Help! What should I do?
I’ve always struggled with body image. When my husband and I first got together he helped a lot with it. I was also going to gym every other day and working on getting to my goal weight (125lbs). I was starting to feel confident in my body. 2nd photo was taken October of 2022 and 3rd photo was taken August of 2022. Around that time I was super close to my goal. I think I was fluctuating between 110-115lbs. So I was SUPER close. Then I found out that November I was pregnant. I stopped going to the gym because I didn’t know if it was safe, especially as a beginner (I had only started going to the gym earlier that year). My whole pregnancy I was constantly told I was “all baby”. I loved being pregnant. I was super healthy all my pregnancy too besides becoming anemic. At my 40 week checkup I weighed 146lbs. I breastfed for about 13 months. EVERYTHING went to baby. I couldn’t keep weight on. I think I got to about 98lbs at one point. I stopped checking after that because even looking at the scale made me cry. No matter how much I ate and kept on my prenatals and iron, it felt like I kept getting smaller. I absolutely can’t stand being this small. I feel like I look sickly. I’ve also lost all muscle, stamina and strength. During the summer (very first photo) i noticed how veiny I looked too. 🤢
I absolutely loved my body from my junior year in high school. I weighed about 120lbs, had thick thighs from basketball and great calf muscles from cross country. My only wish was better upper strength. I think I got closest to that weight during covid without as much muscle since didn’t do sports in college. Last photo is from that time and I wish I could get back to that! I want to gain weight and get my booty back (my boobs too but doubt that’s possible 😭)!!
I’ve debated going to the doctor to make sure physically wise I’m okay and seeing what a physician recommends. My biggest struggle right now is appetite. I don’t eat a whole lot. I try eating big meals but I physically can’t eat a whole lot in one setting. While breastfeeding I was constantly snacking, now I rarely feel snackish. I’d love to start going back to the gym but it’s just not in the budget right now. Plus I’d like to start eating better before put my body through more. The most I do right now is ride every once in a while and get out to feed animals once a day. Is there equipment-less, light workouts to do from home? What should my diet consist of? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! I just want to feel healthy and good about my body again 😭
#vulnerableweight #weightstruggles #bodystruggles #gainweight #gainmuscle
Many individuals face challenges with body image and weight management, especially after significant life events like pregnancy. It's crucial to remember that each person's body is unique, and health is not solely defined by weight. If you're finding it difficult to gain weight, focusing on nutrition is essential. Try incorporating calorie-dense foods such as nuts, avocados, and whole grains, which can help increase your overall caloric intake without overwhelming your appetite. Staying hydrated is also important, as sometimes dehydration can diminish appetite. Consider small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of larger portions. Additionally, light exercises at home can enhance your mental and physical strength without the need for equipment. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and stretching can improve muscle tone and stamina gently. Remember, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to address your concerns adequately and develop a tailored plan that suits your needs. Embrace your journey, and seek support from communities that understand your struggles.
Try eating lots of protein and weight lifting, you can get some weights at target or off Amazon, try band weights too, i would just look up good workouts to do from home on youtube