Mommy Weightloss

Molly,
Take a look at this great website.
Sparkpeople.com
There are several mommy support groups on the site. I belong to one called Getting Fit Before Baby. It has really helped me eat healthier and become more active. And I have lost some weight.
Best wishes,
H.

Hi Molly,

I'm mom to a 4 year old and 9 month old and own a personal training business. I've helped many moms in your shoes, and have been through it myself!

The best route:
1. Strength train 2-3 times a week to add metabolism boosting muscle. Here's a video I created, that you can do with your 16 month old! http://www.kidlifting.com

2. Do cardio at least 20 minutes 3 times a week - as intervals, or as intense as you can! Start with what you can do comfortably and add 10% per week - so you're shocking your system each week and not just adapting to a lot of cardio right off.

3. Eat sensibly in a way you can sustain. Some great articles for you:
http://www.healthfitonline.com/resources/tips/eatwell.html
http://www.healthfitonline.com/resources/articles/diets.php

Best of luck & health!
M.

Hi Molly, i had the same problem a few months back, but mine weight gain was due to a miscarrage. Unfortunaly i gained most of my weight during my first trimester. I tried everything, now im on Monavie. Its a drink, a wellness drink so taking it is actually good for you. It gave me energy and suppressed my appitite. I lost 14 pounds in my first month. I know that sound drastic, but the drink is not just used for weight loss, its a wellness drink, some doctors are now giving it to cancer and heart patients. This stuff really works, and its good for you. I dont eat as much, but i know im getting all the nutrients that i need. Its made out of 19 fruits, none concentrated, its all there, from the seeds of the fruit to the peels. This is so healthy, i have lots of information on it, i also have the doctors studies if you would like more information, please email me or call me.
Drink39.com ###-###-####
Good Luck,
A.!

Have your thyroid checked. A lot of moms develop thyroid disorders, so it's worth doing. I developed hypothyroidism and no matter how well I would eat and how much I'd exercise, I still couldn't lose weight and would even gain more.
It also seems to me that you don't have an exercise routine, and that you're trying anything and everything. I find that having the following three components in my routine has really helped: cardio, muscle training and relaxation. When you start a routine that you enjoy, stick to it as long as you can and realize that success won't happen overnight. I would also recommend an initial session with a trainer and periodic re-assessments along the way to avoid plateaus.
Last but not least, continue to eat well. I cook almost everything myself, and if I buy anything already made, I check the labels. If there's any ingredient I can't read, I put it back! One of my favorite help is the magazine Cooking Light.
Good Luck!

Hi,

It sounds like you need to incorporate cardio vascular excerise into your routine. If you are a member of a gym, you might want to look into a spin class or step class that uses weights. Hit the weight machines 2-3 times a week in addition to 3-4 days of cardio. You might really benefit from a few sessions with a trainer. If time is tight, 20-30 minutes is always better than nothing or try 3-4 10 minutes sessions at home. A good book on nutrition is important. Just remeber that you are not going to lose 60 pounds over night. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is slowly.

Good luck!
N. S.

Weight Watchers worked wonders for me, it helped me monitor my portions. I gained over 50 pounds in my pregnancy so I was very discouraged. When my son was 2 months I started WW, he is now 5 months and I have lost all baby weight and then some. To be honest, I haven't been so good about the exercise either, we walk every day, but that's it. So it was just the change in my eating habits. Also, if you don't think you can afford it, just sign up for one month, learn the program, and then quit. Be sure to get lots of fruits and veggies and to drink lots of water whether you do WW or not. Good luck!

