Many moms find themselves staring at the scales in disbelief after baby has been born. How did that happen in just nine months? A weight gain of 70 pounds? But you’ll be glad to hear, it’s not unusual. In fact, it’s quite common, even among celebrities! Which means it’s more than possible to lose that weight and get your pre-baby body back. Just ask Fitmark Ambassador Jillian Rebecca.
Fitmark Ambassador: Jillian Rebecca
Lifestyle: Ultrasound Technologist, UT Instructor, Owner Jillian Rebecca Fitness, Mom
Fitmark Bags: the Shield I the Envoy Duffel
Jillian Rebecca’s own experience with post-pregnancy weight gain taught her many things about working out and getting back in shape. So we caught up with her to find out her approach to getting her pre-baby body back.
Her story begins four months into her pregnancy, when she received the orders from her doctor to remain in bed for the remainder of the time. She told us:
I was diagnosed with placenta abruption and put on bed rest for the remaining 5 months of my pregnancy! I gained just shy of 70 pounds during my entire pregnancy and was definitely the most out of shape and the heaviest I had ever been in my life.
So Jillian Rebecca turned to what she knew and “jumped right back into running.” She had always loved running as a kid and playing soccer, and her goal was always to remain “skinny.” But this approach just wasn’t working. She decided she “needed some guidance” and enlisted the help of a personal trainer.
After hiring a personal trainer and learning SO much about weight lifting, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight! But I didn’t stop there – like most, I had a dream of hitting the stage as a competitor and the fitness lifestyle spiraled from there!
That’s one of the things Jillian Rebecca loves about fitness – goals never run out! She says: “Once you reach one, there’s another one to shoot for.”
The important thing to remember is it’s not a one size fits all approach. You have to find what you love and stick with it. She told us:
I now practice a balanced intake approach – one that I have learned from a previous group of coaches and dear friends at ledbetterinc.com. It is a “macro tracking” approach where each day there is a goal of a certain number of carbs, fats, protein, and fiber to reach. This has allowed me to enjoy the foods that I love without restriction and overcome some old and dangerous eating habits and disorders.
Meal Prep: The Secret To Success
With the right plan and a workout plan designed for you and your fitness goals are all part of the journey towards weight loss and getting your pre-baby back. But if there’s one thing that tips the scales in favor of your success of reaching this goal, it’s meal prep! Here’s what Jillian Rebecca told us:
I always prep my meals ahead of time – this is my key to success. I pre-plan my meals to be sure that I hit my numbers every day. The good thing about flexible dieting is that even if I forget my meals or decide to eat something else, I can adjust my numbers for the remainder of the day to stay consistent!
As a busy working mom, Jillian Rebecca’s days begin early and end late. Packing her meals with her for work is the only way she can stay on track with her fitness goals and maintain her post-baby figure. She told us:
My Fitmark meal prep bag play a HUGE role in my success! I take the Shield with me EVERY SINGLE DAY to work, as my days as an ultrasound tech and evening teacher are long – it holds my WHOLE day of meals.
For the gym, Jillian Rebecca uses her Envoy Duffel Bag, making sure to have it packed and ready to go, especially on the weekends when the schedule is a little more relaxed. She told us:
On the weekends, my schedule is all over the place, but I always have my Envoy Duffel Bag packed for the gym, as I can store my immediate post-workout meal in the food storage compartment, as well as all of my gym gear, shoes, and a change of clothes. The Envoy even fits my yoga mat and all of my towels! I swear by Fitmark Bags!
Jillian Rebecca’s own experience with post-pregnancy weight gain and the struggle to lose those 70 pounds of baby weight has taken her on a journey towards working in fitness and helping others achieve their goals. Her little boy is now three years old and he’ll always be the number one priority in her life, but she says:
Fitness is always positive and it just makes you feel good! Being in shape has allowed me to be the best mom, wife and now, personal trainer that I can be.
You can find Fitmark Ambassador Jillian Rebecca online on Instagram @fitmiss_jill
Sport Your Lifestyle
The Fitmark Team
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