Losing the Baby [Weight]

[There are no photographs with this post because I simply hate having my photo taken. My camera smile is awkward, the lighting is always poor and I am too self conscious.]

Today I bought a dress for Easter. I was so excited to buy a pretty dress because 1) I had the cash to do so, 2) my mom bought me a second dress which was really nice of her, 3) I haven't had a new dress in several years, and 4) I was able to wear a smaller size!

I have officially lost all the weight I gained during my pregnancy with Andy (born April 29 2011). I am so happy, because this week I actually weighed in LESS than I did before Andy was conceived. All told, I have lost about 17 pounds in 8 months. Today I tried on dresses that were two sizes smaller than I was wearing last summer. If it weren't for the milk factory, I probably could have gone down one more, because I was able to wear skirts in the smaller size. 

The best part of this is that I lost my weight while eating fat (and plenty of it), carbs (like bread and white potatoes), and sweets (in moderation). I did not count calories and although I have been making strides towards working out regularly, I would not say it has been habitual. I am trying to be more active every day.I think nursing could have made a difference, but since Husband has also lost 10 pounds, I think it has more to do with diet. I have been more consistent with following the dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation. For those unfamiliar with these principles, I thought I would share them here. 

As quoted directly from The Weston A. Price Fountation's website - http://www.westonaprice.org/basics/dietary-guidelines

Dietary Guidelines

1. Eat whole, natural foods.
2. Eat only foods that will spoil, but eat them before they do.
3. Eat naturally-raised meat including fish, seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, game, organ meats and eggs.
4. Eat whole, naturally-produced milk products from pasture-fed cows, preferably raw and/or fermented, such as whole yogurt, cultured butter, whole cheeses and fresh and sour cream.
5. Use only traditional fats and oils including butter and other animal fats, extra virgin olive oil, expeller expressed sesame and flax oil and the tropical oils—coconut and palm.
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic, in salads and soups, or lightly steamed.
7. Use whole grains and nuts that have been prepared by soaking, sprouting or sour leavening to neutralize phytic acid and other anti-nutrients.
8. Include enzyme-enhanced lacto-fermented vegetables, fruits, beverages and condiments in your diet on a regular basis.
9. Prepare homemade meat stocks from the bones of chicken, beef, lamb or fish and use liberally in soups and sauces.
10. Use herb teas and coffee substitutes in moderation.
11. Use filtered water for cooking and drinking.
12. Use unrefined Celtic sea salt and a variety of herbs and spices for food interest and appetite stimulation.
13. Make your own salad dressing using raw vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and expeller expressed flax oil.
14. Use natural sweeteners in moderation, such as raw honey, maple syrup, dehydrated cane sugar juice and stevia powder.
15. Use only unpasteurized wine or beer in strict moderation with meals.
16. Cook only in stainless steel, cast iron, glass or good quality enamel.
17. Use only natural supplements.
18. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and natural light.
19. Think positive thoughts and minimize stress.
20. Practice forgiveness.

#20 is where I seem to make the most mistakes. I tend to get caught up in what I don't get right, and focus on my own imperfections. When I let go and focus on the important things; God, family, friends, charity, wow. What a difference I notice. I feel 100 pounds lighter immediately.

This post is shared with the following blog carnivals: Monday Mania 3/19/12 , Traditional Tuesdays 3/20/12 ,