I hear you. I struggled for 6 years to get my 40 pounds of "baby fat" off me after my second daughter was born. I didn't think I was "fat" so diet and exercise should have been enough for me. Well, it wasn't. I managed to not really gain any more weight, but I never lost any either.
I found a blessing in Isagenix, an all natural, organic nutritional body cleansing system. It is NOTHING like you have ever seen before. First you flood your body with nutrients, vitamins and minerals then you gently "cleanse", on a cellular level. It is a natural cleanse so there is no "attachment to the restroom" for days, and most importantly, no starvation. This is about FEEDING your body the right stuff so that it will function properly.
(Before my 80 year old grandma started her program she said to me, "B., I have a problem, I keep putting 3 ply toilet paper in my one ply system" - She understood that what she was putting into her body was not going through the system, and she was "stocking up" (fat)). (She dropped 20 pounds)

I lost the weight 2 years ago, and I have kept it off...no real effort required. I just learned the secret. I learned how to "oil change" my body. Weight Watchers & Jenny Craig, they are okay, but walk away from their system and you go right back to where you started. These systems don't address the need to cleanse. Isagenix gets your body back to functioning properly. If you are interested in more, we could talk. I'll tell you one thing I KNOW FOR SURE, diet and exercise are no longer enough. Everyone must address impurities in their bodies, from the water we shower with to the air we breathe to the nutrient deficient foods we eat. It is not totally our fault any more. Please, let me help you.
B.
www.HeyYouGetReal.com

Try a low-glycemic diet.

Aside from healthy eating habits, I would suggest looking into StrollerStrides.com and find the location nearest you. I joined my local group and have been a part of it for a year now. We do an hour workout three times a week. The workout consists of warm up, cardio, abs and cool down. We don't just walk around the park with our kids in the stroller. We use resistance bands to work arms, backs and lots of leg work. I haven't lost much in lbs but more in inches. My kids even look forward to the workouts!

Dear Molly,

I can so relate to you. I delivered 7 months ago to a baby girl but during pregnancy I was gaining weight very quickly and was huge by month 4!!! The best thing that ever happened to me was when my doctor sent me to a dietician. I had never been to one before and never understood exactly what they did and definately didn't think it would help me. Well I was wrong and I saw her every week until just before birth and then after and she taught me how to eat normally which I like most American had no idea what that meant. All I did was walk for one hour every single day and eat basically how she told me to. I won't go into what I ate etc but I definately was not starving because as she told me it is a way of life not a diet. So I guess my recommendation would be to try going to a dietician. If you cannot afford every week just see her one a month. Give it a try. I wish you the best, getting the weight off is TOUGH but not impossible so don't give up.

S.

Hi Molly, my name is A. and I struggled with my weight after my third pregnancy. I also gained a lot of weight due to bed rest during my pregnancy. I was always a slender 5'5" 120lbs and I topped the scales at 210lbs at my heaviest! I got to 160 on my own then got stuck. Theat is when I started the herbalife diet, I was very sceptical but it worked for me. I drank two shaked a day and had very healthy snacks. I lost 40lbs in 3 months. I know sell the products because I want to help people that are in the situation like yourself. I can definately relate to you. check out my web page and contact me when you are ready to get started.

http://herbal-nutrition.net/members/ash79smith
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, A.

Hello Molly; I know you said you watch your diet, but have you checked your thyroid, my daughter had the same problem, could not lose the weight after the birth of my granddaughter, found out her thyroid was not working, also try cutting out all breads, sweets, and white flour foods, walk 30 minutes everyday, it has to be everyday because your metabolism is not working fast enough, just think of it like brushing your teeth, has to be done. I bet you will start seeing results. Remember low carb, high protein, low sugar and fat you have to watch. Hope I helped alittle good luck and don't get discouraged, just remember result will happend.

Weight Watchers!!!!!!!!!!! I gained 68lbs during pregnancy also due to the fact that had a condition which caused me to be on bed rest for 6months of my pregnancy. After my daughter was born I was not able to loose the weight. When she was about 2 a friend told me about WW - I was reluctant but I lost the weight and more finally. Also, I looked through many fitness magazines and developed a fitness routine that was consistent and I look great. Good Luck

R.

Hi Molly,

Wow, I hear you! I have a similar story..I was always very thin until I got pregnant with my daughter she's 2-1/2 now. I started at 125lbs - 5'8, and at 9 mo's I was over 200lbs!! I lost 40lbs in the first few months after delivery, but then stopped losing. I couldn't lose the weight for nothing...it's very depressing especially when you've been used to people saying your "too thin" your entire life! Well, I finally started Nutri-System. It's not cheap, but I had to try something or I was going to go nuts. I lost all of my weight and then some in about 4 months. It was so easy because everything is microwaveable...and being a mom, it's nice to not have to worry about what WE are going to eat. My problem was my portions...they were out of control and I didn't even realize it. The only thing I did not follow on the diet was I didn't get the salads and veggies I was supposed to have on the side of my meals...but I lost fast. 4 months seems like a long time, but it went by pretty fast especially as I shrunk and started fitting into some old clothes. That is the horrible thing about weight loss...it doesn't come off as easy as it comes on.

