I Did Not Even Realize....

I eat chocolate!! Really I have lost 7 lbs and going strong I have energy to boot. I also have stopped buying crackers and sugary things. The website is www.fortheluvofchocolate.com You can do it.

For a busy mom with little time, Nutrisystem delivers you prepackaged meals so you have little to worry about. The only downfall is the price. I've had many friends with great results

I just lost 25 lbs in 8 weeks using Slim4Life. I cook at home (or sometimes eat out) and don't like to exercise. I've never been hungry on this plan. My husband lost 10 lbs just eating the foods I cook! I'm 2 sizes smaller!!

Start with simply cutting out the majority of junk food. I don't know what your current diet is like, but I know when I need to drop some pounds- the most effective-fast way to do it is cutting the j.f. out. Don't deprive your self of everything right from the get go. Try to eat as healthy as possible obviously, but just doing this will show results. I own a convienence store, that has a deli full of fried food and no-no's> so this is tried & true. Then (when your scheadule allows!) try to get in some exercise. I'm sure you get a good amount running after those 3 little ones! :)
Good luck, remember- WILL POWER! NO J.F.!!!!!!! S. E

Holy cow! You sound like a busy woman- and looking to get busier. That will work in your favor to lose weight, however, but you need to be sure that you still take time to take good care of yourself. After all- you need to stay healthy to take good care of your kids.

You didn't mention your eating habits, but that would be a good place to start. Its easier to make healthy choices when you have a set routine because you can be more disiplined. I found when I stayed home with my son, the cookies were a little too readily available. ;) I usually keep a stash of healthy snacks at work so I can stay on track with my eating.

Just as important as what you eat is when you eat. Since you have 3 little boys who all need your attention, you may eat on the fly, or find you're not eating until later in the evening - then going straight to bed. That's not healthy for your body, or your waistline. I found that snacking on something healthy late in the afternoon kept me from attacking the first unhealthy thing I found when I got home, and I ate less in the evening too.

As far as exercize- I'm not going to suggest a gym, but since the weather is getting warmer (thank goodness) soon going on long stroller walks and trips to the park may be a nightly thing. Plus- fresh air helps the kids to sleep better (an added bonus). If you don't have one already- get a double stroller so the baby and the toddler can both sit. Some even have a space for your five-year-old to stand in case he doesn't want to walk anymore. These things are heavy- and are quite the workout to push- soon you'll feel like superwoman (not like you already aren't).

Best of luck!

Hi S....I have 3 boys also...the same ages as yours. My youngest is 6 mos. and my oldest will be 5 in October. So I feel your busy schedule. I don't work full time, but I am with my boys all day long and work part time nights when my husband comes home. This is my advice. I am a runner, and I enjoy running. You may or may not run...but I still find it hard to plan for time for myself..but I do it anyway. 3 days a week, I run. I would like to run more often but realistically, I cannot run that often between housework and my kids and time with my husband. Find what you like to do, plan 3 or 4 days a week to do it...even if it is just buying an exercise tape and doing it 3 nights a week once your kids are in bed..if you are a single mom. I am tired all the time, and even though I enjoy running once I get started, it is really hard to get motivated some days. We don't have babysitters and our family lives out of town, so I depend on my husband to watch them for 3 nights a week (I actually have my exercise time scheduled into our day). I find that when I am exercising, I make healthier eating choices. I don't want to come home from a run and eat a greasy burger. Yogurt or salad sounds so much better. Plus, when I think of all the calories I just burned, it makes it even less appetizing to think of eating greasy food. I am a snacker, so I try to make sure there are healthier snacks available to eat..like applesauce, fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers...rather than chips, ice cream, cookies, etc. It's soooo much easier to say no at the grocery store than when they are already in your cupboard. It's too hard to pack up the boys to go get something when I have a sweet tooth, so I just eat what is available to me, which are usually the healthier snacks. I totally don't believe in dieting or the high cost systems you can buy. I personally feel that many of these are gimmicks..especially the lose-weight-quick ones. You can make little changes to your life that will help your weight loss be permanent and not send you on a yo-yo dieting cycle where the weight loss is just temporary. Good luck!!

I've had much success with recording my food in a log at www.selfdietclub.com; it just takes a few minutes on my lunch hour. I lost 40 pounds over 1 1/2 years before I got pregnant, and have continued to use it to lose the baby weight.

