Losing Weight - Griffith, IN

I love the book "The Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno (www.eatcleandiet.com). The book is about a lifestyle change instead of a one time diet. Also there is a magazine called "Clean Eating". You can find lots and lots of great recipes in both the book and magazine. You can get a free copy to try of the magazine by going to its website - www.cleaneatingmag.com. It will give you a shopping list for a weeks worth of food too. The recipes are great!
Good luck!
T.

I gained 65 lbs with my first, never lost it and got pregnant again. It seems that I've tried everything, and not even working out+counting calories worked for me. I signed up for Bally's, worked out for 8 weeks straight 5 times a week for 1hr + and nothing. (How can you not loose the motivation ??)
The only diet that worked for me is South Beach Diet.
I also did some workout videos at home every other day while following SBD.
I lost 30 lbs. I still have about 30 to loose, but I'm happy with the results...

Hi,

I am a personal trainer, weight loss coach and nutritional consultant and I work primarily with pg and postpartum moms with all of the above.

I just turned 30 myself and I just had baby #3 5 weeks ago.

What I have found and what I recommend to my clients is that having a soy shake in the morning, plus good snacks, eating lots of veggies and a protein source for lunch and dinner, and having a soy shake again as a snack during the day does wonders. I recommend the Herbalife SHAPEWORKS shakes and supplments.

Also, I have all my clients avoid the wicked 5 whites:

white potatoes
white rice
white pasta
white sugar
white flour (including white bread)

You can have SOME of the whole grain versions, but I have my clients keep it to a minimum because most of the women I work with are carbohydrate resistant (most Americans are to some degree).

I find that I can still lose weight and eat a 70% cocoa little chocolate bar (Mosser Roth from Aldi's is great) and a couple of ice breakers -sugar free - in a day.

Also eat foods that are anti-inflammatory: celery, green lettuce, omega 3 pharmaceutical grade fish oils

For a personal submission, I am nursing and am doing this myself for the 3rd time - I have lost 9 inches and 6 lbs in 3 weeks. (I am on the last 10 stubborn lbs - so that is pretty fast moving).

Also I recommend you take measurements rather than weighing. If you are losing CORRECTLY the inches will go fast, and the weight probably slower as you convert your fat into lean body mass (muscle weighs more than fat).

Here is the website I send my clients to look at programs:
www.herbal-nutrition.com/bonniewayne/

If you have questions you can email me - I also work with women with their "mummy tummys" - as I am certified in the TUPLER TECHNIQUE (one of only 2 people in the entire Chicago land area) Helps bring the stomach muscles together that separate during pregnancy. My waist size after baby #2 went from a 32 inch waist to a 25 inch waist in 5 months with the exercises (coupled with good nutrition).

I do not believe there is any easy way to lose weight. However, simple changes in your eating and exercising lifestyle will, over time, reduce your weight, and if you continue, keep your weight at a stable place. Ready? Stop drinking soda pop. Period. Drink water frequently through the day and at meals. Eat only at mealtime, nothing in between. Whether this is 3 "standard" meals a day or 6 mini meals, do not eat at other times. Eat all the vegetables and fruits you can. Eat them first at the meal. Exercise portion control on all other foods. Dessert? Can you limit yourself to 1 cookie, a third or half piece of cake or pie? If so, enjoy those few bites slowly. If not, don't eat dessert. Walk whenever you can. Park in the farthest spots. Walk to do errands if possible. Climb the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk through the house when you're talking on the phone. Get on the floor and play with your children. Losing weight as well as maintaining weight requires discipline. It's not easy, I know. You need to trust yourself that you do have the discipline to accomplish your goal. It's a lifetime decision, not just a short-term one. Best wishes for your success!

J.

I'm in the same boat as you. I lost 40 pounds last year doing Weight watchers online. It took the entire year, but meetings were out of the question with husband's schedule, and to be honest, I still ate ice cream, chicken wings, chips etc. occasionally. It worked for me because I wasn't in a huge hurry and I wanted to still enjoy eating. I eventually quit WW, but joined sparkpeople.com just so I could continue counting my calories.

I say I'm in the same boat, because I have gained 7 pounds back because of my lost motivation. Prior to moving two months ago, I worked out 5-6 days per week, every week. I intend to get myself together again counting calories closely and making a new workout schedule as soon as this cold goes away. For me, i need to fit exercise into my day (I mean actually write it into my calendar) and write down everything I eat. Good luck to us both. =0)

