Why is personal development so important after having a child?

I have been reading or listening to some form of personal development every day for the last month. The mindset change is apparent after 2-3 days. Things that should make me SO angry just don't matter as much. I try to look on the bright side of everything, but I definitely won't say I'm perfect at this by any means.

Life completely changes all of the time, but I have to say postpartum is one of the worst times mentally for me. I had postpartum depression after I had Connor, and I was so ashamed of it, I just hid it from everyone and suffered alone. Luckily I found many moms who felt the same way and shared their stories, so I became more comfortable sharing my story about postpartum depression.

Just because I am losing weight faster than I did with Connor (the right way mind you), I am still not at 100% when it comes to depression. I get so upset when the crying just doesn't stop from now 2 babies instead of just one. I feel like I'm going crazy when I can't catch a break. It seems like when one stops crying, the other starts. Connor likes to throw tantrums when he's not getting attention, and the fact he is almost 2 and a half and not talking very much doesn't seem to help. Luckily Mark is good with tag teaming, so we usually can calm them both down eventually.

Twirling, believe it or not, has been a huge source of sanity for me. I LOVE teaching it. It's so great when your student comes back after a week and shows you a new trick or ability.

Bringing it all back into why personal development is so important - without it, I would undoubtedly assume the world was against me. I have completely changed my mindset. I have routines each day. I realize how lucky I am for everything I have in life. I never thought I would be anything if I didn't have my comfy little job in Corporate America, and now I cannot imagine ever going back to that life. I see a real future in the things I am doing. Until Mark and I both listened to a Periscope broadcast by Chalene Johnson, I never realized he actually supported me in what I pursue.

Tomorrow I start my first real course in personal development (meaning I am paying for it knowing I'll get a huge return for the value of the course). I can't wait to come back to these posts one day knowing that I persevered and had the mindset that I would do well. My main goal in life is to inspire people to be better than they were yesterday. Whether it's fitness, personal life, or even baton twirling. When others succeed, I am beyond thrilled and happy for them. I like being behind the scenes and just guiding people to where they need to go.

Six weeks and Go!

My doctor gave me the go ahead to workout. Luckily 6 weeks postpartum fell on a Monday which is the best day to begin a workout program (in my opinion). I stuck to the meal plan perfectly for 9 days! The tenth day I ate sushi, and it was the first time I had sushi in over a year. That really wasn't the "cheat" though. The cheat was the frozen yogurt I had. However, being conscious of sticking to the meal plan and NOT going no crazy, I filled it up a about halfway. I even added candy to it (because let's be honest, gummy bears and ice cream are so freaking good!!). This is what I love about this "diet" program. It's teaching me how to eat correctly. It's not telling me I can't eat certain things, but it does allow me to eat things in moderation that aren't great for me.

I worked out all but 1 or 2 days during the 21 Days. I always feel like there isn't a huge difference, but then come the pictures. If you take anything away from this, make sure you measure yourself and take pictures! The scale does such a disservice to us. If we don't see the number move, we assume the worst. We don't notice the newly formed muscle that is in our arms, the better posture we have, the energy that seemed to have come from nowhere as we pick up our kids and twirl them around. 

I finished the first round of 21 Day Fix and lost more weight in 3 weeks than I did in the 3 months postpartum with Connor when I had a personal trainer and went to the gym at least 3 times a week. I felt great about myself for all the hard work. I even placed 3rd out of 50 contestants in a transformation contest. 

All this being said, even if you only lose a couple pounds or don't win anything in any type of weight loss contest, keep in mind it will take time to bounce back. I have a pretty optimistic view on where I'll be in a few months, but it doesn't mean I haven't looked at a recent video or picture of myself and completely bawled my eyes out into the shoulder of a very confused husband. 

"But you're doing so great. Why are you crying?" Or the dreaded obvious, well meaning piece of advice that I inevitably hear from most of my friends or family, "Remember you just had a baby 2 months ago." 

No, I remember that part accurately. I just don't like myself this way, and although I know there are unsafe ways to lose the weight faster, I'm continuing on this route. I want a lifestyle change. I want to work hard for one period of time and then maintain. I have tried the quick fixes all my life, and it always comes back to the roller coaster weight loss and weight gain of the scale. 