Drink lots of water all day and cut out pop, juice, and other high calorie drinks. Pack your own lunch at work and healthy snacks so you aren't tempted to eat out or raid the vending machine. Take a little walk on your lunch hour if you have time. You can also take your kids to the park in the evenings or weekends and they can bike while you push your baby in a stroller. It would be a good habbit for the whole family. Also try cutting the sweets (that's my problem). If you try to reduce calories in simple ways you shouldn't have to adjust what and how much you eat too much. Don't be strict about eating just be conscience of everything you eat. Eat more vegies at meal time. And if you go back for seconds try to make it for vegies not bread, etc. Also eat slower because you will most likely eat less. If you do this and try to increase your activity level you should lose some weight. :)
If you are looking for motivation tape a "fat" picture of yourself to the cupboard door or fridge to reduce tempations. OH and don't snack after supper in the evening hours and alway eat breakfast(don't skip meals).

If you have medica insurance they have a good online tool and they will give you $25 a quarter if you meet the goals. ;)

Living/raw foods lifestyle. The healthiest way you could ever eat for your entire body - inside and out.

http://www.living-foods.com/faq.html

S. - Good Morning! This happens to the best of us! My suggestion is find time to exercise, even if it's 2-3 15 minute intervals each day. Then my suggestion is to find a supplement that suits you and your body. Many of us are not getting what we need in our natural diets and then our bodies begin to store the wrong types of fats, etc. I am partial to AdvoCare supplements, as I am a distributor, but they are second to none in quality and price. If you have any questions about them or the company you can go to www.advocare.com/0108477 and check it out! Or you can call me with any questions at ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com. I would be more than happy to answer any questions, without any pressure on sales!! :-) Best of luck to you!

With you being busy losing weigh won't be as hard if as you go about your day carry healthy snacks such as baby carrots, celery thingsof that nature. It doesn't appear thatyou would have alot oftimeto visit a gym so time spent with the boys couldbe your exercise routine. Incorporate it as a play time with them that way you are killing two birds with one stone quality timewith the boys and exercise for you. PS I know when you are busy fast food is an option, if you have no choice go for the lower calories onthe menus. Hope I was helpful.

My husband did Slim 4 Life. It workded great. And it wasn't hard to do. I even ate with him. The meals were all normal just prepared healthier. He lost 60lbs on it and is still loosing. I used it to loose the last of my baby weight and it worked really good. The key is drinking about 80 ounces of water a day. Hard to do at first but you get used to it. I would just give it a look. Oh and he didn't have to exercise to do it.

Hi S.,
Wow, you are busy! I, too, am a FT working mom, and my husband and I work opposite shifts, which has each of us 'single parenting' most of the time. What has made a huge difference in me finally losing my baby weight has been adding Mona Vie, an Acai superfurit drink, to my diet. Mona Vie is made up of 18 different superfruits, but primarily focuses on the Acai berry. Acai has really amazing antioxidant properties, which is the main reason it's starting to hit all over the news.

Over the last 8 weeks, I've lost 10 pounds, and have more energy and vitality than I've felt in years. Im now waking up rested, have fantastic energy to get me through the busy work day, and still feel good and vibrant all through the evening. My weight loss really has been about finally having the energy to get up and do more--whether its a walk in the neighborhood, or going to the gym.

You can learn more about Mona vie on my website at www.mymonavie.com/jesnough. My husband and son drink it, too, and we've seen great results in how they feel, too. You're also more than welcome to email or call me--just let me know if you'd like my contact info.

You've got a lot going on, but you CAN and WILL reach your goals (and it feels great when you do :o)!

Hi S.,

I too have battled my weight while having little ones around. I know a lot of people on here will tell you to eat right and exercise, but personally I found that it was really hard to make good choices when I was always so tired and my appetite control was not great. I found some products that are scientifically designed to help control appetite and cravings, support lean muscle mass, boost metabolism to enhance fat loss, and provide sustainable weight management.

Basically once I started taking the products, I had energy and control again, and saw the weight loss and felt good. These are not "magic pills". They just make it easier to make good food choices and help enhance your energy. You can read my story at http://weightloss911.com/A..aspx and contact me from there if you have any questions. Best to you!

