Need to Loose Wieght

Are you still breastfeeding? While some women easily lose weight while breastfeeding, others cannot. Myself and several of my friends weren't able to lose more than ~5 lbs until we stopped breastfeeding then the weight melted of with little work. Not that I'm recommending stopping breastfeeding ... just giving you something to hope for!

Have you tried Weight Watchers? They have free registration right now and the weekly fee is $12. It is the easiest diet I have ever been on and they teach you to cook or eat everyday food ehile still losing weight. I lost 40 lbs on it before I had my daughter and I have just started back. They also offer it on line a weightwatchers.com
Good Luck

Try the 6 week body makeover. Four memebers of our family each lost 30 pounds in only a couple of months. Basically eat veggies, rice, potatoes, and lean protein. Eat small meals often to speed up the metabolism and walk all you can. The program also has exercises that specifically improve the areas of your body you want to improve.

Congratulations on the baby! Remove all bread products, white flour, white sugar, and white rice from your diet. I did this and lost 16 pounds the first month and 9 pounds month two. In 6 months I lost 45 pounds that I've kept off. I didn't realize the effects white flour/sugar had on my metabolism. Look on food labels and make certain that flour and sugar are 5th or greater on the label. You'll do wonderfully if you do this. It sounds extreme, but we found the love of veggies and salads and foods we'd not tried in a while. Drop the chips and snack foods. Shop the perimeter of the market where the good foods lie. Good luck!

If you can, buy a George Foreman grill from Bed,Bath,and Beyond. I'm sure you can find one online as well. There is the family size or a smaller size that is only $10. It's easy to use and plugs in just like a blender. Then you can grill your own chicken breast and veggies,fish,lean meat,etc right there on your kitchen counter.
Also, walk,walk,walk,as much as you can. If you don't go to the gym, take the baby in the stroller and go for a 45 min walk at least 5 times a week. I do mine first thing in the morning, but if you are working and are pressed for time, do it after dinner.
I would suggest eating something filling for breakfast like a bagel or bowl of oatmeal. Buy some cheese sticks in the large package and take 2 to work with you everday so that you can snack on in between meals. Baby carrot sticks are good as well.
Have a light lunch and healthy dinner. Sometimes salads can have more calories than a sandwich so try a grilled chicken breast with a side of cottage cheese. Black beans and sweet potato are good as well. Packaged tuna mixed in with a little spinach(salad),cranberries, and lime juice is a good alternative to traditional salads. Be careful of the fat free salad dressings. Just b/c they say fat free does not mean they have less calories. The best dressing you can use is a liitle but of balsamic vinegar mixed with extra virgin olive oil and a little lemon juice. Make a big bottle of your own. Stay away from any dressing that is "creamy" no matter if its says low fat or low cal.
Drink lots of water. If you are not a big fan of water, they sell those single crystal light pacakages that you can add to a bottled water.
Frozen dinners have ALOT of sodium so try to stay away from those if you can.
Instead of real peanut butter, get soy peanut butter and spread a little on a rice cake or apple slices.
I was back to my normal weight when my 2nd was 8 mos old. I breastfed until she was 6 mos so did not diet during then. But as soon as she turned 6 mos, I started using the Foreman grill,lowered my calorie intake,and made my own dressing. I ate a normal breakfast(sometimes even french toast or pancakes),and a light lunch and healthy dinner with carrots,apple slices,or cheese stick snacks in between.
I walked a lot and still do. I gained 28 lbs with my 1st pregnancy and 40 lbs with the 2nd. I'm now a size 2-4.
Good luck! Oh and whenever I have a sweet tooth, I get the child size ice cream when I take the kids, or have frozen yogurt. Chocolate rice cakes are actually really good and satisfying as well.

Register online with a free calorie counting website (like Calorie Count, Calorie King, Spark People, etc. - I prefer Calorie Count). Then, keep track of everything you eat and drink that has calories. Use the calorie calculating tools to determine how many calories you should eat to reach your goal weight. NEVER eat less than 1,200 calories a day. The weight will come off quickly at first and then taper off to 1-2 pounds per week after that. (For example, when I lost 40 pounds in 2007, I lost 6-7 pounds the first week, 2-4 pounds every week for the next month or so, and then 1-2 pounds every week after that). Losing weight at 1-2 pounds per week is the safest and most effective way to lose. Any more than that and you're just setting yourself up for failure and regain once you stop "dieting".

I love Sparkpeople.com. It is a free website that lets you track your calories and workouts, has support & ideas and recipes. A lot of people have had a lot of success with it! They have a sister site too called BabyFit.com that helps moms.