It's hard work. I gained on average 50lbs. with each of my kids (4). So I feel your pain. I am now done having kids and am a size 2, 4 depending on the clothes. I'm 38 and I do think age has a lot to do with working against losing the weight. I found that weight training has helped my metabolism. Muscle uses more energy than fat (which doesn't use up any energy at all). There are many books on different weight lifting and training that will help. Kathy Kaehler has a great little book with easy exercises you can do at home and has a great perspective on mom's and exercising. The book is Real-World Fitness (she wrote it with a Dr. Cheryl K. Olson) This would be a great place to start. My goal each day for aerobics is to go 40 minutes and 3-4 miles depending on what machine I use 6 days. I also weight train 6 days a week, alternating body parts. I'm in the extreme end of exercising. Also I think alcohol is a big problem when you are trying to loose weight. I find that if I have a night where I have a few beers or wine I seem to gain a pound. It is so frustrating. Anyway, I love Jorge Cruise, The 3-hour diet. It is awesome. It keeps you from getting hunger because you eat every three hours and you have a great stragedy to controlling portions. Just remember whatever you do be sure that it is a life style change and you'll have to do it for the rest of your life. Otherwise, the weight won't come of or if it does if you don't make it a life change it will creep back up. Good Luck! Keep at it and eventually you will see results. It is better to get rid of it slowly. Then you know it's fat you are losing and not muscle or just water weight.

C.,

I have an awesome weight loss program that when followed, you will drop weight fast and be very nourished, have lots of energy, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, vegetable protein and too many good things to report here. If interested, contact me. L. Rawson

Well, I know how you feel! I joined a gym a month ago just to make myself workout...if I have to pay I will use it. If I have to put a dvd in and workout at home...not happpening with my 4 kids! So, I have been working out at least 3 days a week for at least 45 minutes each time. I have gotten rid of all the pop and junk in the house. All fruits, veggies, lean meats and healthy snacks at our house. My kids and I both only get sodas when we go out to dinner which may be once a week. I am not sure if I have lost a single pound, I refuse to be a slave to the scale. I have lost over half of my baby tummy that grew back after I quit smoking. working out has become my new addiction and if feels good! Some of my friends and I are posting our progress pics over on Myspace. Its good motivation to see everyones progress. Virtual Support Group...lol! If you want to be part of it send me a message!

After my first set of twins (my 3rd pregnancy) I went on a low carb diet. It is what the Dr put my sis-n-law on for her gest.diabetes.
Let's see if I can explain this as easily as possible. You are given a total of 12 carbs for the day. Look at a box of crackers,(I am using generic cheese-it crackers) it saysserving size 32 crackers (I would say 1handful) is total carbs 19grms. Now for you to count your 12 carbs, 15 grams=1carb. So that handful of crackers is 1 carb for your daily count. A sandwhich is 2 carbs (most bread packages when you read them equal to 1 carb per slice). My DH and I both did this and we both lost like 30lbs.
It is a little hard to get started because you really have to get into the new habit but it gets easy real fast, truly!!
As we all do I hit a plateau for the last year I guess so I recently joined a Curves and Love them!! I have only lost like 5lbs in 3mo but have lost over 12 inches between my Chest(didn't need to lost anymore there then the babies helped w/) my upper arm, my wait, abdomen and thigh. It makes for nice "me" time too. We all as mom's need to learn to take that me time.
Feel free to email me any Qs!!!

Hi C. I personally would check into some classes in the local gyms some of us are motivated by others start light but with the kids plan some nature hunts, bike rides keep a diary of your intake what kind of exercises your doing good luck

I have given birth to four children- the last one 15 months ago as a surrogate for a friend at age 32, so I, too, am familiar with the wonderful gain/lose cycle of motherhood! I will tell you my trick for seeing fast results, which was always the trick for me staying motivated. Cut carbs! Not forever- just for a few weeks to get a jump start- For breakfast I always have ham scrambled with eggs and a little bit of cheese melted on top. Usually just 3-4 egg whites- sometimes I add one yolk. No bread or juice or fruit. Just coffee or tea or water. For lunch I would have a salad with chicken breast or even deli turkey on it and just load on the veggies. To drink- just tea, water or coffee. For dinner- I would have whatever I made the family- just a smaller portion of carbs (potatoes,pasta) and maybe some extra veggies or salad. For desert- sugar-free jello ( they sell them in little 10 calorie cups) with whipped cream or sugar free fudgesicles.
I would say about two weeks on this and you will start to see fairly quick results. After I got motivated I would add in a piece of toast at breakfast occasionally or sometimes bread at lunch. As far as exercising- for me, cardio makes me more hungry than the calories I burn so I tend to concentrate on modifying my diet and just do the minimum for heart health and concentrate on toning- mainly my (un) lovely ab area! Good luck- this is what got me back in the same size that I wore before my 8 year old was born- of course none of that clothing is still in style- haha!

Yes, it is true that your metabolism begins to slow after the age of 30. There are some good tips out there, what works for one "body" may not work for another. Here are some other tips:

Drink half of your weight in ounces. If you weigh 160lbs, then aim to drink 80oz in water per day.
-Eating eggs for b-fast will help you feel full longer, keep you satisfied and you will eat less at the end of the day. The key is to eat more in the first half than the second half.
-eat protein within 30-60 min post-workout to restore the vitamins and minerals and protein you lost during your workout. An example would be half of a PB sandwich, protein bar, etc.
-You do need at least 150g of carbs per day for your brain to function alone, please watch the low carb diets, they are not for everyone. However, 15g does equal one serving of carb. so if you have a slice of bread and it reads 23g, then that is 1.5 servings of carbs.
-anything made with artificial sweetener not only makes you crave more sugar, it also feeds your fat stores, so avoid splenda, sweet n low, equal etc. It is hidden in many yogurts, like dannon and yoplait
-Agree, watch the white stuff, flour, sugar, rice, when in doubt go brown (whole wheat flour, brown rice, raw sugar).
-Eat within the first hour of awakening and eat every 3-4 hours afterwards aiming for 5-6 mini-meals per day.

