Busy Mom's Weight Loss?

I second the previous poster's advice. I'm in a similar situation and received Tony Horton's 10 minute workout for Christmas from my mother (I wanted it). It was a great gift. I always try to stack the workouts and do 3 in a row for maximum benefit, but when the day is too crazy, I squeeze in just one 10 minute workout (which takes about 15 minutes). It gives me so much more energy and is a great stress reliever. So far, I've lost some inches, but not much poundage. That's more because I've not motivated enough to cut back my eating at all yet! That's the next stage of my self-improvement mission. Anyway, I'm much stronger and more energetic, so it's worth it.

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L.,

If there were something cheap and easy, don't you think we'd all be doing it? LOL! You already got some good tips. Counting calories can be time consuming, but it is well worth it. You can do it on your own or join a site like calorie king. At the least, if you can count calories for at least two weeks, you may learn a lot in just that amount of time. Eating too much, eating too little? Only one way to find out - keep track of it. You don't need a gym membership, you just need to push yourself a little harder. I know you are tired and lack energy but once you get started, you'll be hooked. 30 minutes a night is nothing! Or get up a little earlier - which is even better because then you are done for the day! Or walk during lunch, then eat at your desk. The free food your work provides, if this is part of your problem, then just say NO! Eat 3 meals a day plus 1 or 2 snacks (eat about every 4 hours). Drink water throughout the day, cut out anything extra like soda/fu fu coffee drinks and don't grab for that afternoon snack that you think will pick you up. Have some nuts and an apple instead. You can do this on a budget. Maybe someone else at work wants to lose some weight too? You could hold eachother accountable. If you don't have a buddy to join you on this quest at work, then join a group online. Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser trainer) has a website, so do many other reputable trainers. They don't cost much and you can chat with other people going through the same thing as you. I know you are busy, aren't we all?! Only you can take care of you! So, find something that works, even if it is just something little.. baby steps!

I hope you find something that works for you,
M.

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Go for walks with your husband and baby in the evenings and/or on weekends. Even just 30 minutes a day you will be doing something active, and pushing a stroller burns more calories.

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**Adding This: Try Hula-Hooping! It's REAL fun, a cardio work out, and gets you sweaty and tired & toned up! I do that, and it's real great, it works out the ENTIRE body... just do it to music, or while watching TV. All you need is a hula-hoop! Real easy and a no-brainer!

Try and reduce the "starches" in your daily eating.
I don't mean all 'carbs', just starches... ie: white rice, white bread, pasta (unless whole wheat), potatoes.
Starches are 'simple carbs' and just digest into sugars.
Versus, "complex carbs" like whole grains, veggies, whole grain breads, brown rice, etc. are processed differently in the body.

I have friends, that simply cut out or reduced the amount of white rice and white bread/pasta they ate, and they lost weight. It is a more 'sane' and slower weight loss, which is healthy.

Also, just try and walk anywhere you can. Do the stairs at buildings, when you are home and watching tv or something, just do squats or lunges at the same time. Or, jog in place. Or, get light hand-weights and do that while you are watching tv or something. (I know, you're busy and probably don't have time to just 'sit' for tv... but anytime you have a moment... even just 10 minutes... can really help). Also, 'resistance' or weight bearing exercises helps by building up lean muscle mass, which in turn is more efficient at burning calories and fat.

Or in between studying, even if for 10-15 minutes... stand up, do squats, push ups, sit ups, etc. And this will help too.

It's not just about "calories." Its about what you eat. In balance and moderation. Also, drink lots of water. Or try eating smaller portions.

All the best, hope this helps,
Susan

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Drink a big cup of water before each meal, like, Huge. You can add lemon or cranberry juice to your water to help your body to proccess fat more efficiently. Play with your baby. Laugh. sing. stand on one foot while brushing your teeth, that helps to slim the tummy. Have intercourse with your significant other. All these things burn calories. Also, cut out the white, white flour, white rice, but not potatoes, which are harder to digest, and not chicken, which is good for you. run up and down the stairs during your lunch break, or other break, if you have them. It doesn't have to be a lot.
Good luck
R.

Weight Watchers. My cousin and aunt lost 60 lbs. in a year on it! I just joined 2 weeks ago and have lost 4 lbs. It's $12 a week and you just have to set aside an hour for a meeting. If you can't do that, they have it on line as well. I'm not sure what the cost is. You can look it up though. You can eat what you want, it's all about portion control and calculating points. They teach you how to do it and it's really easy. Good luck!