Losing the Baby Weight

I use the treadmill and elliptical doing interval speed walking since I cannot run. I walk at a normal pace to warm up for about 3 to 5 mintues and then pick up the speed for 3 minutes then down for 2, up for 1, etc. I do this for 30 minutes or so depending on how much time I have. Also adding either dumbbells/hand weights or a workout cord is good. there are books that can show you some exercises to do with them. Since you have access to a gym, schedule some time with someone to show you the best way to use the equipment for strength training. It should be included in membership at most places.

M.:
Congrats on the upcoming baby! I know that I could not lose weight just on exercise alone. As you may remember, you are tired, don't get enough sleep, don't eat right, etc. I have used some great natural products that burn calories and give you a great boost of energy plus they take the edge off of being hungry! It's great when you don't have the time to grab a meal or just want something inbetween your next healthy meal. Plus the energy drink tastes great hot or cold and doesn't have all the calories and other junk that other energy drinks do. If you are nursing, you don't want a lot of "junk" going to the baby either, so don't fret. There are great protein shakes or fiber ones, plus other great products that will help you lose your weight while you are exercising but we all know that it doesn't happen over night and sometimes we just don't feel like going to the gym - too tired, too cold, too much snow, the baby is sick, etc.

I'd love to provide you with more information if you would like. Eating well helps too but it is a total regimen that keeps up your energy and stamina, plus keeps you healthy for those kids who need you all the time!

To your health,

K.
Wellness Consultant

I have been using Jillian Michaels 30 day shred dvd. and it is great. I have lost all the weight and I'm hoping all my tummy muscles return. I still have a pooch if I bend over and my stomach doesn't look tight, but it is flat.

Check out myfitnesspal.com

It is an online site (free ) that will calculate how many cals you should eat/day to lose weight, etc. Research supports that the average person will lose twice the amount of weight when journaling their food. They have support message boards, ideas for exercise & food- overall an awesome tool! I have recently lost all my baby weight (31 pounds)& my baby girl is 3 1/2 months old! This is the first time I have been successful--she's my 3rd baby & I've always kept a little bit of my other two with me- unfortunatley! Good luck to you:)

Most important thing is to do weight baring exercises, weight training. Also aerobics at first you'll only do what you can but when you are ready I would shoot for 30 minutes to 60 minutes 5 days a week. Weight training and core exercises three days a week. Portion control is huge. Make sure that when you eat you are having protein, whole grain carbs and veggies most meals. Remember protein serving is as big as the palm of your hand and pasta is the size of your closed fist. Veggies; as long as they are steamed without sauces you can have as much as you want. If you still feel hungry after eating your portion of meat and carbs then fill up the rest with veggies. Also I have a 50-100 cal. treat every day. My favorite are york peppermint patties. They are dark chocolate which is good for you and they leave that minty taste in your mouth that deters you from needing to eat more. Brushing your teeth after each meal helps too. Eat every 3-4 hours equal portions of 5-6 meals a day. Especially if you are weight training you need consistent fuel. At your gym you may want to go with a personal trainer a few times or go to the library and get some books about weight training to get you started. Cindy Whitmarsh has a couple of great books that have a ton of great exercises that you can combine for your own routine you design and she also has suggested work outs you can use. I know how you feel but be sure to enjoy those few weeks with your baby and not worry about the baby weight. Remember it took a whole year for you to acquire it so it will take that long for you to feel back to where you were before baby. I gained on average 60 lbs. with all my kids and I have lost it every time. It takes hard work but you seem determined so I wouldn't worry about it to much.