Hello Adrienne I am a 25 year old working mom of 2 year old twin girls!!! I know just how you feel I am still waiting to get into some of my pre-twins clothing but I never feel motivated or have time I work mon-fri- and very busy weekend schedule. I have recently joined a gym at a very resonable rate only 45 dollars a month ( for me that means cutting out my pedicure and manicure ) but its worth it I go in early before work and do 30 min. cardio. I am slowly but surly losing weight...but the real benifit is when I get home after work I seem to have extended energy I find that Im not ready for bed as soon as i get in the door I am able to play and bath my kids with the enthusium they deserve. I know what a full plate you have but you need to put yourself back on your list up there with the kids and work and hubby dont forget about you!!!! You will see that spending that extra time on yourself you will feel better spending time with the kids. and have lots more energy I go to California Family Fittness the womens only gym if you decise to join I would love to work out and chat with you Good Luck Jillian
What I've found is getting up an hour earlier in the mornings while the kids are sleeping (and when I was married, this was easier as someone was home to be with the kids), and walk/jog in the neighborhood. It didn't cost me anything, and I never had to worry about the summer weather as I was doing it first thing in the morning. You can start with walking and work in running a bit more as you go along. There is a great Couch to 5k program on the web that gives great tips.
Adrienne this is long so bear with me...
After I had my twins I somehow had to figure out how to lose 65 lbs. I was very busy as well but my body thought it still needed the 5000 calories I ate while I was pregnant. I had to do serious portion control and I had a slim fast in between lunch and dinner to help with the cravings. I seriously limited any carbs, pasta, rice, bread etc. which was my downfall. I learned to eat all fresh veggies and lean meats like chicken and more fish. I limited my red meats and my sugars. I started walking and at first it was only 1/4 mile which seems like a lot, but you'd be surprised. After about 10 weeks I started walking about 2.5- 3 miles a day and eating right. You need to walk at a pace though that gets your heart rate going. It needs to be up for about 30minutes before you get to the fat burning stage. I saw the weight coming off and was even more motivated to keep going. Walking is free and you can put weights on your ankles and wrists. While your walking move your arms, do arm curls forward and sideways. This burns more calories than just walking. Start slow and work your way up. The weights on your ankles will do the job for you while your walking. Use a MP3 player while walking to have something to listen to and bring a dog if you have one. Also hook up with a walking buddy. This helps so you go together. It is best to go first thing in the morning because other wise it is too hot. Drink lots, and lots of water. I drink about 10 glasses of water a day. This is the key...
Before you know it you too will see the changes. But it will only work if you are 100% ready to do it. It does take time for your body to accept the eating changes so don't get discourged if you don't see it right away.
Keep it going and you will be soo proud of yourself.
Good luck Trish
Hey there,
I hear you loud and clear :) I wanted to write you because I SO feel the same way...two kiddos (a two year old hectic boy and an almost 4 month old sweet baby girl) and never enough time or money!
My husband owns a personal fitness studio in Danville and I know you mentioned that money is tight. Personal training can definitely be pricey, but I know that my husband's studio offers consultation packages (where you come in, get a rundown of your current status, create goals and then they meet with you like once a month and kind of help direct you in your path). I'm sure some other gyms out there should offer the same type of thing. I've heard that some gyms have personal training that comes as part of the membership?? [don't know which ones, I've just heard this in passing from others] You have to be careful when you choose one though, to make sure they are HIGHLY qualified in the industry [there are many that are not]. Certifications to look for would be anything through the ACSM or NSCA.
I don't know what area you live in, but from one mama trying to get back on-track to another mama trying to get back on-track, I would very highly recommend a trainer. I'm not the type to stay motivated and actually make it a lifestyle change [versus a diet or temporary phase] so my "coach" keeps me focused and it's a lot of fun.
The only other thing I'd like to applaud you for is that you are seeking help to get this going....after all, where would are precious kids be if we weren't here to play with them, teach them, and guide them?!
Good luck to you and let me know if you have any other questions about fitness or trainers ~ I'd be happy to ask my hubby and pass on the info!
~kari
I have lost 20 pounds from January 7 to March 31. Here is what worked for me: increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables I eat daily, increasing the amount of water I drink daily, walking for exercise (30 minutes 3-5 times a week) with dog and baby in the stroller, doing Dance Dance Revolution with my kids a couple of times per week (or other fun things with them), and eating the right way 90% of the time, but allowing 10% for really enjoying something off my "diet". I found the "You: on a Diet" book to be very helpful. Oh, and keeping a food journal helped me for the first month.
Hi Adrienne ~ 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!
Hi Adrienne,
It sounds like we have a lot in common! I too am a 33-year old mom of two who is at the point where I realize that I need to do something about my health. I'm very active - not even close to being a couch-potato! But at the same time, I'm overweight and unhappy with it. And then to top it off, I had my physical and found out that I have borderline high cholesterol. That was the kicker that got me going!