Hi S.! Weight Watchers online is a no fail solution. It is so easy and very flexible. You can track your points online and they have tons of recipes and Point values for thousands of foods, even restaurant choices! It saves tons of time and you don't have to constantly be figuring out what you can eat. Plus it's wayyyyy cheaper and safer than pills!
Good luck to you!

Try sparkpeople.com. They are free. I would say they are similar to WW and you can record your food intake, wieght, and exercise. There are communities for support.

I am in the same boat. I have tried so many diets and have a hard time sticking to any of them. I started Weight Watchers back in January and it really works! It is so easy to follow, and allows you to eat whatever foods you like-just teaches you portion size. I went to the meeting for the first month just to get a feel for the program, and now I do it online only. It is cheaper this way and I don't really have time to attend a weekly meeting.

I found for myself though that it helps to be accountable to someone. So what I do is weigh in with my husband every week, and then I go a step further and every week I write on a sheet on the refrigerater how much I gained or lost. It is much more motivating knowing that anyone can see my progress, it pushes me to try even harder.

I ALso notice it helps a great deal to reduce fast food and to not eat after dinner. To help me do this, I brush my teeth so it is not so tempting. Also, make sure you get plenty of water and exercise if you can. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Now that summer is coming up, it should be a little easier to get out with your boys and play. Go for walks, go to the park, play catch outside, go swimming, etc. If you do all these activities WITH your boys, you'll lose some weight. I think people tend to eat less in the summer too, and maybe more healthy: fruits. Make smoothies. They are refreshing in the summer and very good for you. The kids like them too. Good luck!

Hi S.,
I have recently lost 13 lbs. & am still losing, using the Transition Lifestyle System. It is an eating plan that watches the glycemic index (good carbs vs bad carbs) and focuses on boosting metabolism. Which helps you lose fat and not muscle.
For an overview of the plan, go to: www.marketamerica.com/vanderson and on the bottom left click of the page on the transitionslifestyle link or call me. I can get you more info. ###-###-####
Thanks and good luck.
V. A

another good tip...dont eat the left overs on your kids plates...it is so tempting to eat that chunk of pizza or the triangle of sandwich or the last bite of mac and cheese on their plates....these little extra calories add up....when they are done with their plate, either throw the remains away or pack up for them to have a snack later. i catch myself eating these extra little bites all the time!!

I use a low glycemic system called Transitions Weight Management system. I like the system because it comes with a DVD with all kinds of information on how to change your lifestyle. There are meals available for those busy days, but it is not a meal-based system, so very affordable. There are also supplements, shakes and bars for additional weight loss.

It is all about healthy eating, you don't count calories or carbs or anything else. You increase fiber from fresh vegetables, lots of fruit, stay away from high-glycemic index foods so your blood sugar doesn't spike and you stay in fat burning mode all day long!

A friend of mine is having an overview of the program, probably within the next month. I would suggest attending the free overview to hear more about the program and the cost. Then, you decide if you want more information. He runs weekly classes, but it would seem that the "at home" version with the DVD would be better for you. You can learn the program around your schedule.

My friend's name is James - you can reach him at ###-###-####. If you do not live in the Appleton area, he can work with you over the phone and internet.

When I did this program for 6 weeks, I lost 12 lbs and 6 percent body fat - just eating the way I should eat and taking supplements. Very healthy solution!

Hi S.-

After my last child, #6, I realized that it was time to do something myself. So I feel your pain!! I have been looking around for the help that I needed and I think that I finally found it! I have been useing www.sparkpeople.com it is great there are tools there that you can use, ideas, just about everything you could ask for with tons of support!! The best part about it is that it is FREE!

I wish you the best of luck, God bless!
J.

After my oldest son was born, I tried weight watchers (or at least a modified version of it). It worked great. There is even a special modification if you are breatfeeding. It helped me change what I was eating and showed me some portion control without restrictions. It sounds as though you are quite the busy mom. Good Luck!

I have about the same problem! I have 3 children, same age as you. I also work full time and I am also trying to do 4 summer classes and train for the 3day Breast cancer walk! What I have found that helps is either trying to get up an hour earlier to work out at home. Or on my lunch hour I go to the gym. I am a member to an Anytime Fitness and that is so great for me! Plus if I go work out on my lunch hour I don't set around and see all the different food that everyone else is eatting and get the craving for that food! I tend to eat a lot less!

