I’ve lost 77lbs. Seventy-seven! That’s like a 10 year old child! People always ask me how I lost so much weight so quickly after having kids, and honestly, I feel like it just fell right off with a few simple changes.

BEFORE and AFTER weightloss

Neither of these pictures are particularly “great” photos. Both were quick snapshots but you can definitely see a difference around my chin and my arms!

1. Make Exercising Fun

I had two girls very close in age so it was easy for me to ‘exercise’, I had two toddlers to constantly chase and keep me on my toes! Exercising is always more fun when you’re doing something you enjoy. I did dedicated workouts whenever I had the time, but simple things like taking your kids to park, going swimming, playing basketball, even inflatable jumpy houses are quite the workout and you are burning lots of calories while spending quality time with your kids!

2. Don’t Sit

This one can be a hard one but I really lived by this rule – “Running is better than walking, Walking is better than standing, and Standing is better than sitting”. Simple as that. I really don’t watch TV during the day but if I do I make sure I’m standing, or sitting and folding laundry at the same time.

I also dance around the house quite a bit – like. a. lot. Crank up the radio, clean house, and dance like no one’s watching (hopefully anyway). It makes cleaning more enjoyable and you’ll definitely break a sweat!

3. Eat Smart

Don’t overeat. Just don’t! Only eat enough to satisfy yourself. That one was important for me. And only eat when you’re hungry! Don’t eat just because you fed the kids lunch. If you’re going to eat out, there are lots of places now with lower calorie options and they’re usually easy to find on the menu!

According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, only about one in seven Americans (approximately 15 percent) accurately estimates the number of calories they need to maintain their weight.

McDonald’s is bringing greater awareness to calories starting with some of customers’ favorite menu items for under 400 calories. Did you know, about 80% of McDonald’s national menu items are under 400 calories – including some of your all-time favorites like the Egg McMuffin, World Famous Fries and the classic Filet-O-Fish. No, really!

Winning Favorites Under 400 Calories

With the new “Favorites Under 400” calorie menu, McDonalds is helping customers understand how their choices fit within their daily recommended calorie needs, particularly with portion sizing and eating in moderation. Customers can access McDonald’s nutrition information for food and beverage choices on http://www.mcdonalds.com, McDonald’s mobile app, toll-free customer experience and insights line, in-restaurant brochures, reverse side of tray liners and select menu packaging.

4. Drink Water

Something I need to do more of but I can’t stress enough about how important it is. Not just for weight loss but for your skin health and overall well being.

5. Splurge Occasionally

I love to have my sweets. I need a chocolate fix sometimes and that’s okay! For me, it’s easier to give into a craving and have one cupcake or a slice of pie than to give them up altogether. Because let’s face it, there’s always a birthday party or an event where you’ll be tempted. The key is satisfying yourself without going overboard and eating the whole cake!

 Making small changes to your everyday life can help you lose weight at a normal healthy rate and keep it off! Share your thoughts. How did you lose weight after having children??

The Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association (GAMOA) partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about McDonald’s products and offerings. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time however I was free to form my own opinions.