Overall I am doing pretty well. I just have milestones to hit, so it helps knowing I have goals to hit. I guarantee I'll have more breakdowns, but with diet and exercise, I don't dread the day. I'm motivated to get dressed. I even get Connor dressed so I can make my #workingoutwithatoddler videos. That kid spent most of his life in a diaper and nothing else. 

So next month I am trying something new. I am making a meal plan for my participants for my free challenge. It will be 5 days and that's all we're focusing on for those 5 days. Exercise if you want, but I just remind people, "If your diet is out of whack, exercise won't do much if you're goal is losing weight." 

Find me on Facebook at Sara Rudin (I have a Like page and personal page you can contact me through. The Like page will most likely be the best way to reach me as it doesn't send your message to another folder. You can also sign up for my free challenge at

SaraRudinFitness.com

The Joys of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is hard. While pregnant, I find it almost impossible to do real workouts, eat right, and stay active. I spend the first 20 weeks crouched over in the fetal position eating anything that sounds good. One major difference between my first and second pregnancy was Shakeology believe it or not. I relied on PediaSure to get me through the first trimester when I was pregnant with my first child. I was given every recommendation - eat crackers, try ginger tea, Vitamin B something, lemonade and chips, essential oils, you name it. NOTHING worked. PediaSure wasn't that effective either - it was just something that I could sometimes keep down, and it wasn't too bad coming back up either (TMI? Sorry!!). I ended up losing 10 pounds in my first trimester. The second something sounded good, I would eat it.

Finally around 20 weeks, I could somewhat keep food down for more than a few hours, and I found if I didn't eat, I would feel nauseous too. So I literally ate what sounded good regardless if it was good or bad for me. I also had/have a condition with both pregnancies called Dysgeusia which makes everything taste funny, and the only way to get rid of it is to constantly eat something, constantly brush my teeth, and drink fluids. I ended up gaining a lot of weight during the pregnancy.

This second pregnancy has been a little different, but relatively the same. Shakeology truly made a difference. Now I am not saying it cured my morning sickness, but it was the ONLY thing I could drink daily. My doctor looked at the ingredients and told me I could almost replace my prenatal with it, but I needed more Folic Acid. She was impressed with the ingredients. The other difference from drinking Shakeology was that I didn't lose weight this time. Mind you, I was in the bathroom at least once a day, and I couldn't always keep the Shake down, but it did wonders for me this time around. I even passed my anemia test this time which I completely credit to drinking Shakeology.

I have still gained a ton of weight with this second pregnancy - pretty equivalent to my first, but I am confident with the help of 21 Day Fix, Shakeology, and other BeachBody programs, I will be back to my original weight in much less time than it took after my first pregnancy. I like putting these things in writing because it keeps me accountable. I cannot wait to start eating better and working out (once the doctor gives the go ahead).

Although I will be breastfeeding after baby is born, I can still do the 21 Day Fix diet. I'll be posting my progress when possible with updates on how my fitness and weight loss journey are going shortly!!

Back in the groove

I've avoided the scale lately knowing I haven't been eating as well as I should. Finally, two days ago I decided to check it out, and my goodness. I set up the DVD player that night and worked out in the morning. I realized for a week straight I had said, "I'll just workout when Mark gets home." Mark gets home. We eat. We watch tv. We do not workout. I slowly gain more weight. 

Now I make sure to workout in the morning. If I start off my day working out, I don't have to worry about forgetting or being too exhausted to workout. I realized too that I have WAY more energy when I workout in the morning. I feel great, I am less hungry. 

I try to inspire others to be healthy and workout, and luckily I have friends who post about their struggles and personal thoughts about working out that keep me going as well. Sometimes I get so excited when someone's story comes at the right time, I go overboard and share way too much haha. It's nice to know I'm not the only person who struggles with weight - even after losing 20-30 pounds. I just get excited. 

I know I look and feel much better, but I have high standards for myself and know I haven't been doing all I can. If you think your story doesn't matter, you are wrong. You never know who needs your story!

3 Day Refresh - Honest Review

I completed day three of the 3-Day Refresh yesterday, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! It was the easiest "diet" I have ever completed. Here's a break down by day:

Day 1: Didn't notice too much change until the night (I won't elaborate haha - read the Refresh for more info on that ;) ). Each time I would think, "Okay, I am hungry now", it was time for the next step of the Refresh.