S.,
There are lots of good ideas here for you to try. I used to be 50lbs heavier and found nothing replaces a good excercise routine. Whether it be brisk walking daily, or a class 3 times a week. . .whatever fits your lifestyle. Once I had my first child and was a single parent, I found I didn't have time or money to invest in anything. So I only bought healthy foods to have available, and did lots of dancing, jogging etc. . .while my daughter was with me.

15 years/4 children later, I had a little more money and less time. Last year I was about 15 lbs heavier than I am now, and I found that Arbonne's pure, safe and beneficial products worked best for me and my busy lifestyle. The products work synergistically together and give you a gradual but long term weight loss. We have products to boost your metabolism, energize, and give your body what it needs.

Good luck w/whatever you choose! It is so important to feel your best! Feel free to email me if you're interested in learning more about Arbonne's weight loss system.

J.

Wow.. you do have a lot on your plate. I really like Weight Watchers I think it's a great program and I do find it a good motivator to have to step on a scale in front of someone else once a week. Although with your busy schedule it may be hard to make it to those meetings. You can do the online WW as well.

You seem to be very busy so exercise doesnt need to be much i would imagine. I would suggest to try to find a half an hour a couple of times a week just to go for a walk by yourself if possible. It would give you the opportunity to not only exercise but to also wind down and de-stress. There is a lot of research that links Stress with gaining weight. The stress hormones are hard on the body not only making you crave foods you shouldnt be eating but also making you hold on to every little calorie you take in. That would be my biggest tip is to try to de-stress as much as possible and try to make little changes in your eating. Enjoy life dont try to do too much at once. good luck with your weight loss. I'm dealing with trying to loose weight as well.

I am in the same boat - I have a 3 and 4 year old and work full time. Over the winter I have noticed that not much is fitting me here this spring - I definitely put on the hibernation weight!

I think we all know what to do to lose weight - eat less fatty foods and exercise. That's the only way it will come off. I suggest first start journaling what you are eating and how many calories you consume daily (it is an eye opener!!). After you have that bit of information, you will see where you need to cut out food.

Then you need to decide when you have time to exercise and what you can do. I exercise after I put the kids in bed. I just don't have the energy to get up early in the morning. I take the stairs at work. I park at the end of the parking lot. Slowly but surely these things will start helping you lose that weight. I have an elliptical and bowflex in my basement, but I just bought the turbo jam dvds and they seem to be pretty good. With my schedule, I just can't make it to a gym, so having it at home is the way to go for me.

Hi!! I am still at that stage myself, feelin pretty good but yet when you try on those clothes...Yikes!!
The only thing that works for me is Weight Watchers, it's expensive but well worth it.
The first time I was doing it I lost 18lbs. It takes awhile to get to your goal, but well worth it. It is best to join with a friend or your husband, it is sooo much easier that way!!
If you can't afford to do the program, ask around maybe you could borrow someone's books to look over.

Good Luck, keep us updated on your progress!!

Don't know if these would be what you are looking for but...

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We just introduced a "Crave Blocker" bars and shakes too that contol hunger & utilizes all this knowledge to fight cravings in the stomach and in the brain naturally. My kids love them! Besides being delicious, our bars and drinks work super effectively to curb appetite and cravings and the beauty is, they’re only about 160 calories per serving.

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It doesn't hurt to take a look, who knows they might be just what you're looking for. I know they've been a blessing for me and my family!!

J.

I would recommend Weight Watchers points system. I have been on the program for about 5 weeks and have lost around 17 pounds. I have not lost this much weight in over 4 years. I still eat out and there are plenty of snacks that keep me in my points range but I don't feel like I am on a diet. I don't attend the meetings(Don't have the time or money) but I managed to purchase the books and am following the program with a few other people on our own. I can't beleive how much unneccessary eating I did before I started this. My husband started the same time as me and he is down 30 pounds. (Men obviously lose weight faster) Give it a try and stick with it. The first week is the hardest but you will adjust. To get a little exercise that is actually fun, if you have Time Warner Cable, go to channel 1111 and choose Sports/Fitness, they have Jazzercise on demand for free. Very fun to do.