Hopefully this will help you get started. Let me know if you have any further questions.

J., MPH, ACE-CPT

Hi there, I know how tough it is! If you can do this for 2 months, you will not only lose 20 pounds, but you'll drop about 2 clothing sizes because of the inches that you will lose.

Cut out ALL pasta, rice, bread, milk, yogurt, sugar, flour, gravy and soda (unless it's diet soda) for two months. That's it, that's all it takes. Sounds easy, but it's actually very hard because you begin to realize how much of that stuff you really do eat on a daily basis.

Just try it, and keep in mind that it's only for two months. All of those yummy things that you want will be there when you finish - and you won't gain the weight back if you eat it in moderation. Good luck!

Weight Watchers worked great for me. What is great about it is you are eating regular food and learning portion sizes. You can also eat things you like in moderation and watching your points. The first 2 weeks are the hardest, then you should see results and that is your motivation. Once you start losing the weight you will feel wonderful and that will keep you going...Exercise of course helps too, but quite honestly I just did the diet and lost the weight. You go girl!!

It's funny what that evil #30 means in terms of weight loss- losing weight just gets harder and harder... but I am here to say that it can be done. That is why programs like weight watchers/jenny craig/seattle suttons exist. I did weight watchers on-line. I did not go to meetings, although those might be nice for you if you want a Mom's night out(not the dream night out but one out none the less!). I lost 50 lbs on that without working out. It took me about 6 mos- I averaged 1.5 lbs/week. It was an amazing thing and I wasn't ready to stop but I got pregnant so I had to. I was really glad to start this pregnancy 10 lbs lighter!

I just lost about 20 pounds .......over a period of time.
I am using some natural products and also a program called vitality for life. If you can give me a call, it is so much easier to tell you what I have done rather than write it all out. Yes, it did not come off at first, but then when I started using these products, it did....or email me at ____@____.com
C., where do you live?
L. Guinnee
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Instead of thinking "I need to lose weight". Say to yourself, "I am on my way to a healthier body"! Keep your health as much a priority as you do your children. Start with, if your getting the nutrients your body needs, cravings go away, you sleep better and have more energy for the day! Supplements are necessary to make certain your nutrients are balanced. I do have a liquid, vitamin and mineral supplement I recommend. And, that is because our bodies are like sponges, so, liquid is more bio-available. Pills, take too long to break down, and still might not be aborbed in the small intestine where your body is supposed to get those nutrients! But, I'm also learning to be a weight coach. If you'd like, I can help you for free through e-mail and, you can call me anytime. I have a ton of resources and will be a source of motivation for you. E-mail me if your interested. Bel.

Use mummy magic weight loss tea three times a day half an hour before every meal and you'll get rid of your extra pounds and belly pouch.

Hi,

I also just had baby number #2 and was able to lose 45 lbs in 3 months with Weight Watchers points system and exercising with the Firm's the Wave during the week. It's really convenient because the workouts are only about 30 min long and I can squeeze them in while the kids are napping. It helped me also stay motivated because I had no excuse, all the equipment (the wave stepper) was already in my home.

Weight Watchers is excellent as well because it allowed me to eat what I wanted but just in smaller quantities. I still have treats every other day and eat plenty that allows me to nurse. Hope this helps=)

Hi C.,
I am a Perfect Body Shape Coach and could help you obtain the goals you are looking for. The key is the Coaching.
It is a 90 day program where I educate you in metabolic Profiling, Glycemic Indexing and more. You can lose a dress size in 90 days. email me back and I will send you a couple links. http://pamelah.perfectbodyshape.com/welcome for your BMI. P. ;-)

I joined an exercise group after my second child called StrollerFit and that was great. The other ladies were great motivators and we could share tips. I have three children plus two I babysit now so I can't participate in that kind of groups anymore.

You literally push your kids around in a stroller while you exercise. It was a great group and if you can find something along those lines in your area it is really a great motivator.

I feel for you honey!! I went down every diet pill isle in the stores and tried several and guess what? None of them worked. Then I tried the alli diet. Yes it is expensive but I would do it again in a heart beat. Just go to myalli.com and they tell you how to motivate yourself what to do to get the results that you want. They set your daily calorie schedule and give you menus to follow. They also e-mail me once a week for a weigh in. The first week I lost 5 pounds.That was with no excersize. So once I started to tell that I was losing the weight I started to go to the gym 2 days a week. Then I noticed that my stomach was getting smaller so that motivated me to go to the gym more. Now I am there 3 days week and still losing the weight. It has been three months and I have already lost 13 pounds and I could not be happier.