So, I finally gave myself a kick in the butt and did something about the post-pregnancy weight (photo on the left). That photo was what shook me out of the "Oh, you had a child, you can't expect to be the same as before the baby again..." stupor I was in for 2.5 years. So, I did my research, joined the biggets Loser competition at work, and in 14 weeks got back to my pre-preg weight No, it wasn't easy, no it wasn't without mistakes along the way. Before the weight started coming off, I started excersise program to establish a routine, and did it for ~ 1 month without much effect on weight. Once I added the portion control and cut out sweets (my downfall!) to the workouts, the changes happened! I wish you luck on your journey! You CAN do it, babies or no babies!

the composite, from left to right: ~148 lbs, ~128 lbs and finally, ~118 lbs
I am ~5'7", so I have pretty much zipped through the entire BMI range, from borderline overweight to the lowest healthy weight.

Wow, what a difference Thanks for the motivation

Leida you look amazinggggggggg!!! I am so jealous of your flat, toned tummy lol that's what I'm dying for.

you look awesome!!! Great job.

I agree AWESOME effort.. you look GREAT.

Best from Jenny

wow congrats! you look awesome. If you dont mind, what sort of workout rountines did you do? thanks.

I started with simple walking in the park during the lunch break and after work (building up to 2 hours a day)
For my strength training I started with Kathy Smith's DVDs (Fat Burner Step and Cardio ones, Lift Weights to Lose Weight, Total Body Lift and Super SLimmer Curcuit); then I progressed to the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels and Michelle Dozoise's Best Body Curcuit. Currently I am just starting on Jillian's Michael's Methabolism one DVD & No More Torubled Zones, plus Getting Ripped 1000.
After I lost enough pounds not to look embarassing, I started attending fitness classes at lunch at work, 3 to 4 times a week.
Finally, I worked my way up to 30+ minutes of continous running using the Runner's World 8 Week beginner Runner's program. I didn't stick to it very diligently, but I can now run continously 6K outside at ~5 mph.
Finally, I added beginner pilates and power yoga DVDs from the library by Rodney Yee, and beginner pilates by Kathy Smith to work on my non-existant flexibility.
Oh, I also worked for a couple of weeks with Jillian Michael's book called "Making the Cut", but her program was so intense that it caused me to lose too much weight bringing me to the point of being sick (at <117 pounds).

On the whole, I tried to do 2 to 3 workouts a day, 20 to 60 min each, plus a stretch in the evening; I gradually increased my workouts to 2 to 2.5 hours a day. Now I am scaling down, aiming for 1 to 1.5 hours a day with 1 or 2 rest days a week.

I signed up for a 5K CIBC's Run for Cure on October 4th, and I will start a more intensive running regimen 16 weeks prior to that from the Running World. Meanwhile, I want to build up to running 10 K, as the program requires me to run 10K once a week.

I didn't count calories exactly until ~ last 6 weeks, when I started platauing at about 122-120 lbs. Then I started Food Journaling and eating 1350 cals a day aiming for 60% carbs, <15% fat and ~20% proteins, which was very, very, very tough, but was what Jillian recommended.

You can always check out my current workout logs in the "Commit to be Fit" challenge.

Wow Leida!! :-D

There is hope for us with children after all...!!

You have done fantastic... I wish I had your motivation :-/

I began my 'fresh start' 2wks ago with the newly over-the-counter "Alli" slimmimg pill... I just pray that with hard work & determination I get to where you are now.

And taking pictures at each stage rather than just start & finish is a great idea!!

A big congratulations, you must feel a huge sense of achievment!!!! :-D

Mandy x

ur great !!! i wanna hv ur body at least like ur middle picture ^_^ but, leida do u hv problem with cellulite after losing so much weight? :/

OMG!! You look completely fabulous!! I had to call my husband in here to show him your pics, because I wanted him to know the REASON why I want to spend more time working out. I *hope* that looking like that is possible for me someday.... Those ABS girl! I know you worked hard for that body.