My Inspiring Lockdown Weight Loss Journey
On writing this blog post, I still cannot believe the changes I’ve made for my health. I started my blog Cambridge Mummy Blogs during my mental health struggles back in 2019. I used it as a distraction and a hobby and my blog grew to what it is today. I have shared my pregnancy and motherhood journey to Jesse and also share my fitness and lifestyle and more recently my fitness and health journey.
When I started my blog I was 18 stone, I had gained so much weight over the years through lack of exercise, working long office based hours and eating on the go! I endured an obesity pregnancy of which kick started my need to be healthier. I walked more and ate better and during my pregnancy I lost 2.5 stone. I also had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety disorder and depression during my pregnancy and this taught me so much about self-esteem, self-care and more. It honestly changed my life.
After having Jesse in January 2020, I decided to make 2020 the year of health for me. I wanted to continue my healthy lifestyle and mindset as much as possible. After the pandemic was announced when Jesse was 7 weeks old, and with the risk of obesity with the virus, I knew that I needed to improve my health to be around for Jesse and my then 9 year old daughter Ayva. I also didn’t want my anxiety disorder to trigger and I certainly didn’t want to go back to where I was a year ago.
So, after my 6 week postpartum check I decided to focus on me and initially did some exercise to help with mood and to get me out of the house initially enjoying a daily walk with Jesse around the lakes near my home. He absolutely loved it (usually slept) and it was a great way to get out and refresh the mind also - even on the sleepless tough days and trust me there were many!
In April 2020 things became more routine with Jesse and despite adapting to home schooling my 9 year old and nursing Jesse I decided to make sure I did some self-care for me. I discovered YouTube fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read and she kept me moving. I did my workouts when Jesse napped. She dedicated her workouts for lockdown and also had hundreds of others to choose from. I joined her free Facebook group #lucyssquad and I was so motivated and inspired and found a love for fitness again! I worked out to Lucy daily and when we couldn’t go out (limited to daily exercise) she kept me moving! I focussed on using my fitness tracker and downloaded the app “my fitness pal” to aid with logging my food and exercise. I tracked everything and ate within recommended portion sizes - a new first for me for a long time! The weight fell off, with no real specific diet, just eating at recommended and moving more and I haven’t stopped since!
Felicity’s Incredible 7 Stone Weight Loss!
I have now embarked on strength training with Chloe Ting who also does really great free home workout programs. I am currently enjoying her Flat stomach 2020 program. I also found a love for yoga and pilates which I did as and when I felt like it. Pilates and yoga in particular has helped my postpartum recovery for my lower back discomfort.
I honestly cannot believe how much this change has helped me and how positive it has been on my family also. I am more energised, more positive and my mental health feels better than it ever did. I can keep up with my children and one comment that really hit home was when my daughter said she can hug me properly now. Whilst I still struggle with difficult days with my mental health, it is way more manageable and I truly feel discovering fitness again has helped in more than just the physical sense but mentally as well.
Felicity As She Looks Now With Her Son Jesse
I started at a UK size 18 in April 2020, and now I am currently wearing a UK size 10. I’ve dropped 14 inches on my waist, and now weigh 11 stone with a healthy BMI.
I share my fitness journey with my followers and I even film my workouts over on my Instagram. My confidence has grown so much and I have never felt so well. The support I’ve had from people following my journey has been amazing and has kept me motivated.
If you’re reading this thinking how? Honestly I felt the same. But there is no better time than right now! I couldn’t recommend more making the change for YOU and only YOU!
Felicity is a mum of 2, sharing motherhood and lifestyle day by day. Cambridge Mummy vlogs was established in 2019 during Felicity’s mental health struggles that she shares openly with her audience. She also shares her love for fitness, and in 2020 embarked on a huge journey to lose 100lbs (7 stone) in weight! Check out her fab Insta page: www.instagram.com/cambridgemummyblogs
