A.M. asks from Richmond, CA on June 04, 2008
Need Weight-loss Help Now!
I am the mother of two happy, healthy two-year-old daughters. My weight since giving birth has advanced to the "you better do something about it soon" stage, but I am not feeling motivated at all about getting started with the process. I live a very active life, socially. I work outside of the home Monday-Friday, and attend church Sundays most of the time, so when I find time to myself, all I want to do is sleep, or relax in some way. Does anyone have any suggestions? Money is very limited, even on a two-person income. I want to be able to run after my children and not feel like I have run a marathon. I also want to be healthy. Help?
2 moms found this helpful
So What Happened?™
Thank you to all of you who offered suggestions and feedback. I was so overwhelmed with how speedy and consistant the responces were. I have started changing my eating habits, and I invested in a jump rope so that I can jump with the kids. They love it and I'm getting some exercise (finally). I know that it is not going to be easy, or quick, but I am up for the challenge. Thanks to you all!!!
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C.N. answers from Sacramento on June 06, 2008
I just had my 4th child 9 months ago and am ecoutering the same problem. I have gained 20 pounds since then. I live with my boyfriend and his son. With 5 kids in the house you would think that I am active enough to be doing something about it but that hasn't been the case. I haven't been very motivated myself and think it is partly due to being new to the area and not knowing anyone I can excercise with or be acountable to. I have thought about joining a gym but money is very tight. I stay home with the kids and we only have one income.
Sorry I can't offer any suggestions, just thought I'd let you know you are not alone.
E.J. answers from San Francisco on June 05, 2008
I myself, struggle with the same problem. What I have done is watched every calorie I eat. A lot of women don't realize how many calories they are eating. One day I counted and I had consumed over 3000 calories. Now I'm only eating 1200-1500. and once you get home, before you get too settled...................put the girls in the stroller and go walking!!! I also started taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Try not to rush anything. Try to make life changes, or everyday habits.
I HOPE THIS HELPS SOME WHAT!
S.C. answers from San Francisco on June 05, 2008
Start with a commitment to get outside and do a 20-30 min. walk every single day--no excuses. You can take the kids and it doesn't cost anything. Plus, now that it's basically summer it's light outside a lot later. You'll feel much better, and it's not too taxing physically. Good luck!
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S.S. answers from Yuba City on June 07, 2008
Hi A.. I understand how you feel. The one thing that really helped me was keeping track of calories take your current weight Xs 12 minus 500/day or 1000/day to lose 1 or 2 pounds per week as Drs suggest....so if you're 150lbs. X 12 = 1800-500=1300 per day. Look at all the packaging of what you're eating - estimate to your best ability and write it all down. By midday you'll be able to see how much you can eat for the rest of the day!!! I was able to go to the gym as well but I lost 40lbs. in 6mos or so... I haven't kept up with keeping track of my calories so I've maintained my weight at this point but it really worked when I did it!! Good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
A.E. answers from Stockton on June 05, 2008
Without saying too much, start walking at lunch time. When I worked full time I would pack my lunch and then take a nice walk to a neighborhood park. I would walk two laps around this big park and then sit under a tree and eat my lunch. I killed two birds with one stone. I got my daily exercise and ate a nice healthy lunch. My lunch was 1 hour and I would spend 30-40 minutes walking and the rest eating and resting. It was so nice to relax before heading back to work. It became something to look forward to, especially when the morning was hectic. I am not into the whole diet thing, I have suffered from eating disorders and cannot go that route. I don't eat out much, and when I do I just make sure not to get anything too bad for me. I choose to buy fresh foods and not to buy processed foods. I choose to not eat out too often. But I do have a nighly treat with my husband every night once all the girls are down. I do not believe in dieting. Don't try and do too much at once, it will not last. It needs to be a slow process and it will turn into a lifestyle change. Start with just walking at lunch. Then start taking your lunch with you to work. It is healthier for you and will save you money from eating out. If you do this during your luch hour, over time you will notice a differance. It is also time to spend with yourself. That way when you do get home you will feel proud of yourself and get on with your evening. Please email me if you like. I just want to encourage you to take one step at a time.
God Bless you - A.
1 mom found this helpful
H.F. answers from San Francisco on June 05, 2008
I like Shelley have been doing Weight Watchers too. It has been great. I use online and go to the meetings with a monthly pass that is $40 a month. I need the weigh-in with someone else to help me be accountable. The online tools are great and help you make choices. The only thing I don't like about Weight Watchers is that they tend to encourage diet foods but we don't eat them. They also have a Recipe Builder online that you can enter your favorite recipes and find out how many Points they are. We have found that little changes make a big difference.
Good Luck.