Hi B.,
I have been where you are. You are breastfeeding so you don't want to eliminate foods. I think the best thing for you to do is go to thinkandlose.com This is an awesome program that works. It worked for me. And I'll tell you what I like about it. It's not a diet. You don't have to keep buying certain foods or pills or anything you wouldn't normally buy. So if money is tight, this is a good option. It only costs $40.00 for a one time purchase and you pay nothing more ever, and you have the tools you need for the rest of your life. Plus you can share it with family and friends, after you lose your weight. It comes with a video and 2 CDs.
This is better than weight watchers or other diet programs because once you go off the program you gain the weight back, Think and lose will give you the tools to keep the weight off because it's a lifestyle change. And if you don't lose any weight in the 1st 30 days, you can send it back and don't have to pay. I think this is great, and I am very excited because it worked for me. I would recommend it to anybody. Check out thinkandlose.com

Congrats on your baby!!!

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. Are you weight training? Lean muscle mass will help speed up your metabolism, thus you'll burn more calories! Avoid fast foods, processed foods, and all soft drinks, (if you're not already). Drink plenty of water and eat smaller portions throughout the day.

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:)

Let me tell you that after 20 years of being fat I lost 65 pounds on NO ONE'S diet. Weight loss is all about the math, sweetie. I didn't starve, I didn't workout an hour a day. I learned to discipline myself in small steps.

The first step was taking 1 tsp less sugar in my coffee and a tiny bit less cream. When I got used to that, I took a little less. Then I started taking less dessert. Then some days I would skip dessert (that was HARD!). I ate slightly smaller portions at all my meals to let my stomach shrink back to a normal, not overstuffed capacity. Suddenly, I COULDN'T stuff myself at meals anymore. Yay!

When I absolutely HAD to have chocolate or anything else I craved, I had some...just in smaller portions.

For exercise, I started small. MWF, a few girly pushups. TR, a few small squats. I didn't push myself much. Also, a lot of times I would just dance around while doing my hair. Soon I wanted to do a little more, then a little more.

For cravings, I found replacements: jellybeans (25 of them are only 100 calories), brushing my teeth after meals with vanilla or lemon toothpaste satisfied my craving for sweets most of the time.

Just remember: if you eat fewer calories--even just a FEW less, and if you move around more--even just a little bit, the math will happen. You WILL lose weight. It's IMPOSSIBLE not to!

Please feel free to contact me if you want. I would love to give you tips and encouragement! And BTW, I had a baby during my weight loss, and because my eating/exercise habits had already improved, I came out thinner than before! It's now been 2 years since I had my baby, I'm down to 115 lbs and staying there EASILY!!!!

B., I have the same problem as you! My metabolism is so bad (I have other issues with high-blood pressure,sleep-apnea---due to my weight), I was even gaining weight on Weight Watchers! I went to my cardiologist and he told me the best diet was the DASH diet. I googled it and it is very good. I also have tried the Soup diet and that one is amazing. My sister was on it last week and she lost 12 pounds on it and of course is going to continue with it. If you would like both diets, e-mail me at ____@____.com and I can forward them to you. You have got t remember, that you still have to work out and be mobile when you are trying to lose weight! Good luck and I hope something works for you!

If it tastes good SPIT IT OUT. And eat anything you want just don't swallow. That will do it. Just kidding.
Eat all the fruits and veggies and water that you want.

Eliminate or restrict, all meats, dairy, pastas/rice and fast digesting carbs, processed foods, fast/junk food, sodas(especially the diet ones)anything white; And nothing fried.

You can boil, steam, broil, saute. I like to wok my veggies with a litle olive oil until just good and hot not mushy.

Get the body moving, don't park close to the store door, take the stairs. Anything you can do that uses muscles. Even if sitting you can more the arms, lift your feet, twist. Walk the dog, work the flower beds, plant some veggies in the flower beds.

good luck

I highly recommend doing the online version of Weight Watchers. No meetings or weighing yourself in front of anyone.
You don't have to buy special food and no foods are off limits. You'L. learn portion control and how to make better choices. It costs about $16 per month, but so worth it. The website helps you to keep track of what you eat each day and it has a huge database of recipes and ideas for meals. You can connect with other people doing WW online and share your concerns or challenges and get great advice. I needed to lose 15 pounds. I started last June and reached my goal weight in 3 months. I have kept it off, too. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

I like the Weight Watchers idea for those who can't eat healthily without guidance. I lost 30 pounds in 5 months by counting calories, eating lots of protein, eating every 3 hours and working out HARD. I go to the gym every morning while my husband and son are still asleep and workout for 1 1/2 hours. I do intense (but safe) cardio and lift weights. I love how it makes me feel, and sexy is definitely back over here, Girl! Good luck!!!

