Hi, my name is Brooke and I’m currently on a mission to lose a few pounds. Five pounds of leftover baby weight that is. For me, baby weight is different than any other weight I’ve had to lose. Where a little diet and exercise used to make the pounds melt away, it feels like I have to make dirty deals somewhere to lose just one pound of baby weight. I blame it on my body being all hopped up on hormones and running on caffeine and tears, but that’s just my very unscientific assumption.

For some women, with breastfeeding the pounds drop off, but for others, a good 5-10 pounds hangs on for dear life no matter what you do. I am in the latter group. Now, I’m not one who watches my diet and exercises regularly for vain reasons. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle and I just feel better when I am toned and light on my feet. When you have a squishy kangaroo pouch from total lack of abdominal strength, it’s hard to feel fabulous. Although it may feel impossible, abdominal muscles do bounce back, the kangaroo pouch diminishes and your tummy can look like it never housed a baby at all. If you’re diligent, results will happen, eventually. I have to remind myself of this often, especially when I’m cursing the one too many Taco Bell drive through visits I made while pregnant.

I practice a healthy way of living most of the time, but when I’m on a mission to drop a few pounds, I try to be even more diligent to make the right choices. When I’m just maintaining my weight, I workout three days a week, eat fresh well balanced meals and allow myself indulgences in moderation. When I’m trying to lose weight and build muscle, I amp up my workouts to five-six days a week and keep the indulgences to a minimum. It has been a while since I talked a lot about my fitness routine, but I focus predominantly on weight training and HIIT cardio. It all sounds easy on paper, but I struggle to find the energy to fit in my workouts everyday and to make the best meal choices when I’m tired and hungry. But, diet is important, especially if you’re working on your abdominal area. So, here is a list of five meals that will take you ten minutes or less to throw together and will keep you on track.

1. Anything Broiled – Broiling is fast, keeps meats moist and veggies crisp. I love to broil asparagus and chicken mostly. Some of our favorite broiled recipes are Lemon and Crushed Almond Asparagus and Strawberry Balsamic Chicken.

2. Smoothies – Smoothies are a fast and easy way to pack in a lot of nutrients. This recipe that Erica made is also great for older kids!

3. These Lentil Nachos feel indulgent, but are made with fresh ingredients! This one totally makes me feel better when I’m ravenous from breastfeeding.

4. Oatmeal is another fast meal that keeps me full and satisfied. I love to make mine with 1 tbsp of peanut butter, half of a banana and a dash of cinnamon. Once it’s cooked I add 2 tbsp of almond milk to make it creamy!

5. This egg wrap is often my lunch or dinner when I’m too tired to function. It would be great with spinach added in!

Now, I’m totally hungry, think I’ll go whip up some lentil nachos.

– Brooke