Those Last Few Pounds

I am in the same boat - would like to lose 10 lbs of my baby weight. I had two babies within the last two years! Anyway, I do try to eat healthy - no fast food and sodas. That has really shed the pounds. I, like you, do not work out anymore after having kids b/c I would rather spend my free time with them. You could try to park a little farther or take the stairs when it is an option. I have done that as well. Looking forward to reading the responses!!

You are not alone. Most people have so much other stress in their life that it's difficult to find time to exercise. Try to incorporate your family, so that you aren't giving up time with them. You mentioned that your commute is 1 hr each way and that your career is crazy busy. That can definitely contribute to stress. In case you haven't heard of adaptogens, they are a category of herbs that help the body deal with stress, restore balance, and support normal metabolic processes. (A lot has been discussed recently about adaptogens, even Oz on Oprah). Often times stress causes us to overeat as well as produce excess cortisol (causes the body to store fat). Adaptogens support weight management by regulating blood sugar, insulin metabolism, and cortisol levels; aid in digestion; and increase energy. In fact, adaptogens have the ability to shift the body's metabolism to a greater use of fat for energy.

To learn more about fast acting adaptogen sprays (Slim is wonderful for cravings and weight control) and watch "The Story of Adaptogens Documentary" 10 minute video, go to VitalHealth.TunguskaMist.com

You'll have more energy and endurance to work out with adaptogens. Can you squeeze in time for some weight training? How about using some dumbbells while watching tv @ home, or during a quick break @ work? Lean muscle mass will help speed up your metabolism, thus you'll burn more calories.

2 great books that I recommend are: Living Lean, by Larry North and Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or need further advice and/or encouragement. I've studied health, wellness, and Kinesiology for many years and have a passion for helping people change their life:)

If you're trying to squeeze in exercise, why not make it a family event? Go for a walk to the park; go for bicycle rides; turn on some fun music and dance around the house (your 4 year old will probably really enjoy that). Or, get some kids videos, like the Wiggles, that have a lot of dancing and movement.

My daughter went off all sugar for a month and lost 7 pounds.
V. B.

The best way not lose time with your kids is to do it with them. Take a jog in a park or make a game of some type that incoporates a workout that is good for you and the kids. That way you are spending quality time with them and excercising also. Win Win situation. Hope this helps good luck

I hear you T.!! :) With having a house full of kids myself I do at-home workouts and the best place, I've found, to get a good workout dvd is at www.collagevideo.com. They have a HUGE selection and plus they give you about a minute video clip so you get an idea what the excercises are. You could also invest in a double jogging stroller and get the whole family out, maybe after dinner, for a nice walk or jog. Good luck T.!!

Hi T.,
I recently bought a DVD which I love. It is a 20 mintue workout and I find it pretty easy to fit into my busy schedule. Its called 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels. I bought it on amazon.com. It has 3 levels and depending on your fitness level you can start at the appropriate level. You can't go wrong with this one. Good luck!

I discovered that weight watchers really works for me. You can go to weightwatchers.com and there are some really good tips that you can get for free. I chose to actually join under the monthly pass option and attend meetings each week. I pay $39.95 a month. The only thing I don't like about it is that I had to sign some things for them to take automatic drafts once a month in order to use the monthly pass option and they always take it from the check on the 1st of the month. It always throws me off when I'm budgeting. Since I don't see a bill before hand, I forget that I'm having to pay it. What I think is awesome though is that when I meet my goal, I can become a lifetime member and make a call to have the monthly payments stopped. At the rate I'm going, I'll get there by May. Since you're only trying to loose 5 or 10 pounds, I would just work with the free website options for now. If you don't get anywhere with that, you can always make the choice to actually join later. THere's a section where you can enter your zip code and find a meeting place that is near you. You just have to make sure the time coincides with your schedule.

Hi T.. When possible, include your husband and children in your exercise routine. When the weather is nice, take a family walk outside. If you go to the park, play actively with your 4 year old (your husband can spend time bonding with his little 7 month old). In the summer, take the family swimming and instead of sitting on the side watching, get in and play! When you have to stay indoors, turn your cleaning chores into cardio sessions -- scrub the floor, the bathtub, and other chores with entergetic vigor. There are also engaging "Mommy and Me" workout videos you can find at Target or on the internet. I have a Mommy and baby video that I do with my 6 month old. Of course in your daily life, choose to take the stairs when given the option, walk places as much as possible, and do crunches, push-ups, lunges, and squats during the commercials of t.v. shows you watch (if you have time to watch any tv). Make it a game and the whole family can join in. Have fun with it and remember that doing a little is better than doing nothing!

R.

I don't know if you work anywhere near a gym, but I go workout at lunchtime. My gym is about 5 minutes from work, so I can get a 45 minute workout and a quick shower and return to work.

Oh my goodness....I am so pumped up about this product!! I have just been introduced to it and i am on the wagon! It is called Advocare.

you will lose the weight...quick!
It is actually vitamin packs that are good for your body.

I am going to be selling these. Because the energy it gives you is fantastic. And, they are healthy! Let me know if you want to try them.

T., get a Wii. It is a great workout and you can get so many different "games", etc. that your workout will never be boring. You can also get the family involved and stay inside during the cold weather. My husband and I got one at Christmas for me to use after our next baby comes (due in March) and our 2 year old can even play some of the games. She loves it! The bowling stretches your leg and butt muscles, the boxing is a good upper-body workout, and they have yoga if you get the Wii Fit Board. This is something you can do at home, don't have to make time to go to the gym, and it is pretty economical overall. I know a lot of people that swear by it. You can always try a friend's to see if you like it. Good luck and come March, I'm right there with you!