Need Advice on Losing Weight

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On Demand has Exercise TV that has lots of recorded programs you can follow along with when the baby is napping or playing (and since they are recorded you can stop and start them as needed for the inevitable interruptions!). Also I just walk with my regular baby stroller, even slow jogging with it sometimes, it helps us both to get out of the house once a day I think! Good luck!

I'm breastfeeding and doing weight watchers. I also do Stroller Strides and work on the treadmill when I get a chance. The more weight I lose from weight watchers, the more I am able to exercise. You don't need a jogging stroller to get out and walk. I used my regular stroller for Stroller Strides until I had my second child and I bought a double jogging stroller.

Hi M.,
I think the best way for exercise in the home (and cheapest way to go) is get workout DVD's. I have been doing this for years (since I graduated from college) and I am in the best shape of my life. A really good one that you can find online for like $10 is the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser. There are three different workouts and each is only 20 mins! It kicks your butt! I can say this b/c I am in great shape and I think they are hard. A good website to research good workout DVD's is www.collagevideo.com
If you find something you like on there go search the internet for lower prices b/c collage video is definitely not the lowest prices around but it's a great source to look at. You will only need 3, 5, and 8 lb dumbbells for most workouts. You can get those at Target for cheap. Let me know if you have any questions or want suggestions on some DVD's... I have like 30 workout DVD's.

I don't have much advice as I have the same problem, still wearing maternity clothes and feeling gross. :-( I had (and still do have, three months after birth) Symphysis Pubis Dsyfunction, which stops me from being able to do very much activity. Any movement causes pain, so I don't do much. I hope to be able to start walking soon, 1 hour every day. That should help.

Just wanted to give you a sympathy hug from another mamma feeling like you do!

S., mamma to Ingeborg, soon 3 months old and Clara, 7 years old

Do you have any friends or relatives that could commit to watching your baby an hour here and there so that you could take a walk or go to a gym class? The old stand by usually works best...eating healthy and exercising. The major obstacle is finding time to to do it. Maybe you could include your baby in some exercises or sit her ina bouncer or exersaucer while you exercise. Hope you work things out!

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You can exercise or not!

D.

Getting out for daily walks is an easy way to exercise with your baby. Some people have success using exercise DVD's too. Just doing some body weight stuff (push ups, squats, crunches, etc...) is helpful for strength training at home without having to purchase any equipment. Keep in mind that the weight is not just going to fall off easily. It is going to take a combination of aerobic work, strength training and a sensible diet. If you can manage to incorporate these three things the weight will come off and stay off (calories in < calories out = weight loss). You have to challenge yourself and be patient. Maybe you have a friend who you can swap childcare with in order to get in some gym time if you belong anywhere??? I know that I can't workout effectively at home...too many things to distract me! best of luck!

I was in the same boat. I didn't lose weight until after I weaned both times at a year. I hated that I wasn't one of those that lost weight with breast feeding but I did what I did for the babies and then got myself back together. If I cut calories my supply when down. Now with my second at 18 months I have lost my pregnancy weight and am working on the extra I was carrying around before I got pregnant the first time. I'm doing diet and exercise so it is slow and steady.

Hi M. -

You don't really have to run to loose weight you can talk a 30-45min walk 4-5 times a week and you can get the same results. Something else that you can do if your concern is your waist line is tie a small sheet as tight as you can stand it around your waist. This is a very old remedy to training your stomach muscles, so that you don't keep a pudge.

Good luck.

I had this problem with my daughter. I went into pre-term labor at 5 1/2 months. I was on strict bed rest and was given a steriod shot everyday to mature her lungs. I did not loose my weight until 2 1/2 yrs after I had her. The only reason I lost was because I got a job. That got me up and moving. With my son, I gained 40 lbs and it was off within 4 months. I took Slim Quick and went to the gym everyday. I am sure if you talk to you husband and tell him you are not feeling your best and see what kind of routine you two could come up with about him staying home with the baby and you going to the gym. Also, the gym has a daycare so you could leave your child there. Good luck!

Congrats on your baby girl!!! You've received a lot of great tips.

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 food, processed foods, and especially all types of soft drinks, if you are not already. Eating 5-6 small healthy meals throughout the day, while drinking plenty of water helps keep your engine burning!

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:)

M.,

I have struggled with my weight too after pregnancies. 7 pregnancies & 4 full term deliveries I am finally on my way to losing all the baby weight. Things that work for a new mom are exercises playing with your baby (great dvd's out there for this) & going for walks with your regular stroller or baby carrier. Try your local library or maybe even church library for dvd's. If your local church has a gym see if you can come walk in it or walk in the mall. Craigslist is a great place too for free & inexpensive items.
Also find a friend in the same boat and go walking together. It helps to have some encouraging you. Remember you didn't put it all on overnight and it won't come off overnight. Be patient with your self and keep it up.
Good luck.

