I was throwing a party for my four-year-old son today and was talking with a friend, who just had a second baby nine weeks ago. She is an avid exerciser and struggled with an eating disorder in her teenage years. So, her increased appetite and fears of getting fat after a baby really concerned her.

She seemed relieved when I told her that it’s okay to eat, especially if breast-feeding (and she is). I breast-fed all three of my kids (now almost 6, 4 and 2).

Being a personal trainer/exercise nerd, adding a little extra padding and being hungry all the time postpartum was really hard for me. Really. I had to tell myself that I was giving my child brain food and I had to replenish my nutrition for my own body – otherwise my body would give to the baby.

Stay tuned for Part II on some tips to keep fit while postpartum.