Day 2: Felt a little light-headed, but nothing concerning. I also felt calm like nothing could bother me. I didn't find myself hungry at all and actually tried to spread out my meals so it would go later into the day.

Day 3: I was a little grouchy, but I wasn't hungry today either. I went to a dinner at a restaurant held by BeachBody coaches, and I wasn't tempted at all to eat food or *most importantly* dessert. I'm not saying I didn't stare at the dessert longingly and may have tried to smell it, but I didn't take one bite! I was very proud of myself. And if you knew my sweet tooth and sugar addictions, you would be impressed too :P

The next day, I took my pics and ate a big breakfast lol. However, half way through the day, I am not hungry at all.

Can you see the difference?

I lost 4.3 pounds and 2 inches from my hips, 2 inches from my belly button, and 2 inches from my waist. If you are interested in trying the 3-Day Refresh, go to SaraRudin.com, click on Shop, and look for the 3-Day Refresh. The best deal is the Challenge Pack with a month supply of Shakeology. 

Don't forget to add me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/SaraSru

Starting and Sticking to the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan

I don't know about you, but I have started the 21 Day Fix meal plan at least 15 times. I have only successfully followed the meal plan (for the most part) the very first time I opened the box. I also completed one week two months later right before I went on vacation. It is so easy to go from one cheat day to completely obliterating the entire thing a week later, so here is what worked for me.

First, get a sheet of notebook paper. I write out the total number of containers I can have in a day. For example:


Green
Green
Green
Purple
Purple
Red
Red
Red
Red
Etc.

I usually make 2-3 similar sheets - one for Monday, one for Tuesday etc. considering most of my meal plans are going to be the same considering I don't have much time to get TOO creative :) Next to each color, I write the corresponding food I plan to eat that day.

MondayGreen: Broccoli
Green: Romaine Lettuce
Green: Carrots
Purple: Strawberries
Purple: Blueberries
Red: Shakeology
Red: Chicken
Red: Tuna
Red: Turkey
Etc.

If this is your first time, I don't recommend halving your container yet (meaning don't do half a green for carrots and the other half for broccoli). This is just my opinion, but I feel it's easier to keep everything on track.

After you create your meal plan, make a list of what you need from the grocery store. When you get home, measure out everything according to its container, and put it in a zip lock container or sandwich baggie. This way you can easily grab the food throughout the day and follow the plan perfectly. This also makes it easier to see what you will be eating throughout the day, and in my mind, it makes it easier to spread out perfectly. 

If you have any other advice on what has worked for you, leave a message in the comments! 

Healthy 21 Day Fix Breakfast: Lazy Oatmeal

One of my go to recipes for the 21 Day Fix was my version of Summer Oats. There are a few modifications, but this is the bare basic version for the lowest calories, least amount of containers, and still has a great flavor! It will keep you full until your next meal.

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

2 tsp Ground Nutmeg

3/4 Cup Water

1/2 Small Banana

1/4 Cup blueberries

Place Rolled Oats in a bowl. Sprinkle in the Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Fill with 3/4 Cup water (I usually just wait for the oats to float - you'll figure out how much water works for you as you make this more). Chop up the banana and mix it into the bowl, and then add the blueberries. 

Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge overnight (if you want to make it the day of, it usually takes a couple of hours to soften). Heat up the bowl the next morning (if you want it warm) and voila! 

21 Day Fix Containers

1 Yellow Container* 

1 Purple container 

I have been told that 1/2 Cup of rolled oats expands to greater than 1 yellow container, but the water does not increase the size of the oats greatly, so it all fits in the yellow container after the process happens. 

Variations: You can add sweetened or unsweetened almond milk to make this a little thicker - but you may need to calculate the container measurements differently. The oats also might expand more with any type of milk. 

Secondly, use any fruit you would like. Bananas naturally sweeten the Oatmeal, but you can use 1-2 tsp of honey or a packet of Stevia to sweeten it as well. 

Lastly, I add chia seeds to the mix occasionally. I believe this counts as some of my orange container. They have a weird gelatinous texture, but they are really good in the oatmeal!