B.,

I work with Nutritional food supplement Company that has great product the will help you the weight and take your carving away. It is safe and effective. Let me know if you are still looking.

A.

I have heard that if you take the "Acai" herb, it will help suppress your appetite, and help with loosing weight.

Lots of great tips here and they will all work if followed. What I found easy was just to eliminate anything white (sugar, pasta, potatoes, rice or anything made with white flour, etc.). I substituted Splenda, whole grain products for pasta, bread, etc., sweet potatoes, brown rice which are all easy to find in any grocery store and taste great! I started losing slowly and in time that spurred me to eat more veggies (fresh or frozen) and fruit. If I thought I was hungry I would drink a glass of water or other sugar-free drink and many times I found I was really thirsty and not hungry. If I still felt hungry after ensuring I wasn't thirsty then I would have a snack. Keep healthy snacks around to grab. Also, if I really get a chocolate craving (my weakness) I eat sugar-free chocolate pudding or drink a cup of sugar-free hot cocoa and that seems to do the trick. I loved the tip you got about brushing teeth with flavored toothpaste to stop a sweet craving and I am definitely going to try that one. All you Mamasourse ladies are terrific!!!!

I'm about 31 weeks pregnant right now and a week ago was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. i have to tell you, the meal plan they have me on seems like a really good one for keeping your weight or losing weight (depending on how many calories you allow yourself) and it's not that hard to do. it doesn't cut OUT things like carbs but it does ask you to monitor them and to have them with your protein etc. basically just giving you a balanced diet. Look into what is recommended for a diabetic and go from there. I AM over weight and it turns out if i keep sticking to this even after the delivery (of course I should b/c now i'm likely to have regular diabetes later on if i'm not careful) then the dietician said i'd end up my desired weight. be careful not to eat too few calories though even if you aren't breastfeeding b/c you will feel REALLY tired and you need that energy.

good luck!

eat lots of veggies, walk daily (even if for 20 mins) and watch your carb intake from sweets, pasta, breads.
Good luck!

B.
www.belleserelle.com

Looks like you've received a lot of advice on eating, but don't forget about the moving part! I've recently upped my workouts (for me, it's running, cycling and the YMCA, but everyone has different things they like to do), and I'm finding that just a little increase is making a big difference. (Although in my case, going through a house-sell and move, I'm not losing weight but able to stress eat and not gain!!) It's certainly hard for new moms to fit in exercise, but I make sure to schedule it into my day and have a great jogging stroller so I can walk for some of my errands. Good luck, mama - and be patient!

leave salad dressing off the salad. have it on the side, and dip the tines of your fork into it before you get the salad...dressings often have lots of fat and calories.

Hi B.,
I lost 32 lbs in 6 weeks, which I believe qualifies for fast! The program is not expensive at all, about $2.50 to $3.50 per meal per day and you don't have to buy a lot of "extra" items. Would love to talk with you about it--just call me, ###-###-####.
D.

I know you have received a lot of great ideas. I can tell you from personal experience I used a wonderful product line that not only helped me to lose the weight but keep it off and be healthy in the process. If you are interested I would be happy to talk to you about it and see if it is a good fit for you. It is safe, effective and 100% money back guarantee.

Are you nursing? If yes, then don't diet - that's the worst thing you could do for yourself or the baby. The weight will come off if you're nursing - just gradually. Don't make yourself crazy about it. It could take up to a year. The only things I've heard that really work are portion management, and balancing what's on your plate (Proteins/veggies/carbs). The southbeach diet is pretty decent, and you don't have to buy special food. Talk to your doctor when you go in for your checkup - they can let you know what would work best for you, and if you actually should be worried about weight control at this point or if you should wait a little longer.

As long as you are not nursing out yourself on 1200 calorie diet. Eat good things and stay awas from the sweets. Take in about 50-75 carbs a day. Eat kid size portions and get in some cardio and/or weights and it will start to come off. There are programs you can use to track wht you eat during the day. Good luck.

You might want to read the responses to a very similar question asked earlier in the day on Friday:
http://www.mamasource.com/request/10444939530870980609

In short, it's slow and steady (eating basic healthy foods you can get at any grocery store or even Costco and regular exercise) that wins the healthy weight race (for life). It's really the simplest of all answers and by far the most cost effective.

Diet and Exercise! You can get your metabolism back in line but it may take a couple of months. Weight bearing exercise will help you achieve this. I have a great plan my husband is on and it works. He is never hungry and feels great, but you will not lose quickly. It is a healthy plan. He has lost 16 pounds since January 1st. A woman may lose more slowly, but if you follow it, it does work and is healthy and will get your metabolism back. Email me if you want to know more.

