Losing twenty pounds was number six on my 30 Before Thirty list. Following through with number five (stop drinking soda) certainly helped, so that’s two more off the list!
My BMI now officially puts me in the normal weight category, which is fantastic considering that I had edged into obese territory after pregnancy. I certainly didn’t feel obese, but medically, there I was. I gained 40 pounds while I was pregnant with Eleanor, and I’ve since lost 60, making me twenty pounds lighter than my pre-baby weight.
I did it very sensibly, losing two pounds per week. I followed the Steve Ward diet, which is not actually a diet but rather a way to keep yourself on track. You just draw a line on graph paper from your current weight to your goal, eat normally when you’re below the line and watch your meals when you’re above. I’m a visual person, so the graph was immensely helpful to me. It kept me motivated when I felt like nothing was happening because I could see my progress (even before I could see a difference in my waistline). I also liked being able to look ahead and see where I’d be by a certain date, assuming I kept on track.
* Edit: I didn’t do the broccoli only thing that the Steve Ward diet calls for — that’s too extreme. I just ate a little lighter overall when I went over the line.
I never followed a strict exercise plan or diet. I went on more walks and for longer distances, and I often used a baby carrier for Eleanor instead of a stroller. I had been reading a lot about opting not to partake in the Western Diet (all of the crap that Americans typically eat), and so I was mindful about making healthier choices. These are some of the books that helped me:
- In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto and Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (both by Michael Pollan)
- The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (Michael Pollan again)
- Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating with More Than 75 Recipes (Mark Bittman)
- How to Cook Everything and How to Cook Everything Vegetarian (cookbooks, both by Bittman)
- Jamie’s Food Revolution (cookbook by Jamie Oliver)
- Food, Inc. (documentary by Eric Schlosser)
It’s hard to change a lifetime of eating habits so I still have some work to do, but I’m making good progress. I have hardly eaten any fast food, and in fact the times that I did revert to it I found that I didn’t like it as much. Still, I’m not one to deny myself an occasional cheeseburger or pizza, so I let myself indulge sometimes. The difference is that I really do think of it as an indulgence rather than a normal weeknight option.
So that’s how I did it. I lost weight the baby weight and then some with diet, exercise, and graph paper.
163 comments
katherine
this inspired me to lose my last 10 lbs of baby weight. thank you!
South American Slimmer
Did you know that you have a huge advertisement for a fast food burger joint taking up the sidebar of your post? It seems somehow a bit ironic.
Val
There’s also an iphone app for the Steve Ward diet, in case the analog (paper) method is less convenient:
http://bangbangdiet.com/
sara
I am nursing my baby now who is 3 months old. I have not lost any weight. Its really frustrating. Did maintaining a diet reduce your milk flow?. I am worried that reduced food/excercise will decrease my milk flow.
Niina
Thanks for posting this. I joined WeightWatchers in April but they stopped their business in Finland couple of months later. I’ve been in a diet limbo not knowing what to do. Thanks to you, I’m going to print out some graph paper and get busy.
Skye
Love you’re website! I just want to say that I’ve always had problems “seeing” the weight I lose (because I have so much to lose) and the picture you posted here and the accompanying link are great! I’ve been using this for almost 2 weeks and it’s helping me a lot. Thank you so, so much! You’ve always been a design inspiration, but I guess you’re a life one now, too. Sorry for the long comment!
Melissa
NICOLE!!!! Congratulations on losing all the pregnancy weight PLUS 20 lbs! I love that you a) found what works for you and b) did it the healthy way!
Do you feel like you have a whole new body? I felt like I was born again when I finally went back to my pre-pregnancy body. It’s a great feeling.
Amber
Congratulations on losing the weight the healthy way! Thanks for the book suggestions and the graph idea is a good suggestion as well. I’ve been trying to find a way to get back on track (moved out on my own and now gaining back the weight I lost freshman/sophomore year of college) but wasn’t sure what to do. Thanks so much!
tiina
great, congratulations! and thank you for sharing something so personal
Melanie
To second on some of the others … how inspiring! I want to lose 20 lbs too, just haven’t really gotten my butt in gear to do it … what an interesting way to watch the progress, so simple!
Abigail
Congrats and **thank you** for posting the graph idea! I made a graph right after I read this post and it is working really well for me. So helpful to see a trend on paper even when you can’t feel anything otherwise. Thanks!
Sarah
Congrats lady… I need to do something like this because I lose weight then put it back on. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Have a great weekend.
