New Mom AJ Cook Finds Her Feel Great Weight

Tom Rafalovich Criminal Minds actress AJ Cook is trying to shed her baby weight. Check back here each month to see how she's putting Health's feel great weight plan to work.

Her story: “I gained 40 pounds during a difficult pregnancy on national TV! That was tough—its hard to see your body change and have no control over it. But now I want people to see that I have to work just as hard as anyone else to take it off. And I really feel strongly that its important to do it the healthy way.

Now that Im back on the show, I have crazy hours, which makes things tricky. (That, and staying away from baked goods—I love a good vanilla or red velvet cupcake!)

But my goal is to get back to a toned and healthy body, even if I dont get all the way back to my prepregnancy weight. And, honestly, Im OK with that now because when I come home after a long day and see Mekhai smile at me its all worth it!”

Next Page: April 2009 Results [ pagebreak ]

"This past month, I experienced a lot of mom guilt. Who was I to put time for myself—like fitting in workouts—before time with my baby? But I finally realized that by taking care of myself, I would have more energy for my son and could better take care of him and my family. That kept me going."

Height: 5' 5.5"
Goal: 115 lbs

Next Page: May 2009 Results [ pagebreak ]

“No doubt, the second month on the program was harder. In the first month, youre all revved and ready to go—then in the second month, you hit a mental wall. You start thinking ‘Is this happening fast enough? Also, I was traveling a lot during this month and got extremely worn down and tired, which made it harder. Then I got really sick with a bad cold. And finally, I had an ankle injury that made working out a challenge too. Put all that together and I just wanted to stay curled up under a blanket.

Thats when I really realized the value of a support team. First, my doctor told me that in the fourth month after giving birth, there is one more big hormonal adjustment in the body. That helped explain my extreme fatigue all the time. Once I knew what was going on (I was starting to think I had mono or something!), I realized I was just zapped, and that made me feel better.

Second, my trainer found ways to work around my injured ankle—which we eventually figured out was due to my wearing terrible sneakers. I went and got fitted properly for a new pair (even took a treadmill test) and wow, what a difference. I would highly suggest making sure you have good sneakers that fit right if youre working out regularly as a part of this program.

And finally, knowing that I had these people to report to kept me from bailing on appointments. There is a real value in making yourself accountable to other people when youre trying to reach your goals. It keeps you from talking yourself into staying on the couch instead of staying on track!”

Next Page: June 2009 Results [ pagebreak ]

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"Im so grateful because The Feel Great Weight program really helped me get my body back. I feel strong—and I love the way I look now.

I got back into my favorite little black dress! Im excited Ive had such great success, and I know I can do this on my own now. Ive been reprogrammed—not only my body but also my mind."

Height: 5' 5.5"
Goal: 115 lbs

What AJ has Lost

Weight: 12.5 lbs.
Waist: 6"
Hips: 3.5"
Body fat: 8%