not only are Horizon Fitness Machines easy to use, they offer featherlight folding technology - meaning your machine will fit perfectly in your living space without having to make room for bulky equipment. Click here to find out more about which Horizon Fitness Machine you want to add to your home and work out routine.

3. Start dressing comfortable while working out - This one is a no-brainer... but sometimes I forget! I'll blame it on my mommy brain. None the less, dressing comfortably for a work out is a game changer for me. Wearing gym shorts or athletic capris and a loose cut off shirt is my "fashionable" choice for work out gear, you have to find what works for you and wear it! If you feel like working out in little to nothing, that's an option too (if you invest in a Horizon Fitness Machine)!

4. Use a calorie/step counter - Using a calorie counter helps you keep track of what you are ingesting and on that same not, a step counter helps you keep track of what you are burning. Finding that fine line of eating well and eating the right amount while also burning enough calories can be tricky for some, so choosing to keep track of what you eat and your workouts can really elevate your weightloss to the next level. Aim for a certain calorie amount each day, to take in and burn... and your weight loss will be noticable in no time!

5. Find some support in a waist trainer - This one is more for the new mamas... but can help anyone with some extra fluff in the middle. Wearing a waist trainer a few hours a day can help keep your middle section looking fit... and it's been proven to help with posture as well! I'm not suggesting you always wear a waist trainer but wearing one while netflix and chilling after a long day won't hurt!

6. Do Double-duty & include baby in workouts occasionally - Make your daily work out fun for you and your kiddos. If you have a tiny tot, including them in lifts as a "weight" can be a fun way to make sure the whole family is included... and if you have big kids be sure to get them in on the fun and encourage them to start going for walks or doing your yoga routine with you!

7. Rest whenever you can - Resting is easier said than done, especially as a parent to a little one... but get in some ZzZz's while you can! Not getting enough sleep could upset your metabolism and ruin all the hard work you put into your "new you"! So don't feel guilty if you lay down and snooze while your baby is napping too, it's important that you are well-rested for yourself, your fitness, and your kids!

8. Believe in yourself - This last tip is a bit cheesy but so important, knowing you are capable of accomplishing your goals is the first step to making them a reality. Start a fun way of tracking your progress, maybe with a jar of marbles that you transfer to a new jar with each lbs. you lose or by taking weekly progress pictures.... Not only are you keeping yourself accountable with a way of tracking your weight loss, it'll also show you how far you've come once your fitness journey is completed!

With all of that said, I'm so incredibly happy to be celebrate the new year and I can't wait to see what 2017 brings... I know it'll include a healthier version of me. So tell me, what do you hope to accomplish in 2017?

Be The Best Version of You with EAS Complete Protein, a DIY Upcycled T-shirt, & a HIIT workout routine!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PowerInProtein #CollectiveBias

While I'm all about living a well-rounded life and enjoying everything life has to offer, this summer I've been hyper focused on meeting my fitness related goals and my hard work and determination seem to really be paying off. I'm in love with my new lifestyle.

While I'm feeling amazing, I must share the downside to all of this health-related goodness... I've sadly just been taste-testing the delicious carb-filled treats that I've shared on the blog recently, instead of eating them by the dozen. Okay, well, maybe no longer eating home-baked treats in mass quantities isn't really a downside after all. My body is definitely thankful and this also means that I've discovered delicious, healthy recipes and incorporated some healthy new habits into my lifestyle.

From upcycling my old t-shirts (that are now far too big on me) to making my own work out routines to completely overhauling the way I eat, I've really changed my lifestyle for the best this summer and I'm never looking back. Today I want to share exactly what I've done to help change my life, from how I make my old t-shirts into something awesome to how I supply my body with the nutrients it needs; I'm gushing about all my favorite fitness tips today.

Upcycling an old t-shirt is super easy to do and it makes for a fun "new" work out/running shirt. Whether you grabbed a few fun tee's from the thrift store or want to overhaul your sleep shirt drawer, all you'll need to do is grab a pair of scissors and follow my photo tutorial to make a fancy new shirt in no time:

Another change I've made to my routine is incorporating EAS Complete Protein into my meal plan. EAS is a great source of protein, as well as calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and it tastes delicious. Sometimes I add a dash into a smoothie after my AM workout and sometimes I drank it all alone while I'm on my way to meet a friend for a run, it makes the perfect, quick snack to power my body.

I feel good about chugging my EAS because I know it's not only helping my muscles but my bones and digestive system as well. Combined with my stellar (at-home) work out routine, that I've shared in a printable below, EAS is the perfect way to supply my body with what it needs to stay strong and healthy!

{Click here to download the free printable}

I grabbed my EAS Complete Protein while I was doing a little grocery shopping at Walmart, so next time you are browsing the aisles keep your eye out for this tasty supplement.

Now that I've shared a fun new way to make some personalized work out gear, an awesome work out routine, and a stellar way to keep your body nourished, I'd love to hear your plans for reaching your fitness goals and becoming a healthier you in the comments below!