Amanda Joy
Oh congrats and thanks so much for the post! Radically changing diet is all the rage, and I just wasn’t sure how people actually do it. The list of resources will be super helpful to tweak my eating habits. It’s really hard when you just “don’t know” where to start. Thanks Nicole!
Sabrina
Thanks for the post! I AM 30, and getting married next summer! I want to lose about 20 pounds and this seems like something that would help keep me on track. Now all I have to do is buy a scale. Thank you so much!
Sabrina :)
jbhat
I am truly impressed and quite inspired. Good for you! And good for your life and for your family’s life.
jbhat
Alana
First off, great job! How impressive! I vote you celebrate by treating yourself to a new dress.
This is fabulous insight and inspiration. I needed a spark to get serious about losing my baby weight. Making that happen before I turn 40 in October would rock.
I’ll be giving this a try!
Christine
Congrats on such a wonderful acheivement!
Jessica @ {Black.White.Yellow.}
Congrats! I’m really proud of you…I might have to try this too!
Amy Awesome
Great job, you are so inspiring!
Meghan
I made the graph yesterday. Thanks for the inspiration.
melani
I love that you did this all sensibly. My sister is over weight and she is always on some ridiculous fad diet. I try to convince her to just move more and eat less in general but most people just want a quick fix. Bravo for you!
luuve
yes! i love this story almost more than your new bedroom! lol…i too have loss weight! i usually say “lost” because i never want to find it again! but this is an awesome story..i weigh in everyday just because im obsessed with the scale…i think im going to try this starting tomorrow morning! thanks sooo much for this inspiration :)
mwags
Your blog is a delight, and your weight-loss story inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
CrystalN
Awesome! Good for you!! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to try this. I’ve been trying to lose for some time now. Keep it up.
Julie @ shorts and longs
Way to go, Nicole! And I love how you did it. Seriously, brilliant. Love your new eating path, and I’m right there with you in trying to change a lifetime of “western” eating habits. Love it!!
Clair
I think it is really great that you’ve met your goal and done it so sensibly. Losing weight certainly isn’t easy but slow and steady wins the race! Congrats!
Wendy
Really awesome, Nicole!
Jessica
Congrats!! Keep up the good work!
I’ve been doing weight watchers, which is helpful, but I like this method! It really helps you visualize where you are in terms of your weight loss goal. Perfect for someone visually oriented. Thank you for sharing!
Didi
Hi Nicole. You look great. Congrats on losing the weight. It’s not easy at any time, but to do so while caring for your little one, running a business,and making it all lovely is an even bigger accomplishment. You’re an inspiration on many levels!
Colleen
Congrats! What a great post! My baby just turned 1 June 6th and although I am at my “pre-pregnancy” weight, I was never exactly happy with that number. I am at the higher end of “normal” and I am noticing the scale slowly creeping up. Like you, I am a visual person (graphic designer) and love the idea of charting it on graph paper. I’m starting today with a goal of 15lbs. We’ll see how it goes! Thanks for the motivation, already today I am doing better than usual!
Liz
Congrats Nicole! That is awesome and inspiring. I don’t like the scale so maybe I’ll take the same concept and think about doing it with inches overall?
Keep up the new lifestyle :)
HollyP
Congratulations!
I was never in such good shape as when I carried my year-old daughter in the baby backpack. I developed more endurance, not to mention the way my core muscles were strengthened.
Now my kids are way to big for packs (7 & 9 yos), but I’ve thought about loading a backpack with textbooks for my walks. A great way to work out AND a new use for old stuff!
Making it Lovely
That’s a smart idea. :)
Katie
Congratulations! And thank you so much for this post! I have never been into the dieting scene, but am currently reaching my “somethings got to give” weight. This is an answer to prayers. I made my graph yesterday afternoon and it’s now taped in my closet above the scales! I made my first mark this morning… below the line! YAY! And I plan to hit the library this evening for some reading on nutrition.
If I stick to the plan, I’ll be at a ten year low in three months!
bethany
Slow and steady is definitely the way to go with. It means you’re developing new behaviors, not just dieting and depriving yourself so that when you stop dieting you gain it all back plus more.
I’ve lost 17lbs and my sister has dropped 65lbs using a graph and tracking system, but we use one that’s online, nutrimirror.com. Being able to see what’s going on (and being accountable to ourselves for our food choices) is what finally clicked for us.
Congratulations!
amy goodhouse
Very cool! Congrats!
I’m going to try this way of dieting for a while. Just made up my graph this morning :)
Elle Sees
Sounds easy! Ha. I wish. Kudos to you though. I’m thinking I shall start this.
