In our last issue of Fitness For Health on-line we told you about Jordana’s pregnancy story. Here’s how Jordana lost 60 lbs. in six months and has kept it off for over a year.

After I had my daughter I felt like a complete mess. I was overweight, out of shape and in desperate need of some highlights. I had gained over 55 pounds with my pregnancy, the result of the baby, the bakery and Ben and Jerry. I went from a size 4 to a 14 and had nothing in my closet that fit except for my maternity clothes. I loved being a new mom, but concerned I would never feel like my old self again. I am happy to report that my daughter just turned 18 months old and I am 67 pounds lighter! The best part is that 55 of those lbs. came off in six months, it was just the extra 12, (yes extra!) which took a bit longer.

To lose the initial baby weight, I stuck to a healthy eating plan that was relatively strict. No desserts, no pizza, and relatively low on the carbs. Because I was nursing I still had to eat substantial meals, so I stepped up the vegetables, salads and proteins. For drinking, I drank only water and lots of it. No diet soda, juice or alcohol. Initially, it seemed like an eternity just to drop those first 20 lbs. It took me two weeks just to lose the nine pounds that my daughter weighed! (Please pay no heed to those that will tell you you’ll lose 20 pounds upon giving birth-from the baby, the afterbirth, fluid etc.)

For exercise, I started taking walks with my daughter in the stroller. Walking is such great exercise for new moms because you can take your baby with you, you can do it with a friend and it gets you out if the house. Also, if you’ve had a c-section, you’re really unable to do any sort of weight training, running or Pilates. A month after I gave birth I resumed my twice weekly workouts with Becky, adding more cardio exercise to burn more calories. Running was rather short lived as I really believe the only time one really needs to run is if they’re being chased by a bull and even then there is probably a fence to jump over. I did enjoy the treadmill and a few exercise DVD’s Becky recommended.

At my six-week postpartum checkup I had lost 28 lbs. The rest came off slowly but surely over the course of the next five months. When my weight loss would slow down, Becky would always ask me the same question, “what are you eating?” Sure enough, we would always find some hidden culprits. I started cutting back on cereal in the morning, too much fruit, and the pasta for dinner. As soon as I would cut back those things in my diet I would lose a couple of pounds.

One thing I had to keep reminding myself of is weight loss is not a race. Some women wear their regular jeans home from the hospital. For those of us who are not freaks of nature it will take some time. A year after my baby was born I was able to take off an additional 12 pounds. This was the result of increased exercise and decreased time to eat after my daughter started walking!

Right now I’m trying to psyche myself up to do it all over again. I’m hoping next time I won’t put on another 55 lbs. but if I do, I know just how to take it off!