There is no EASY way about it. Go to Weight watchers, that is how I did it! It works!

You have received good advice here... I set out to lose 30 lbs as well... and you CAN do it. If you're nursing, however, be mindful of your caloric intake. You may have to wait to truly venture on a weight loss if you're doing that.

You first need to figure out what your body NEEDS just to sustain and then cut your calories and increase your activities.

If you're a sweets eater... get some fresh fruit and frozen fruit... nonfat yogurt... skim milk and make yourself a fruit smoothie in the blender.

Healthy Choice meals are good at showing you the proper portion size.

Fill up on fresh fruits/veggies (non starchy, of course -- beans-potatoes-yams-corn)... eat a HUGE salad to make you feel fuller.

There's goign to be sacrifice but if you really want to lose the weight... know the whys and HAVE A PLAN! :)

Good luck!

I don't have all the answers, but wanted to add a few tidbits that work for me. Eating smaller, healthier portions every 3 hours raises your metabolism and curbs hunger. I never get to that 'dying of hunger and need to eat everything in sight" stage by keeping myself eating every 3 hours. I generally eat 6 times a day. It can something as small as a protein bar from Luna or a protein shake. As well as baked chicken and brown rice or a cup of fruit or yogurt. Drink lots of water, too. And I highly, highly recommend "Walk at Home" by Leslie Sansone. Its a good workout for about 20 minutes for one mile and then you can work your way up. YouTube has some of the workouts on there so you don't even have to buy the video...work out in your office! http://www.walkathome.com/walk/
Good luck!

I'm lucky enough to have good genes and have no issues with having to lose weight....however.....I know that can change very quickly so I am proactive about it.

I simply imagine a grossly overweight person when I open the fridge or pantry for a snack. I think about WHY I am about to snack : am I bored, hungry, creature of habit???

I do not cut anything out....Moderation is the key.

That mental image does it for me everytime, along with sensible exercise. I was walking my baby at 2 weeks old and kept it up as a habit.

Congrats on your new baby! The weight will come off before you know it and that baby will be grown up!!!

Hi B.!

Good for you for wanting to slim down and I think eating a healthy diet is best for you and your baby right now. You received lots of good advice, but I would like to add a few things I found when I was dieting...up your protein but not in "meat" type ways. You can buy Greek yogurt at different places, Whole Foods, Kroger and even Target. Look for the brand Fage (pronounced Fay-ya) or there's another brand I can't remember the name of. Buy the 0% fat, you can either add a splenda to it or fresh fruit. It's got 14-15 grams of protein and no fat. I use it for a meal sometimes, for breakfast. It will be a different taste at first, but I actually got to where I craved it. I also ate it at night for my bedtime snack. Also, you can try low-fat cottage cheese and add 1 container of sugar free peaches (it comes in a 4-pack) to it and it makes a great snack as well! String cheese is also a good source of protein and a good snack. A handful of almonds, just plain raw almonds. They will most likely come in a bag not a can. Hope this helps! Good Luck! Keep up the good work!

My husband and I just purchased P90X and I can't wait to see our results. If you are SERIOUS about getting into shape check out http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do... click on the guy on the right flexing his muscles and see all the success stories. Our will be there in 90 days as well :-)
Good luck and God bless,
K.

B.,

I would suggest that you start keeping a food journal.
Cut out any soda (even the diet stuff). Drink lots of water (about a gallon a day). And of course exercise... cardio will really help you loose weight. Even if you only elevate your heart rate for 20 minutes 3 times a week, you will see the pounds fall off. Start weighing and measuring yourself weekly. You will notice a marked improvement in only two weeks from the water alone.

Hope this helps!

Check out the book LEAN Mommy. It is perfect for helping adopt healthy eating habits and with that lose weight as well. It is perfectly healthy to do this while you are nursing! Let me know if you have any questions!

My husband has tried every diet out there and Weight watchers has been the best for him. If you dont want to go to the meetings just go to one to get the info then you can do the rest online or on your own. He is able to eat what he wants as long as he stays within his points. Good Luck!

Hi there, B. -

What worked for me when I was about your age was making sure I got 30 grams of fiber a day - that made me eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Also, make sure you are walking every day and do a bit of weight training - the walking will burn calories while you walk, the weight training will keep you burning calories for hours. Try to find something on TV that you can follow every day. And, have a regular activity for every time you feel the urge to snack - maybe call a friend or type on the computer or go for a walk. Something that takes your mind off your craving. If you are competitive, keep a food journal and that will keep you from eating things you don't want to write down! The important thing through all this is to make sure you are eating enough for two if you are nursing, just make it healthy so that your cells and your baby's cells get the nutrients they need.

E.
www.votrevu.com/glow