Laura in LA
Awesome! Did you notice a change in your energy levels, complexion, or other areas since eating healthier and losing the weight?
Anna/quilted giraffe
You are one inspiring lady!
Loren
Wow 20 pounds! This is fantastic.
I discovered the same thing when I stopped drinking soda and eating fast food. All of a sudden I didn’t want them anymore. I still have them occasionally, but it actually felt really great to not WANT them.
I’ve been listening to a podcast called the ‘No Excuses Workout System’. I don’t know if he would be your thing but I love that he focuses on small things you can do in your day to day life to add in a little more exercise. (Like parking a block away from work and walking.) His website is http://www.noexcusesworkouts.com
Erika
Congratulations!!! I am in the process of trying to shed about 15 – 20 lbs, and this post makes me want to keep going. I like the way you did it sensibly.
Thanks for the encouragement today, and congrats again! I like that graph paper idea…I think I will do that.
If you came across any super stellar recipes, I would love to see a post about them.
Keep up the good work and let us know about future progress; it really is very encouraging.
Kathy
This may seem silly but I had a hard time finding graph paper at the store. I was able to customize and download free graph paper online at
http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/
In pretty colors too!
Making it Lovely
There are some cute options there, thanks for sharing!
April
I’m on my way to losing 50 pounds right now, and any time I read a blog post about someone who’s been successful, it’s SO inspiring. And every time, I learn a new technique or tip. I’m a huge fan of math and visual representations, so this graph thing might be right up my alley! Thanks for sharing, and major congrats on the weightloss!!!
Susan
Congrats, that is really exciting. I love Michael Pollen, his books changed how we eat too. Right now I am reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingslover. You would enjoy it if you loved Polen’s books.
Wendy
Congratulations! it’s lots of hard work I know – I too am trying to loose the baby weight. Be sure to buy yourself some new clothes so you can show off the new you!!! :)
fresh365
Congrats! You are a great inspiration by becoming educated and determined rather than giving into some fad diet. Awesome work!
Breanna
Wow! Your experience is so inspirational! My goal is to lose 20 lbs this summer, but I don’t think I’m dedicated enough! I tend to forget my goals in the heat of the moment (aka inhaling some ice cream), so maybe I need to write my goals down and seeing them would help? Did you find yourself often thinking about your weightloss strategies throughout the day or was it just in the back of your mind the whole time? And did it get easier with time to make better choices?
Making it Lovely
It gets easier. I didn’t obsess about my choices, and if I had been doing well I allowed myself to splurge on things like ice cream too.
thiliblooms
Congrats!! Wow thats a lot of weight you got rid of!! Now let me go get some of this dr steve ward diet.. thanks for sharing this links! Have a wonderful week :)
Andrea
Good for you!
jan : daisy janie
Way to go, Nicole! It’s always so nice to hear about folks getting healthier. You hit the nail on the head when you said it’s hard to change a lifetime of eating habits – we are products of our environment for sure. And the fact that you already recognize how that will affect Eleanor is key! She will do as you do. We all want to give our children the best leg-up we can in life, and a healthy body and self-esteem is the first place to start.
Sealicious
Congratulations!!! That is a terrific accomplishment and I think it’s ridiculously cute (and so typical) that you did it with such style!!
I mean, I’d never heard of a visually-appealing weightloss plan!
Saima
Wow Nicole, that’s amazing. You should be proud :)
Cindy
Congrats! It’s always nice to accomplish a goal. Even better that it’s one that’s good for your health!
Keep it up girl!
Stephanie
All those books are wonderful! Great choices. And you’re right, it’s more about a making a lifestyle change and then occasionally allowing yourself treats (they are important psychologically). That’s how I roll too. Isn’t it amazing how much better you feel when you eat healthy food and not so much crap? I am amazed. I also started drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, before consuming anything else, and that’s made a difference too.
Congratulations! Losing that much weight is no small feat, this I know.
Heather
You never cease to amaze! I’m so proud of you, and inspired by your success. However I must say, one thing I’ve always loved about you is that you are NOT stick thin like so many artistic types out there. You are so authentically human, so down to earth in your hipness, so confident in your skin, you just radiate! So if you’re ever having a bad day, just remember that you are loved and admired, no matter what the scale says.
melissa
congratulations! i am 5 months postpartum and trying to lose baby weight myself! this is very inspiring! i love the jamie oliver cookbook- it’s become my new go-to. plus there is so much good food in chicago that is SO bad for you!!
