Need to Lose 20 Pounds

Hi S.,
I'm J. and I have a 19 month old baby girl. I am also looking to lose some weight, I'm bigger now than I was when I was pregnant. I'm not married, but I'm living with my boyfriend. I have tried to walk with another mother, but we could never get our schedules to match. I really don't like gyms, I do have a total gym that I have access to. Let me know what you think.
J.

I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant and am currently following a similar diet, although I am not diabetic. It's basically eating three meals a day, with 3 snacks, and eating like a diabetic. I also walk or do some exercise 30 minutes when I can which ends up being a couple of times a week. I have lost 20 since January, but if I were more dedicated to the exercise, I think I could have lost more than that by now. I spoke to a dietician who set me up with this diet based on my lifestyle and she said that a safe rate of weight-loss is about 1-2 pounds a week. I feel great and it's steady but surely coming off. Good luck to you!

The only real way to loose weight is to eat less and burn more calories.......unfortunately, this takes work. My first suggestion is to join a gym. 24-hour Fitness, for example, has full-time memberships for only $30/month, and I know the local Ys are reasonable, too. If your 1 year old starts going to the daycare at a gym now, he'll be used to it enough to keep going as he gets older.

I've been trying the "300-400-500" way of eating (I don't call it a diet). 300 calories for breakfast, 400 for lunch, 500 for dinner, with 2 150-calorie snacks. I don't stick to it perfectly, but in if I keep it in mind all day, I eat 1500 calories without feeling deprived. I try to keep healthy foods around instead of junk, and I try to snack on carrots, celery, smoothies (simple mixture of frozen fruit, skim milk, juice and a banana--no yogurt or ice cream), lo-cal cheese. And I use low or no-cal dips, like wing sauce or salsa.

I also think the best way to slim down is to implement weight lifting/other strength training. Pilates is the #1 way to flatten a tummy, I think. Yoga is fantastic, too. You can get workout DVDs and use them at home--they're fun. Be sure to get advanced ones, or you'll get bored really quickly.

Walking is a great way to burn calories, and you can do it with your baby! You burn 100 calories for every mile you go (more if you're going uphill), so if you keep a quick pace of 15-minute miles, you can burn 400+ cal/hour!

Good luck, and have fun!

Good luck! I am in the same boat ~ 20 lbs to go. I am going with my standard weight loss routine. It has never let me down. I concentrate on being healthy, not the number. I look at the number on the scale as the extra added bonus. I never "diet". When I go on a "diet" I never succeed. Once I fall off the bandwagon, I feel the need to blow it completely and eat everything in sight. Instead, I allow myself that cookie if I want it, but I don't go overboard. Moderation. I also try to avoid late night snacking with my husband (he eats 2 dinners and doesn't gain a pound!!) and watch portion sizes. I get some form of exercise every day. Currently, I go to the gym every morning and do cardio. (I haven't brought weights into the routine yet, but will eventually add them 2 times a week.) I enjoy the time to myself (I like to read while on the eliptical) and my 5 month knows our routine. After my last baby (now almost 6) I did this same thing. I didn't have the extra money then for a gym membership so I went to the park every day and walked the trail with one in a stroller and one in a snuggly! It was the healthiest I had every been ~ and as an added bonus, the thinest! Don't give up and remember that even though you don't like the extra weight, the result was worth every pound! Enjoy your children!!

Ooooh, try Jazzercise! It's the only workout I will ever do again. If you like to dance and love music, no matter your skill level, you will love it. I go to a location in C'Field Ivy Chapel) but there are others. Try www.jazzercise.com

I don't like gyms but I really like to do water aberoics and have had good luck with it along with cutting out sweets and eating more fruit (apples). Also, when you go to a store park the farthest away from the store and don't eat at least 3 hours before bedtime (hardest one to do for me). Good luck

I tried slim fast (already made shakes), and lost the rest of my baby weight and then a some. It can be hard if you really like to eat, as I do, but after the 1st week I saw results so that gave me the motivation and willpower to continue. They have a website that can help you come up w/ a plan or you can do what I did and look at theirs and make your own similar to what you like to eat. That worked fine for me. I also wasnt walking or anything so if you added in a little bit of walking/ working out time you would see results faster. The 2 best shakes are milk chocolate or the cappuchino(SP?). Good luck!!

S., I live in Overland and workout at the Curves at Ashby & the Rock Rd. I've used their 6 week eating plan (I believe it's similar to South Beach) and usually lose 10-15 pounds in the 6 weeks. It has a suggested menu that balances carbs, protein and fat. Since joining Curves last July I've lost a total of 23 lbs and 32 inches. I don't seem to concentrate on the weight as much anymore because I look better and my clothes fit better having lost all those inches.

Right now, Curves is partnered with Avon and is doing a study. You can workout 30 days for $30. The only requirement is that you have to agree to come 3x per week for 4 weeks (you can come more if you want). The Curves foods (cereal and snack bars, I think) have a 2-week free pass on the box if you don't want to pay to try it.

I know, I sound like a great big commercial, but I can't help it. I don't own one, I don't hold stock...I'm just a really satisfied member. And the thing I love the most is that I don't have to think about my workout. It's 30-minutes. I bust my butt on the machines and I walk out done and ready for my day.

BTW, let me know if you want a walking buddy...maybe we can meet at Ritenour HS a couple of times a week to walk.

I feel you. I have been married for going on 3 years this July, have a 20 month old and still dragging the weight I gained. I do not live close to Overland, but I think it's close to where I work. Email me and perhaps we could get together on my lunch break. I know it takes motivation plus the encouragement of someone to get you going and stay on track. If you want you may email me at ____@____.com

Losing weight is not always easy, but after I had my son this is what I did for a couple of motnths and I had lost more than I weighed before I had gotten pregnant. If you drink soda or coffee, limit what you drink. Eat salads,(be careful of the salad dressings that you choose, it can rack up a lot of calories!) chicken,( without the skin and not fried.), lean beef, raw fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. Anything that is good for you can be eaten but in moderation, except for veggies of coarse. I always ate something that was not so good for me once a week only. If you need anymore suggestions let me know!

WEIGHT WATCHERS! I have battled to keep the weight off for years. I lose a pound hear or there, but never alot. I've had a great deal of success with WW. I lost over 20 lbs before my wedding and I'm on it again after having my little one and have lost 8 lbs. It's the way to go!
L.

Mt suggestion if you are a control freak and internet junkie like myself is to join weight watchers online. My sister and dad just had their one year anniversary (she's lost 75 lbs and he's lost 35)I am a sahm and i find the convenience of just getting online awesome. i also enjoy planning my meals ahead to keep track of my points and keeping a food diary. i feel like i'm in control. it took me 18 months after my first baby to lose the 60 lbs i gained (no program) and after my second, i lost all 45 lbs in 4 months (using weight watchers online)!!! my baby is only 6 months old and i just got back from Mexico with my hubby (and wore a bikini the whole time!!!) good luck!