My husband and I decided to have another baby...we got preg, and lost the baby 3 months in. I got depressed...went on some antidepressants and gained about 20lbs back. I hate myself again. I don't want to be overweight when I get pregnant again (assuming I can). So, my friend and I started attending Pilates classes and I'm going to start a vigorous cardio workout to get this weight off again.

I live in Vista, CA and have free classes at the place I live. I wouldn't mind a workout buddy either if you're interested. Pilates is awesome for strengthening & core strength, but I believe we also need cardio for weight loss. If you're interested...let me know!

Otherwise, I wish you the best...and good luck with your next baby!! Children are the greatest gift we were ever given. They just grow up too fast!

Take care,
T.

Hi Molly,

It looks like you got some great responses but I also wanted to invite you to join me at Baby Boot Camp. I teach classes in Plumas Lake and Marysville. It's stroller fitness for prenatal and postpartum moms. All you need is a stroller for your kiddo, a towel or mat and a bottle of water. I run a 55 minute program which includes streching, core work, cardio and strength. My students began seeing a difference in their bodies (and scales) within 1-2 weeks. Your first class is free so you have nothing to lose! www.babybootcamp.com

J. Wheaton
Franchise Owner

I'd like to suggest having your thyroid checked if you haven't already. Whenever mine is low, I tend to gain weight and feel more tired.

Molly,
I'm a new mom as well (my daughter is 7 months) and a personal trainer. As a new mom, I completely understand how it's not as easy as it might have been before to get some extra time to get a workout in. Here are some suggestions:
1. Do some form of cardio EVERY DAY - if your little boy likes movement to fall asleep, take him for a walk in the stroller or in a carrier. Get in some lunges while you're walking and start to build your lean muscle mass which will eventually burn more fat. Also, the higher intensity you do your cardio at, the more fat you'll burn in the long run. If you can do hills, faster walking, or even jogging during your cardio sessions, you're good to go!

2. Get in strength training: again, this might be tough with your little one but here are some thoughts:
-join a mom and baby exercise class (I'm biased, I teach one and I love the support the girls in class offer - www.fit-momma.com)
-when he's napping, do some quick crunches, push ups, tricep dips, etc.
-when you're playing with him, let him play around you while you do some floor exercises around him
-you can do your strength training multiple times throughout the day - two minutes or less at a time - and after meals is really helpful.

You've probably heard these, but just don't give up! If you need any more help, I would love to have you come and try out our mom and baby classes in Oakland or I offer personal training where you can bring your baby :). Please let me know if you have other questions - I'm happy to answer them as mom to mom. Good luck!

H.

I lost 20 pounds fairly quickly on the South Beach diet without excercise. If you pair it with excercise it could get you close to that 40 pounds. I still use the diet to maintain my weight when I put a little back on. It's not as hard to stick to as a lot of those eat practically nothing diets. And it's not as expensive as weight watchers or jenny craig. You learn how to shop for the right kinds of foods and what to stay away from. And it takes into account that we are human and can slip and cheat from time to time. I love it, and I hate dieting.

Buy the book, it's $8 at wal mart.

Good luck!

I lost 30 pounds using a very low calorie (VLC) liquid diet. I went off the diet during a stressful move to a new place but I haven't gained the weight back. (I've always been pro at maintaining weight but after I was pregnant I gained a bunch.) I'm trying to psyche myself back up to go back on it for the last 20 pounds I want to lose but it's hard work.

The only thing that has ever worked for me is counting calories and restricting food intake, resisting urges to eat when I feel like I'm starving and drinking a boatload of water every day.