Making it Lovely
I know. Chicago food is soooooo good (but so bad for you)!
Jenny
Ugh; I would love to try this, but I am frustrated that I don’t understand how to lay out the graph. I tend to be mathematically challenged! Wish I wasn’t. Harumph..
Could anyone give me some pointers? I have graph paper!
Thanks! Jenny
Jenny
Okay, my husband helped me make a graph. Actually seeing reults will be a huge motivater for me, not to mention a great way to stay on track. I was just wondering, Nicole; did you weigh yourself at the same time each day?
Thanks for sharing!
Jenny
Making it Lovely
Glad you got the graph started! Yes, I weighed myself at the same time each morning.
Laura
That is awesome! Go, you!
sara
congrats!!! very impressive- you’ve inspired me!
Mary Jo
Congrats…that is such an awesome goal to have met. Question regarding Eleanor’s carrier. My daughter is days younger and I’m finding the mei tai is begining to hurt my shoulders, neck. How about you? Have you looked at other carriers as she gets older? I’m on the search now.
Making it Lovely
I still love my mei tai, but I also still like carring Eleanor in the front so maybe that’s the difference?
Leslie
Hi Nicole,
What an inspiring and brave post. I am a fan of all of the books you mentioned and the movie. Way to go! I also love how you shared your story in such a matter of fact no drama way -you are amazing.
Congrats -I am going to forward your link to a few friends!
Felicity Lingle
Congratulations and what an interesting technique. Isn’t In Defense of Food fantastic? It’s just so incredibly logical and simple!!
sarah
Nicole, what an accomplishment… Congratulations! I know how hard it can be to lose weight after a baby. I’m still trying.
Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists
Good for you! I love the idea of graphing your weight loss. I’m off to start plotting a 10 pound weight loss for myself.
jodi
way to go!! you are such an inspiration!
Nicole Feliciano
A while ago I put together 10 tips for moms to stay skinny
http://momtrends.blogspot.com/2010/05/ten-tips-for-mom-to-lose-weight.html
Like you,I believe in combing tricks and common sense. Congrats on meeting your goal.
Jen
VERY inspiring! I just had my second baby and already lost all the weight, but I still need to lose the weight from my first pregnancy! 20 lbs! I think I’ll try this graph to see my progress. My goal is size 6 skinny jeans by September.
Andrea Larsen
way to go! v. interesting. :)
Amy Esther
Congrats! The Steve Ward diet looks brilliant, thanks for sharing. It’s really inspiring.
Just one question for you… Did your husband diet with you, or prepare alternate food on your lo-cal days? I often cook for my boyfriend at home (or he cooks for me) and he has the opposite problem – he really needs to gain weight! It seems like it would be really tough to cook him a calorie heavy meal and then eat broccoli…
Making it Lovely
Sometimes we ate the same thing, sometimes not. For example, I really love salmon but Brandon doesn’t like fish so he’d eat something else. I didn’t make him follow along with me, so he has stayed at the same weight.
danielle
Great job! It’s not easy losing weight and keeping it off, so you have the right idea! Great way to start off the big 3-0!!
shelley
Congratulations! That’s hard work! I need to make it happen myself.
Nicole
Wow… so impressive – CONGRATS! I’m working towards a much larger weight loss goal, so its inspiring to see someone else with success… someone who doesnt have a live-in chef and personal trainer! ;)
Yolanda
This makes so much sense! Thanks for sharing this. I’ve drawn my graph, and I have my goal date – my 10 year wedding anniversary! Wish me luck!
BTW, you can print your own graph paper here: http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/plain/
amy purple
Congrats Nicole! I appreciate your good examples – on the graph and showing good habits to Eleanor as well.
Natalie
aww great job, Nicole!! Diets make me nervous, but that plan you found sounds great. Congrats! :)
Catherine
Congrats! And I love the graph! It’s so perfectly nerdy and awesome.
Skye
Thank you so much for sharing this! This may be the way I need to keep track of things to help me see them better. Congrats!
amy
You recently posted a black and white picture of you and Eleanor and the moment I saw it I thought, wow, she looks like she lost a lot of weight. It is not an easy thing to do, this is very inspiring. The graph thing is not something I could do (I might be the only person who is not “visual”) but it’s a very cool idea nonetheless.
Ashley
I definitely want to use this method. How fun and visual?! Loves it. And bravo! Slow and Steady always wins the race.
Mary Ferrara
Congratulations! I have been loving following along with your list progress, and you inspired me to make one too. That is really great about knocking two off at the same time. You must feel so great!
