24 Sep
TWLC3 - 3 Weeks Left
How did this happen yet again? I let everyone down and didn’t make much progress on TWLC2, and I swore that wouldn’t happen again with TWLC3.
Oh yeah, I stopped losing weight and started gaining. 
But based on the activity in the Facebook group, I know that there are plenty of TWLC3-ers working their tail off to hit their goals by the middle of October. If you haven’t been meeting your goals, there is no reason you can’t make the necessary changes in the next 3 weeks!
Now that I’m feeling better (hooray for the second trimester, it’s a necessary respite) I’m back to exercising regularly and eating something closer to the diet I’ve had for the past two years. I joined a gym and attend group classes after I drop T1 off at preschool, and I’m trying to make it through C25K again. I’m eating a lot more meat than I was 6 months ago, though I am still trying to keep my carb intake low (and when I do indulge in my constant desire for cereal, I want it to have the least amount of sugar possible and be 100% whole grain (I really like this stuff I found in the bulk bin at Whole foods)).
I’m really curious, who’s still participating at this point? I’m really excited to get your before+after pictures, because I know some of you have made really drastic changes!
Also:
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
Is it ok to start exercising like that in the middle of a pregnancy?
Jenny Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 8:53 am
Yup. You can exercise at any point during pregnancy, doesn’t matter if you are just starting. You just have to make sure you don’t overdo anything. It’s mostly a matter of what works for each individual. As long as you are comfortable, you should be fine, though it doesn’t hurt to double check with a physician.
Thais Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 9:11 am
Yup. Just gotta be careful to not let your heart rate go above 140. Also careful with being overheated. Anytime you feel lightheaded or have any pain in your abdominal area or back you should also stop the exercise. You just gotta be extra careful and look at it as a wellness thing instead of a fitness training.
Jenna Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
My midwife had never heard of C25K, and she said she wants to try it for herself!
Ashley Reply:
September 27th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Not only is it okay, it’s very important! Key: Always listen to your body! Good for you, Jenna. I wish more of my patients were willing to get moving during their pregnancies.
I wouldn’t take Jenna’s advice on exercising during pregnancy since she hasn’t had a lot of prenatal care. If you’re pregnant and wanting to exercise, then you should most definitely talk to your doctor.
Jackie Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Pregnant women are encouraged to exercise regardless of whether or not they have before. Everyone just says “consult your doctor” as in “please don’t sue me!” If you have a reason not to exercise, like bleeding, its probably already come up with your doctor.
“If you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your health care provider, but do not try a new, strenuous activity. Walking is considered safe to initiate when pregnant.”
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/exercise-during-pregnancy
Nina Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Jackie, consult your doctor is not always code for CYA. Doctors are consulted regarding new exercise plans for good reason: many women are not aware that they are high risk until well into the second trimester when they receive imaging studies, and damage done before that point may lead to fetal and/or maternal harm.
Joan Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
So what’s the plan.. tell every pregnant woman to not exercise until screenings are done during second trimester?
Nina Reply:
September 25th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
No, the plan is for women to consult with their doctors before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy. Like webmd (and any physician) says.
Good for you for keeping up your exercise! All I did during my pregnancy was sit around and EAT (which is why I gained 70 lbs).
I am still participating in TWLC3, though I haven’t had much internet time to participate on facebook. I had a few slower weeks but am still moving in the right direction on the scale. Most of my closet fits me now which really was my original goal. This has been such a positive experience for me and I can’t wait to do my After photos!
3I just recently discovered I’ve lost 10 pounds since starting TWLC3. This might not seem like a big deal since TWLC3 started a while ago, but I’ve felt SO STUCK. And it just absolutely made my week (possibly month..) to realize I’d lost weight. I stopped weighing because I was driving myself nuts and then one day I felt skinny so stepped on the scale.. and bam! Anyway, this was a long winded way of saying I’m still participating! Not sure you’ll be able to see it in pictures though.
4Good for you excersing while pregnant! I just had my 2nd baby 3 wks ago. I joke i traded work out classes for childbirth classes this pregnancy and it proved tobe more beneficial. I lost all 18 pounds i gained by day 5 pp. Good lick to you!
5Jenna, I haven’t been participating in TWLC3 but started using the app MyFitnessPal 4th of July weekend. I absolutely love the app and the community on the site, have changed the way I eat and exercise and I’m done 18 lbs since then. I couldn’t be happier with how things are going and hope that I can sustain the change over time! I recommend it if you need a support system as you think about how to eat and exercise while pregnant. There are many preggo moms on there.
Best of luck.
6I exercise through out my pregnancy but began to get very tired at 7 months.
7And the 140 heart rate does not apply. I ran during my entire pregnancy and my heart rate was above 140 and it was not a concern of my doctor. My daughter was born just fine. Your previous fitness level is also a factor in your pregnancy exercise plan.
Jenna Reply:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:38 am
My midwife tells me to listen to my body. I like that advice best
Also I don’t know how you ran during your entire pregnacy. It is SO uncomfortable to have baby bouncing on my bladder!
I’m not sure what program that is, but I just wanted to say I think our due dates are pretty close- I’m March 3rd. I cannot for the life of me find the time or energy during this pregnancy to exercise and I’m SURE I would feel better if I did. I’m always amazed of moms that can do it all!
Jenna Reply:
October 8th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
The farther along I get, the harder it is. My feet already feel painful and swollen by the end of the day. I don’t want to add to that!