After looking into various weight loss programs and talking to lots of people, I decided to go with Weight Watchers Online. The best part for me is that it's easy to understand, you have complete control, you can make it fit into you and your family's lifestyle, and there are no meetings - it's all done online. Oh, and the cost isn't too bad at about $16 a month. The online tools are AWESOME and I've learned so much in a short period of time. It's eye opening and life changing. And the icing on the cake is that I've lost 10-lbs in about 5 weeks. If I keep going at this rate, I'll be at my goal weight before I thought possible!
Good luck to you!
Shelley
Try Sparkspeople.com. It is a free website with exercise programs,and meal choices.
Also, go online and find the book "biggest loser fitness program". My work did a weight loss challenge, and I won the book in a raffle that we had. It will motivate you, and that also has a full body work out that you can do in 30 minutes. I usually do mine before bed, so I work out, take a shower, relax, and then go to bed.
Margie
Hi, I'm a nutritionist. I used to be a much larger woman with small children. My children are now 10 & 8. The best way to help with fat vs lean tissue is to eat low glycemic for your carbs and also eat according to your metabolic type (genetic key). This is not the blood type diet. Fad diets don't usually work. You can find lots of infomation online about low glycemic foods. This web site www.proevity.com offers a nutrition class for under $20.00. If youb body doesn't have all the needed nutrients it will breakdown muscle. That will lower your abilty to process food into lean tissue. I'd be happy to send you some e-mail information or talk to you on the phone. Exercise is needed. Walking is great. At 10,000 steps a day you will trigger a gene to help you burn fat. Anyway, I'd love to help you more.
Susan 916-645-0861
My suggestion is to put your daughters in a double stroller and take a walk! They will enjoy it, and you'll get some exercise. It doesn't cost anything (except for the stroller, I guess). Try to make time for it everyday, even if it's just around the block. It's a great way to get started getting back in shape.
Hi Adrienne,
My name is Angie 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.
650.799.1273
Yoga! It will help you become stronger physically and more flexible, but will help you relax as well. You can find classes everywhere without joining a gym and they are not usually expensive.
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.
Without a lot of effort, I've actually lost about 15 pounds from the weight I was before having my second daughter in March 2007. Believe it or not, I haven't done much to do it. I just starting eating more salads (and my salads are actually large with dressing) and started walking as much as possible with a neighbor in the evenings. Doing these walks with someone has really helped because knowing you are going to meet someone doesn't let you excuse yourself from the exercise as easily. Try to find someone to walk with...
Also, I did do Weight Watchers online for a while, and their advice is pretty good. I'm not a member anymore, but it did make me think about my food choices a bit more after being on for a few months...
Don't do anything drastic because you won't stick with it.
One of the best ways to lose weight and tighten up muscles is walking. Maybe you can do a power walk every day with your daughters. they can run themselves tired and you get your exercise! combine a daily power walk with good eating habits and you'll lose weight! I'm not saying to go on a diet, but if you eat slower, you will feel full faster. when you feel satisfied, push yourself away from the table - you've had enough! Also, drinking water between meals helps you not to feel hungry. Good luck!
Adrienne,
When my kids were little I used to get up an hour before they did to work out. It was the best thing I did for myself, I had more energy, and patience with them. Now,
I go to the gym. It's your choice what you choose as a work out, but I would recommend mixing it up, as it will boost your metabolism, and you won't get so bored so easily.
Wendi
Hi Adrienne,Find a way to exercise. You will have more energy and your metabolism will improve. Find a good place to hike or an exercise class. TV tape. Doesn't have to be strenuous. Swimming, dancing, Tai Chi. Find a friend who will go with you. Buddies help you keep with a program. I love walking so I try to do it daily. It helps my mental health as well as my physical well being. Ole Mother Mary Ann
Hi Adrienne,
As a therapist, the biggest mistake I see people make in the weight-loss area is feeling like they have to do it all' at once. Start small-- evaluate how many mochas you have a week, and cut one out. Park at the other end of you office parking lot and walk in-- go for a walk at lunch. Tiny little steps, which don't cost anything and won't cut into your relaxation time (believe me, I know how precious that is!) will add up. Can you walk your children to their day-care? That'd be good for you and them. Anyway, evaluate your lifestyle, make a list of some small steps you can take, and whatever you do-- do not 'beat yourself up' when things don't go the way you want. Instead of thinking, 'Oh, man-- I didn't want to eat that cake! I always do that!' try 'Well, that probably wasn't the smartest move-- I'll do better tomorrow'. The more you can cheer yourself on, the better you'll do. Good luck!
My husband and I are both in the same position. This is what he is going to do (I can't yet, still pregnant with #5). Check out www.sacramentogetthin.com
Some ladies I know really well from church are the ones doing it. It sounds fun, very inexpensive ($39), and a chance to win money. I know we need accountability, and this is it. Maybe it will work for you? The first meeting is June 11th.
God bless.
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!