Hi S.-
I'm a personal wellness coach- and work with a company who specializes in teaching people how to lose weight forever- and not "diet".
I'm also a med. professional- 47 yo mom of 6yo twin girls, spouse etc. I used to have what I called a kangaroo pouch after delivering my twins- then got help from my friends who worked as wellness coaches. Now I wear a bikini! Now I do the wellness coaching part time myself.
If you live in the mpls, st. Paul metro area- we can get together for a body analysis- machine that gives resting metabolic rates, % fat, lean mass, target weight for YOU along with a wellness eval. if you want - No Charge. I own the machine.
If not- go to http://www.thinkslim.org website and fill out a profile and I'll call you with some tips. We also have a sample pack of our company products if you want to take a look- I can email you the details of what that is too.
____@____.com

Hope to hear back from you soon.
B. Jarmoluk - New Brighton MN
verizon cell ###-###-####

It's amazing how you don't realize the weight gain until you try to buy some new clothes and the size that once fits doesn't anymore so you stand in the mirror at the store and cuss because it doesn't fit. I have a 4.5 month old and I am trying to figure it out as well. Walking does wonders - I have begun to take walks daily with the baby in the stroller - fast pace daily and also eat healthy. I am working on it and hopefully will see results by the end of the summer. Good luck!
I tried weight watchers as well before I got pregnant - very frustrating to keep up with the points - I might try it again in the near future as testimony stated in these replies it works - give it a try - it is very inexpensive!

The advice already given is great... I just wanted to let you know I struggle with this as well! My cure - joined a gym really close to work (workout during lunch) and I take classes online to finish my BS in Psychology. I am able to do it all now without sacraficing time away from my kids! Best of luck to you!

I study nutrition and natural healing. I have 3 boys...I do jazzersize 3 times a week and try to eat healthy. Not trying to lose weight we started using proper food combining and my husband and I lost alot of weight in a very short amount of time. We cut down on refined sugar,white flour,the unhealthy fats and mostly just drink water. We use soy,nut or rice milk. There are healthy alternatives for sugar as well...like stevia or other sweetners from health food stores. There are alternatives for about every thing. The main thing is to stick to whole foods....brown rice and whole grain cereals,bread and flour. Now to food combining...the purpose of this is to free up energy...digestion is the biggest energy taker. So eat fruit on its own...perferably in the morning. Never mix starches and proteins...one exception is when you eat beans..because this turns it into a protein...like eating burritos...anyways...if your going to have a protein...have for instance fish with a salad and a vegetable...if your having whole grain pasta..you can have whole grain bread and a salad with a veggie. Its all in how you combine food..you free up energy and dont put on the pounds! Read labels!! This is very important...every thing has sugar..there is lots of names for sugar..especially look for high fructose syrup...dont eat anything with this and stick to the real stuff! fake sugars like splenda and diet pops and fat free stuff is just overly processed and causes side effects,it is sooo bad! so stick with cold pressed olive oil or plain butter. dont worry about the healthy fats...like avacados and the olive oil....use it as much as you want. There are two authors that I really like for food combining,they both have several good books out. Harvey Diamonds "Fit for life" and Mary lou Henner,both have several good ones that can be found in the library.
Hope this helps
good luck!

If you want an inexpensive easy way to lose weight, start tracking your calories. There are sites like caloriecounter.com that tell you the nutritional information for just about everything!
There are so many diet gimmicks out there...but it all comes down to numbers. Your body burns a certain number of calories each day, if you eat more than that number, you WILL gain weight...if you eat less, you'll lose. In all actuality, it doesn't matter what you eat (of course, you'll feel better if you choose healthier foods!)

add in a family walk, or when you take your lunch break at work, go for a stroll. Any movement will burn more calories!

Once you get started, you'll feel great!

best of luck!

S.,

I did the Dr. Phil Ultimate Weight Loss Solution and it worked wonders when nothing else did. It is not a diet; it is a lifestyle that includes 7 keys - what you eat and how you exercise are only two. The rest involve the mental side of eating - compulsive, comforting, celebrating, etc.

Here's the deal; you have to read the whole book and master all seven keys to get it to work. It's like a recipe. You can't pick and choose a few things and expect it to work.

Good luck,
S.