I used Cambridge to help me meet my goals.

http://www.cambridgedietusa.com/

Support Board: http://members5.boardhost.com/Cambridge-Diet/

You will by far find your quickest, most dramatic results by reducing/changing your food/calorie intake. Exercise is great and helps but does not even compare to what you will see once you change your eating habits. To kick start the process, buy a juicer and have a three day juice fast. It is actually really fun and amazing the various combinations you can come up with. You can juice garlic and ginger and herbs like basil and parsley, and even combine them with fruits and citruses...amazingly tasty. The juicers come with a recipe book to help you get started with combinations you never even considered. YOu will drop many pounds just in that first three days and then you will probably get hooked. And then juice once a week, or once every two weeks, whatever your commitment level is to it and losing weight. It is very very healthy for you as you'll be getting all your vitamins and minerals plus some, adn you will feel really healthy for doing it. Your whole family will want some, especially when you're juicing the sweet stuff.
Also, reduce your carbohydrate intake like bread, potaotes, cereal and rice. IF you can't do it all the time, then at least a few days a week or less than what you are doing now. Try your best with protein and veggie intake. I have seen amazing, quick results with friends and family who have used these methods. I have found that it is best to not just go on a structured diet, but just start making choices that you can incorporate for always.
Good luck!
A.

I have lost almost all my weight through Weight Watchers. Before my kids were born I lost 63 pounds, and recently I have lost about 30 pounds. it works!!!!!!!!

We might as well have been separated at birth...I have exactly the same story. I know everything I should be doing to lose the weight, but somehow I just can't make it work. If you'd like to become email support buddies, I'd love to have someone to talk through frustrations with and share successes.

I agree with the Weight Watchers people. They helped me shed 50 lbs before my daughter, and I'm going on a 20 lb weight loss so far, with only 5 more lbs to go before I'm were I was when my daughter was conceived!
Best of luck, it's a huge struggle...at least for me.
C.

Weight loss after child birth is difficult, we all know that. The amount of calories going in must be less and your activity must be more. That is the only way to get on top of the scale. Our bodies arent what they use to be, prior to babies, and it is more difficult for us now to lose weight. We cant use those pills or the easy way out anymore. It is hard work. I wish you luck

Hi Molly,
Weight is such a sensitive topic to speak on and I too struggled to get the weight off. Although walking and pilates are good what you need to add is some cardio work to get your heart pumping for at least 20 min or longer 4 days a week (or more if you have time). Also, I found that writing down what I ate and counting calories is helpful because sometimes we don't know how much we are putting in our mouths whether it's healthy or not. I really would try to get as much weight off as possible before getting pregnant again because you'll just add to those pounds with the second pregnancy. If walking is what you really enjoy then I would suggest walking up hill but aim for at least 20 min or at least work up to it. Okay, good luck and I hope this helps a little.

Hi Molly,

I lost the rest of my baby weight (and then some!) on the Isagenix cleansing and weight loss system. It all natural and is easy to use and people have had great success on it. I've been on it for four months and feel better and have more energy than I have in a long time.

What I like the most about Isagenix is that it is a lifestyle change. I started the program to drop the last 5 lbs, but 4 months later I've lost 15 lbs, I'm eating all organic foods and am really cognizant of what I put in my body. It has been easy for me b/c I don't have a ton of time to go to the gym. The program reccommends 20 minutes of exercise a day, but realistically I probably go to the gym 2-3 times per week.

There is a great video that describes the 30 day program - www.cleansedforlife.com. I love the products so much that I now sell them, so if you ever need coaching or more info, let me know!

J.