5 MUST SEE Educational Food Documentaries {Available on Netflix}

Knowing what you are putting into your body is so important! From the chemicals they treat your veggies with to the preservatives they put in the over-processed food that supermarkets label as healthy, there are hidden ingredients and underlying contaminates that you aren't aware of. I've been on a food documentary kick lately and today I'm sharing my favorite (and some of the most informative) food documentaries on Netflix.

First I'll start with one of my favorites, Forks over Knives. This documentary examines the idea behind a diet curing disease and illness, in depth. I love the knowledge that is shared in this documentary and if you are borderline pesca/vegetarian (like me), this movie may push you over the edge. I like this documentary because it's not obnoxious, just educational and helpful for those that may be unaware of how much our diet plays a role in our immune system and our natural healing capabilities.

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead is another awesome educational movie. As you can imagine, this movie is about a man that is overweight, unhealthy, and honestly could pass at any moment due to his obesity. He embarks on a complete lifestyle change and the rest is history... or the movie. You can also catch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead 2 on Netlfix as well.

GMO OMG is actually a movie I stumbled across while doing research for a speech I gave in class about the dangers of GMO's. I ate up every morsel of knowledge this movie shared and loved examining the facts they shared in this movie. I'll be honest with you, you'll be googling while watching this documentary because some of the knowledge they share will astound you.

Fed Up is another great documentary made to expose the food industry and how it plays a role in childhood obesity. While I'm all for a tasty treat, falsely advertising something unhealthy as something healthy and misleading consumers (especially children) is a huge no-no in my book, this movie exposes some big companies bad habits and shares the struggle young adults have as a whole with weight loss. I loved the people in this documentary and would recommend it to anyone.

Hungry For Change is another food industry bashing movie that you must-see. It's an eye-opener and will really change the way you look at processed foods. Exposing strategies and sharing industry secrets, this documentary will be one that you should definitely add to your queue right now so you can find out what's holding you back from the body you deserve.

The few movies they offer on Netflix are just a fraction of what's available to educate yourself on food. I'd love to know, have you seen any of these awesome documentaries or do you know of another food related movie that I must see? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

Be Fit For Life: 5 Reasons to Try Bowflex Body Today!

You guys, I did it! I am finally, almost at my weight loss goal (within 3lbs) and I'm so proud of myself! My body has transformed into something that I'm actually happy to look in the mirror and see. I'm more confident in my skin than I've ever been. It's a life changing experience to shed 40lbs and I'm doing my very best to keep all of that weight off.

With that said, I'm also doing my very best to build muscle, which means that I'm really staying committed to my healthy lifestyle in every way. As you probably already know, nutrition is a key part of staying healthy.

Although I'm still a foodie, my food related habits have changed entirely and some of those changes involve drinking protein shakes and treating myself to healthy pre-workout energy drinks. Since I'm spending more time in the gym these Bowflex Body supplements are vital for proper nutrition and I love drinking both of them.

The energy powders come in tiny little packets, but have a powerful kick to them. I love using the pre-workout energy on days I know I'll be spending a long while at the gym and using the energy powder on days when I'm just seeking a little pick-me-up.

The Bowflex Body protein powder comes in a delicious vanilla flavor and I love the fact that you can add tasty peanut butter, chocolate, or strawberry boosters to really get a flavor you'll love.

But protein powder isn't just a delicious treat, it offers so many more benefits. Here's my top 5 reasons for guzzling down Bowflex Body protein:

1. You can burn fat, while you are drinking chocolate. The answer to your dessert cravings is simple, drink protein powder and don't splurge on calories!

2. Bowflex is an excellent source of nutrients and vitamins! This means that you are filling your body with important things it needs instead of filling up on useless junk food while still being able to indulge in chocolate, peanut butter, or strawberries.

3. These shakes promote fat burning with the perfect blend of ingredients! Your body will be thanking you as it's digesting one of these delicious shakes and the scale definitely reflects the effort you put into your diet.

4. Not only do these shakes promote fat burning, they curb cravings! One of my favorite reasons to chug a protein shake is the fact that they satiate your appetite; allowing you to focus on your work out, instead of your next meal.

5. If you don't love Bowflex Body, they offer 100% 30-day buy back guarantee. They stand behind their product that strongly; don't fret, if you try it and don't love it, they'll make it up to you!

Ready to give Bowflex Body a try for yourself? Use the code BOWFLEXSHAKE and receive 20% off + free shipping & handling!

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.

Summer Adventures + Tasty Outshine Bars

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OutshineSnacks #CollectiveBias

The days I've spent paddling around the water this summer have to be some of my favorite days, owning a kayak has been a real joy. Although kayaking is a ton of fun, it's a lot of work, especially when we go out for hours and hours at a time.

