I’ve always loved a good deal and got the ultimate one: two-for-one babies. But it did a number to my body. Obviously. How could it not? I blew up like a balloon and even now looking back at photos of myself at my most pregnant, I can’t quite believe I was that big. It’s insane what a woman’s body can do. And just like it can stretch to unfathomable sizes to house two babies, it can also snap back into a better body than you had pre-baby. Or babies.

Losing weight and getting back into shape after giving birth is a common concern for many new mothers. Myself included. Although it’s not about a specific number necessarily, seeing the scale get higher and higher the farther along into my pregnancy I got really scared me. I thought, what if I never lose the baby weight? My mom never did… and she let me know it was essentially my fault for “ruining” her body.

My inspiration? Mostly Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, who both also have twins. We’re all around the same height, so when I read that they both were over 200lbs as well, I felt a lot more confident about my growing belly and body.

While the journey will vary for each woman, it’s essential to approach it with patience and a focus on overall well-being. Consulting with healthcare professionals like doctors and nutritionists can help create a safe and effective weight loss plan that considers individual health needs and lifestyle. Incorporating balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest are key components to gradually reaching weight loss goals postpartum. It’s important to remember that every body is different, and the emphasis should be on feeling strong and healthy rather than achieving a certain number on the scale.

Everyone talks about a bounce back, but I was determined to bounce forward—to a healthier, happier, stronger self.

Recovering and regaining fitness post-pregnancy is an experience that demands both patience and perseverance. Following the immense physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, the process of getting back in shape can vary greatly for everyone. Establishing a gradual and tailored exercise routine is key to rebuilding strength and stamina. Of course, when your doctor gives you the stamp of approval.

It’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize self-care, ensuring adequate rest and nutrition while steadily incorporating suitable workouts—like a light jog, yoga class, pilates. (By the way, I was laughing hysterically at this SNL skit about pilates.) Celebrating small milestones and progress, rather than fixating on immediate results, can foster a positive mindset throughout this transformative phase. With dedication, support, and a balanced approach, hot mamas can navigate the path to reclaiming their pre-pregnancy fitness levels, ultimately promoting a confident glow and higher self-esteem.

So, how did I get into shape after giving birth to twins?

It’s actually pretty simple. There was no Ozempic, no surgery, no magic pills. Although, I did try Kourtney Kardashian’s “Lemme Burn” supplements for about 3ish months but I’m not convinced they actually worked. They claim to burn belly fat—which is the main thing I wanted to lose—in 12 weeks. However, I still have a little pouch on my belly I’m trying to run and crunch away.

How I Got in Shape After Giving Birth to Twins

Breastfeeding around the clock

First of all, breastfeeding was my ultimate saviour. I get it—not everyone wants to do it. I did it for 18 months solid with both twins, and then slowly stopped when my husband and I went to Paris without the kids. It was definitely an adjustment. And I gained back a good ten pounds after I stopped, which I’ve now lost again after rejigging my diet. There was a time when I was eating meals or snacks every 3-4 hours all day and night. Breastfeeding twins made me feel like I was starving all of the time. Even with eating so much, I still lost weight. It was wild.

Slowly getting back into a workout routine

At three weeks postpartum I started getting back into working out. Very slowly and easily. I really believe it also helped that I did yoga every single day of my pregnancy. Even the day I was induced. I was constantly moving and exercising and making sure I ate well and gained a normal amount of weight for twins but also staying fit. At first, I started out with gentle 20-minute yoga classes while the boys napped nearby. Then, I started using their nap times for longer and more vigorous workouts. Especially after we moved to LA and had space in our new house for a home gym.

Currently, I aim to workout 5 or 6 days a week for about an hour. Some days more, some days less. It sounds intense but it doesn’t have to be. Some days my hour is walking to grab smoothies with the kids or taking Boa for a stroll around the block. Even chores can count. I recorded “mixed cardio” on my Apple Watch while I was cleaning one night and I burned 140 calories! When I’m in our gym, I mix it up: a 5KM run twice a week, yoga almost every day, strength training, lots of core, pilates, glute work. And then I go to Hot 8 Yoga twice a week.

Eating what I want, but at a deficit

I love to eat. And I have a major sweet tooth. I know you can’t out-run a bad diet, but part of the reason I like to exercise so much—besides feeling incredible afterwards with all those endorphins—is because I want to eat what I want, when I want. I don’t shy away from pasta, I adore burgers & fries, and dessert is a weakness of mine. That being said, I don’t go overboard. I’m cautious about what I eat and how much. It’s not like I’m pigging out at an all-you-can-eat buffet every day. My Grammy always told me to “eat everything in moderation” and that piece of advice certainly worked for her, so why not give it a try?

My stomach is pretty much all tiger stripes (stretch marks) and the skin around my belly button is super loose. Sometimes I feel self conscious about it. Other times, I feel empowered. I mean, I carried twins. Two humans at the same time. That’s something to be proud of. At least, in my books it is. And I am very proud of how far my fitness journey has come since giving birth. My body, although not perfect, is mine.

Of course, everybody and every body is different so go at your own pace and don’t do anything that’s going to end up hurting you instead of helping you. What works for me isn’t necessarily going to work for you, but ultimately, this is what helped me lose weight and get in shape after giving birth to twins.

Good luck on your bounce forward!

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