The Cradle: How did you lose the “baby” weight from your first pregnancy?
AS: When I found out that Ben only weighed 7 ½ pounds – I knew I was in for a tough road! It is NOT easy losing weight while dealing with a newborn and trying to go back to work.
Especially in the beginning I had to focus on nutrition more than exercise. You are encouraged to eat extra calories when you’re pregnant, and also when breastfeeding, but they have to be the healthy kind – not the sweets/snacks kind. For me it was about balance – not starving myself, or pushing myself into a super-strict diet that I would give up on, but trying to stay on a healthy path to getting my body back.
The Cradle: What are you favorite pregnancy products?
AS: A Pea in the Pod is a life saver. They have great lines of clothes that are perfect for any pregnant woman. I love them. There’s a full body pillow that I absolutely NEED. Can’t sleep without it now.
The Cradle: As a working mom and mom-to-be, how do you stay balanced and find energy for all your projects and your family?
AS: Naps. Balance is what it’s all about – making sure that I fit in my exercise routine is really crucial too. Staying active helps me keep my energy up, eating healthy snacks helps, too. I cut caffeine (mostly), and processed sugar can be deadly for the quick high and then energy crash. And when all else fails – two pages of my favorite book and a cat nap are essential.
The Cradle: Do you plan to keep working throughout this entire pregnancy? And will you continue right after the birth of baby #2?
AS: I am planning to work as long as I can. Hopefully I’ll have an uncomplicated pregnancy (knocking on wood) and I can stay at Days and BL until I deliver. Afterwards, I’m going to have to see what works best for my family... we have several scenarios worked out with production.
The Cradle: In your experience, what’s the best thing about motherhood?
AS: There are so many amazing, wonderful things about being a mom. But it can all be summed up in the feeling you get when your child smiles at you and runs towards you for a big hug. In that moment everything is worth it.
The 6th season of The Biggest Loser starts September 16th on NBC.
To catch Days of our Lives, check your local listings.
