Week 12: Lose the Baby Weight

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Here it is, week 12 of BabyZone's Lose the Baby Weight Challenge. Congrats to all your hard work!

Exercise: Keep Moving!

No matter what, never stop moving! Being fit is not a destination, it's a journey. You've worked so hard to get this far, don't fall back into old habits. Now that you have given yourself a jump start, find activities that motivate you! Stop thinking of exercise and movement as a chore; change your thinking and you'll change your life.

During this week, take everything that you learned and build your own workouts. Create them, write them down, and do them! Stick with the cardio three to five days per week and strength training three days per week. During the strength training, do two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps per exercise.

Diet: Hooray for Chocolate, Pizza, and Beer!

There's nothing wrong with your favorite indulgences now and then ... just a little. You don't have to be weird about it and shun all goodies. Portion control, rather than deprivation, is the key to a lifetime of healthy eating. What is a proper portion of protein, carbs, and fiber? Read the article on portion control to find out! Until you get the hang of it, use sectioned paper plates if it helps. Try using smaller plates and taking smaller bites. Only take a small amount, and enjoy eating the entire (albeit reasonable) portion on your plate.

Attitude: Stay Fit Forever

Tell yourself this:

This is my life, not a 12-week project. I'll always make exercise a priority. I'll eat healthy portions. I'll look and feel fabulous, because I deserve to feel good and my children deserve a happy, healthy mother.

Keep talking positively to yourself and with others. Believe in yourself and never, ever stop! Read Keep Fit Forever (and watch the online video) for inspiration. For more reading, try the book What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter.

"There are no impossible dreams; just our limited perception of what is possible." —unknown

Extra Credit

Create a new 12-week contract. Plan your workouts, plan your meals. Be in charge of your results. Post your results on the boards. Let's hear how it's going!