I'm definitely not complaining. Being able to travel to "islands" and check out what uninhabited beaches look like is really, really cool. But I must say, this July heat is really, really hot, that's why after a long day out on that little boat of ours I love to treat myself to something sweet, cold, and full of delicious fruits & veggies: Outshine Bars!

Since these tasty treats come in so many different varieties, it's always a difficult choice deciding which one I'm going to treat myself with! I'm in love with the fact that Outshine only uses ingredients that taste as good as they make you feel, a refreshing treat from the inside out.

When I'm craving something creamy I grab the Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars in Strawberry, they offer the perfect texture and sweetness to please my sweet tooth and satisfy my creamy cravings! I'm in love with the texture and the strong strawberry flavor is so indulgent, I'm in love!

When I'm wanting something hydrating I grab the Outshine Coconut Water Bars, these bars pack a punch of coconut water and the taste is incredible! The little chunks of pineapple add the perfect amount of kick and make this Outshine Bar a favorite in my home!

Whenever I want something sweet and tangy I grab the Outshine Fruit Bars, they come in so many different fruit flavors and I'm totally in love with all of them.

When I'm needing an extra serving of veggies I opt for the Outshine Fruit and Veggie Bars, they offer a fruit & veggie infused kick of goodness without sacrificing taste!

No matter which delicious Outshine Bar I choose, I'm bound to have a smile on my face! What more could a girl ask for than a delicious snack bar and a day spent out on the ocean? Check out all the other delicious ways you can enjoy Outshine Bars here and learn more about how they give back to the community! Want to give Outshine Bars a try for yourself? You can grab a pack at Walmart today!

Since Outshine is all about feel-good snacking, they want everyone to enjoy delicious fruits & veggies. That's why they're helping provide 1 pound of produce to local food banks (and sharing cool savings) when you take their super fun snacking quiz! Do your part to help contribute and you'll receive $1 off coupon! Don't forget to take the snacking quiz now through July 31st here!

My Dessert Solution with Zero Confusion: Bowflex Body + a Sample Kit Giveaway

Prepare yourself for something.


I never thought I'd say this again...


This may not be an achievement for some, but for me, it's a pretty big deal...


Now here's the news: I'm finally at a weight I'm proud of!!! 

I'll be sharing more of what my routine looks like in a couple of weeks when I'm ready to do a final reveal and share my actual weight loss results... I'm losing all my extra lbs this summer and I'm so excited about this lifestyle transformation.

But for today, I'm going to be real... Right here, right now, I'll share something anyone that has ever tried to lose weight has learned: dieting is tough stuff, especially for a foodie! Sacrificing the ability to freely enjoy some of my favorite foods has been a bit painful at times, but I know supplying my body with foods that make it feel better in the long run is so much more important!

Whether you're the type that loves a big ol' piece of chocolate cake, a nice, smooth peanut butter milk shake, or a slice of berry topped cheesecake, I can totally relate... Food cravings are a real thing and when you are trying to reach a weight loss goal, giving into these cravings just isn't an option, until now.

I've found the solution, with zero confusion. Bowflex Body is the answer to your chocolate cake, peanut butter milk shake or berry topped cheesecake craving! It's also the answer to keeping your immune system in tip-top shape and your body strong and lean!

Even though it's not really a treat, I like to think of Bowflex Body as a "healthy" treat anyways. My new lifestyle calls for healthy treats, things that supply my body with nutrition, instead of eating empty calories. Luckily, I'm loving being able to drink my protein with these delicious boosts!

The chocolate boosts help you burn fat, What more could you ask for? Did I mention the peanut butter protein boosts help you build muscle? Plus, the mixed berry antioxidant boosts help your body fight free radicals!

With 15 grams of the highest quality proteins and all of these extra boosts, I never feel guilt when drinking my dessert... it's a fabulous way to indulge without even breaking my diet and  so many have seen great results with Bowflex Body!

Now, I know you're thinking that it's hard to even fathom drinking the vanilla protein powder plain with all these delicious boosts, but it's so very tasty on it's own and packs a ton of nutrition solo as well! I love the fact that it's gluten-free as well, a huge bonus in our home!

Now, something else I feel I need to mention: I've been drinking Bowflex Body's "Pre-Workout Energy" and "Daily Energy" pretty regularly too! I love tasty flavored water options, so that's enough of a reason to drink these alone... but the "pick-me-up" they offer is out of this world! The pre-workout is perfect before a long session at the gym and daily energy is good for a long, busy day running errands. Both of these energy drinks taste delicious but are good for you, I love that and you will too!

Now that I've rambled on about some of my favorite new additions to my weight loss routine, I'm excited to share that they've hooked me up with a sample kit to give away to one lucky reader!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me which Bowflex Body flavor you think you'll enjoy the most and of course, get your entries in with the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

Want to get your hands on some Bowflex Body, or should I say delicious dessert, today? They've supplied me with a discount code for everyone to receive 20% off and free shipping & handling, just enter BOWFLEXSHAKE and rake in the savings on your order!

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Bowflex Body.