Theresa
Great job! I have to look into that Steve Ward strategy!
Not Stacy
Thanks for sharing this idea. I have already made my chart and taped it to the bathroom wall. I don’t believe in diets, per se, but I can tell a huge difference in my energy, how well I sleep and how “puffy” I feel around the middle depending on my choices. I recently began eating vegan – it kind of happened accidentally – and it’s been terrific. I’m loving coming up with healthier options when ordering in restaurants. As far as “American” food goes, it’s the hardest! In Asian, Salvadoran or Italian restaurants, I’ve been able to feast! I’m still working at cooking interesting things that my family of 5 will go for. Again, thanks. Watching progress on the chart will be fun!
(I tend to go on and on when I’m excited!)
Jessica at Lavender and Lilies
Congratulations! It’s on my before 30 list as well. I really loved Michael Pollan’s book Food Rules and his other books are on my reading list. Thanks!
Allison
Congratulations! Losing weight is difficult but I think it’s the life style change that people get stuck on. A healthy life style is important and a wonderful gift to Eleanor. Hooray for you!!
Viv
You look amazing Nicole. Well done on accomplishing a goal of yours! Chasing after Eleanor will help keep the weight off too.
lala
Good for you!!
Christina
wow thanks for sharing and congratulations! you’re amazing :)
Mrs. Jones
Way to go, girl! Thanks for sharing, Nicole. This is very inspirational.
Trisha M.
wow you have really motivated me to do the same. i have about 15 extra since the birth of my baby and well… she’s not a baby anymore. time to get going. thanks so much.
Ally
That is fantastic! I love your idea of 30 before thirty! What a great way to get motivated and get things done that you would otherwise put on the back burner. Having kids can really put your personal goals out of reach. Way to be!
dana
congratulations on the weight loss! that is awesome! my family and i watched Food Inc. back in march and it has since changed the way we all eat. my sisters and i share books and the one book that has been passed through the family since march is Clean by Alejandro Junger. after reading this book and watching the movie..my husband and i now eat about 85-90% organic and it is so true about what you said…when you eat something like fast food..it doesn’t taste as good as it did before. i find myself craving fruits and veggies more. i actually really enjoy grocery shopping and making meals so much more now.
Renae
Congratulations -and yay to eating healthy!
I just turned 30 a couple of months ago -and I love it, love it! I’m sure you will too!
Ameya
That graph method is brilliant, I’m the type of person who would really do well with it, too. Now I need to get my paws on some graph paper! I gained almost 70lbs with my pregnancy, and my son is 7 months old and I’ve only lost ~23lbs.. and 6 of those are from the past week as i’ve been to sick to eat. I definitely need to do something, soon!
Allison
What a cool method for losing weight in a sensible, healthy, and most importantly, sustainable way!
brooke @ claremont road
Congratulations! I’ve been trying to lose “those last 8 pounds” (I’m only 5′ 3″ so it makes a big difference) since gaining after my wedding almost 2 years ago, and it truly is about changing the way you think about food and exercise. Depriving myself does nothing because then I binge; making healthy food my regular choice with splurges now and then, in addition to daily exercise, are much better choices for my waistline and my sanity! Keep up the good work :)
Nichole
Congratulations! And thanks for posting about this and what worked for you. I too, recently got myself out of the obese category, but I’ve stalled out. I’m going to check out your tips and look at the ones from the comments as well.
Emily
Congrats! I love that the graph worked for you. :)
Marie
Congrats on the weight loss! I need to lose about 25-30 pounds but am having a hard time getting started. How long did it take you to lose the weight?
Making it Lovely
It took awhile. I dropped most of the baby weight by about nine or ten months, then started concentrating on keeping the weight loss going after that. I aimed for two pounds per week from the time I started keeping track.
Sylvia
Congrats! I know how hard it is to make changes to your lifestyle and have LOVED the Pollan and Bittman books. If you’re interested, check out Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink (http://www.mindlesseating.org/, http://aem.cornell.edu/profiles/wansink.htm). Absolutely changed the way I look at food, and it’s funny, clever and well-written to boot.
jen
congrats on the weight loss and doing it in a sensible way! changing eating habits are hard but i found that having diversity in my meal options and drinking lots of water helps keep the pounds off.
Danielle
Congratulations! I recently turned 40 and one of my goals was to be in the best shape of my life. Nothing radical – just eating better and exercising more. I’m happy to report I’ve lost a few pounds and best of all, I’m feeling great!
Kudos on being a healthy role model for your little girl!
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