There was another recent post like this ... you might try doing a search to see what others told that mom. Always check with a doctor first but, as I answered the other mom, I had trouble losing the weight after my first and the doctor did a simple blood test and found I was borderline diabetic. So he put me on a diet similar to Oprah's Dr. Oz "You on a Diet" thing where I eat lots of veggies especially dark green lettuce, a little lean meat, almonds every day, olive oil (to tell the body to release the fat), a lot of wild salmon (suggested 4-5 times a week but I can't afford it), plain yogurt, soft cheeses (cream and cottage), and about 30 min of exercise a day three times a week(which I rarely do ... but I did try to get 10 min of dancing around the house with the girls, taking short walks or going up and down our stairs for 5-10 min a couple times a day ...I found it was easier to find the time and keep the girls occupied for shorter chunks of time but throughout the day). At first I was on a strict diet with absolutely no sugar, no juices, only crunchy fruit (must eat the peels too), no honey, no wheat at all so no bread, no crackers, no tortillas ... then when I got down to a certain weight I could add in whole wheat and whole grain breads and such. Anyways, on this diet, the weight flew off me. I'm still on it but not as strict. It's hard at first to read labels cuz everything has sugar in it so I couldn't eat it (on labels - anything ending in "ose" is usually a sugar). But once you get going, it gets pretty easy and the focus is on healthy food not losing weight. Be sure to read that other posting.

Weight Watchewrs, Weight Watchers, Weight Watchers!!!

If all the pills, and stuff didnt work, then what you need is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix. I've lost over 50lbs on weight watchers before I got pregnant with my daughter. after I had her I went right back to weight watchers and lost it all again. Now pregnant with my second child..you can bet as soon as I am healed after giving birth..I'll be right back there again. Go try it out. Thefirst class is free..what have you got to loose..but weight maybe ;)

I tried everything and was frustrated. I went to Jenny Craig (I've done Weight Watchers and tried my own diets). I will tell you it really works and the food is pretty good. I've lost 18 lbs. It definitely works if you stick to it, they basically put you on a 1200 calorie diet. Good luck, it's the only thing that's worked for me since having irish twins last year.

Hi Molly!

I agree with the other ladies! Weight Wtachers is one of the best weight loss/management programs you can find. It teaches you to eat and cook right for yourself. While other programs are easier beacuse they prepare meals for you, they are not as effective because you do not "learn" about food. Plus, they are flat out more expensive. I am not on Weight Watchers, but I follow their plan for maintainence becvause it is a great way to look at food.

Also, Stroller Strides is also a great option. I own the West San Fernando Valley Franchise, bu there are branches throughout TO, Agoura, and the rest of LA. The website is www.strollerstrides.com. Just punch in your zipcode to find the nearset location. I started as a student when my son was 3 months, and now I own my own franchise. It is an awesome program for getting in shape, the kiddos get outdoors and you meet other moms!

In Health,
K.

Hi Molly,
I too have been trying to lose some baby weight that just wn't come off!! I have resorted to joining a gym, just last night in fact. I am SO intimidated though about going to the classes that I really want to take, so I would love a buddy if you're up to it? I live in EL CAjon though. I have two small kids, one is only 2 months old, so I know time is an issue, but I just thought I would rather give up 3-4 hours a week with them to feel better about myself and be a better person for it. I hate working out, but I have tried the pills too...they never work.

I would get a physical and blood work done to rule out a thyroid condition. It is worth a try, especially if it runs in your family. You say you're doing all the other obvious things like exercise and eating right.

Molly,
W. here, Please call me asap...I have the perfect program for you.
hugs W.
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Try Weightwatchers. It really works and you can do it online!

Here are some of the things that have worked for me, mother of a three year old and a 15 month old.

1. drink a lot of water
2. stay away from bread, pasta, rice at all costs, substitute for corn, crackers etc
3. As a new mom we forget to eat, eat more! so your body feels like it can let go of the excess, sometimes it stores up the fat because it doesnt get fed enough. Its not how much you eat, its what u eat! You can only be healthy eating fruits and veges.
4. walk, run, do a class for at least one hour a day.
5. really love youreself as you are, when weight becomes too much of a focus, it doesn't like to go away, it likes the attention, as soon as loving you becomes the focus, your weight will start to relax and go back to what is normal for your body.

Hi Molly,
Have you tried Curves yet? I pay less than $50/mo. and get my circuit training done in 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. It is easy, convenient and its fun to talk to the other local women while working out. Curves is for women only so there's no pressure/akwardness of men staring, watching you. In my first month alone at Curves, I lost 7 lbs., but I was only going twice a week. Now I'm going 3-4 times/week and I'm firming up my flab and shedding pounds and inches quickly. I absolutely love it! You can go to Curves.com for a location near you. Hope I've been able to help! :)