N.S. answers from Sacramento on June 05, 2008
Hello,
My family and I went to the Galleria Mall yesterday. We were on the merry-go-around. My son 4 and my daughter 22 months. The gal working was helping my son on the horse. I said be careful he is a big boy, don't hurt your back. She mentioned that is no problem I used to be 365 lbs I can lift a lot. I was shocked to hear that because she looked like a teenager. I would never guessed she was big at one time. She told me she had gastric bypass surgery. Well what was a little upsetting is she said that medical insurance pays for it and she asked what mine was. Yeah she told me to go online and put my insurance information in to see if they will pay for mine. Ouch! It looks like I need HELP as well. I rather not do the bypass and my husband doesn't like it either. I know what I have to do and it's not eating so much sugar etc. I need to take care of myself. Take Care!
E.T. answers from San Francisco on December 02, 2008
I'm one of those who wants to lose 10-20 pds for about 10 yrs now.. Pounds don't fall off me, but tone & inches are lost. I've always exercised - hiked, biked, walked for hours 2/3xs a week and we eat healthy foods. Exercise & healthy foods like grilled fish/chicken, salads, vegies. Our downfall has been for larger portions and too much of good social drinking this past decade or so.
Over a year ago, I joined Bob Greene's Best Life online and my husb & I have been his excellent vegetarian menus ever since. We also have social drinking down to 1 glass.
My husb has completely embraced the Total Gym I bought a few years ago _ both our fathers died in the past 2 yrs, that and turning 55 inspired him. He's amazing. He went from 36 to <34 inch waist and has lost 12+ pds in the past yr. Not to mention his new biceps, toned abs, etc.
I've been doing Pilates Reformer, hiking too ~ but 3.5 mos ago I bought the Tony Horton 10 Minute Trainer DVDs and ever since, I've been doing 20-40 mins of his stacking exercises 4-6Xs/wk. Loving it! Lost inches, from a size 12 back to my standard size 10 pants/8 dress. Not to mention the extra energy, reduced stress, increased tone everywhere - core, arms, thighs, etc. better sleep. expands wardrobe as I can wear some older clothes again.
I highly recommend the checking out Bob Greene's Best Life at http://www.thebestlife.com/ - Bob is Oprah's longtime trainer = he also offers other menu types as well. Vegetarian meals = measured amt of beans + rice = protein, vegies, salads, angel hair pasta, etc. Also we eat a grassfed hamburger or steak 1 or 2x's month. Veg menus just works best for my body type. Carbs & too much pasta got me in the past too. 10 Minute Trainer program - you can do as little as 10 mins of cardio or yoga, abs, up to 60 mins, whatever. Its really the way to go! rave, rave, rave!
A.P. answers from San Francisco on June 05, 2008
Hi A.,
My name is A. Papangellin, and I am a certified in Weight-Management. I have found that by choosing high quality, nutrient dense food for yourself and your family, everyone wins and you will find you need to eat less food and consequently fewer calories to get the nutrition your body is asking for.
Of course the obvious equation of expending more calories than you consume pervades the field, you must be aware that the body continues to eat, and or holds onto was it has accumulated due to some deficiency in what you are eating. If you would like to discuss this in more detail, feel free to call me.
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S.C. answers from San Francisco on June 05, 2008
Start with a commitment to get outside and do a 20-30 min. walk every single day--no excuses. You can take the kids and it doesn't cost anything. Plus, now that it's basically summer it's light outside a lot later. You'll feel much better, and it's not too taxing physically. Good luck!
J.P. answers from Stockton on June 05, 2008
Hi A. ~ I too found myself in the same situation! I purchased The Firm excercise program that you see on tv - or you can go to firmdirect.com - I like it a lot - I get up in the morning about a 1/2 hour earlier than I normally would and get it in - otherwise I won't do it - then when I get home at night - there is no pressure, I can do what i need to do and then sit down and relax with my kids! It has been a struggle - and there are days that I miss - but it has a pretty good little program that for the most part is pretty easy to stick to. I hope that you find something that you like. I also noticed that the Firm also has some stuff at Longs Drug Store - like an excercise Ball and Video, and some pilates stuff....I am going to purchase those also so that I have more to mix it up with. I wish you luck! I do want you to know that even though it is hard if you stick with it, you will see results. I had my husband measure me before I started, and then after I had been doing it for 4 weeks. I had lost 3 inches around my waste - even though I cannot tell, he can - and my clothes are getting a little bit looser, but it was good to see the measurements and know that I truely had lost some inches - slowly but surely, I will get back down - and you will too! We also took before pictures (in a bikini)- so when I get down to where I want to be - we will take some after pictures! That is a big motivator for me!
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