I would talk to your doctor before doing anything while you are still nursing. I lost most of the weight right after my twins were born but then gained back 20 pounds during their first year even while I was nursing. Then when they were about a year and a half old I found something that really works. Try the six week body makeover. It has an eating plan that keeps you eating all the time which speeds up your metabolism. My husband, my mom, my mother-in-law ans I all went on the diet together and we each lost 30 pounds over the summer. I weigh less now than I did in college. Try it out you will not be disappointed. As I said talk to your doctor since you are nursing but since this is eating all the time just healthier food you may even be able to start now.

Congratulations on your baby! You might like stroller strides. You just need a regular stroller. They have classes where you bring your baby with you. See http://www.strollerstrides.com/ I like it because you can chat with other moms that totally know what you are going through while you exercise.

If you can't afford a class -- just take your baby for a walk in your regular stroller -- go to the mall, around your neighborhood, etc. You won't need a jogging stroller for that. Good luck!

Herbalife is your answer and very easy to do with a new baby. I've been using Herbalife products for about 4 years and love it. So easy to do and it's all natural products are a plus. My distributor is: Debra ____@____.com's wonderful to work with and gets you on the right track to losing weight and then maintaining it without a lot of hassle.

I've had three children, and I never started losing the weight until my little ones were at least a year old. So, my advice to you is to enjoy your little one and not be so hard on yourself. I know it's rough to not feel your best about your body. I know everyone says you lose more weight when you breastfeed, but in my experience it's not true. Drinking more water will help you feel fuller and help with your milk production. Turn on some music that makes you feel good about life and dance. Remember that this is only a season and that you WILL start losing the weight when the time is right. Your body knows what it's doing. For now, curl your hair, put on some makeup and perfume and most of all look into the face of your wonderful little miracle and think of what you will tell her one day when she is a new mom and doesn't feel so good about herself. God bless you and your family.

Buy a jump rope and put in sight. When you walk by jump as many times as you can and then go on with what you were doing. If you happen to have stairs, go up them as many times as you can in a day. Pick up your sweet girl and do like a ballet plie' with your feet apart over and over. I have 4 children and gained about 60 lbs with each. People ask me all the time how I am in such great shape. I do not go to a gym but use things around the house. Watch how often you sit. Jumping jacks work great too. I could not afford a treadmill either but I did buy an Orbetreck olyptical. They cost much less and are smaller. I think mine was right at $100. Try standing in yoga positions. One position for 5 min does more than you realize. Good luck and hang in there. Sometimes it takes after breast feeding for your body to get back in gear. It wants to hang onto every fat it can for the milk...but it is worth it.

Have you looked into an exercise program. An early morning boot camp might work for you so you won't need a babysitter. I tried a gym, but there was nothing to hold me accountable so I didn't go. I hate, hate, hate getting up for an early class, but it's the only way I will actually exercise. I see you are in Lewisville, if you happen to be on the eastern side, you may want to look into the one I go to, www.thetoweroffitness.com They also offer a great nutrition program.

Learn everything you can about the Law of Attraction. Also look up Paul McKenna on the internet. He has a book that is really good and works. Please call me and I'll be glad to explain further. T. O'Connor ###-###-####

I am a triathlete/marathon runner and a mom of 2 exclusively BF kids (for 18m and 15m), now weaned, ages 6 yrs and almost 3 yrs. Any kind of stroller can be a jogging stroller (even an umbrella one). In fact, I hated my jogging stroller (it didn't turn well) and now use my Sit and Stand for running.

It is hard to get back into it, but I second the Weight watchers plan, and the exersize DVDs. Get 4 different ones: aerobics, yoga/pilates, conditioning (I like the dumbells you can fill with water or sand - much cheaper than the others), and an abs/butt concentrated workout.

Take out your calendar and plan what day you will do what video and stick to it. Before you know it, you'll be back on track.

Remember too that diet is everything. Don't starve yourself and follow the WW plan. Drink more water than you think is humanly possible.

Good Luck!

I am still struggling with my weight at 5 months but I was not underweight before (I was right where I needed to be). I haven't lost but 2 pounds since I left the hospital (the only reason I lost that was because of a stomach bug)leaving me with an extra 20 pounds so I feel your pain. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that Kid to kid is a consignment store that sell used kids items. I bet you could find a jogging stroller there for a lot less than brand new.... hope this helps a little and good luck!!

The ONLY key to weighloss is to consume fewer calories than you burn. For a woman who is breast feeding, you should not consume any less than 1500 calories a day. Try counting the calories of what you eat now in a log (paper or online) and then once you get an idea of what your daily average calorie consumption is, try dropping it 300-500 calories and see if you lose weight over the next two weeks. Trust me... I lost over 40 pounds in 2007 just by counting calories and have kept almost all of it off ever since (and that was even without the help of exercise). I recommend online calorie logs, like Calorie Count.

M.,

I am a mom to three and a grandma to two. After my first and second babies, I went back down to my (underweight) size 5. After my third, I stayed at around a size 10-12. I felt so fat, because I knew what the scales said and what my mind told me. My family told me that I finally looked healthy! I think the first thing you might want to do is to make sure what your ideal/healthy weight is. Don't focus on what you used to weigh. If you were underweight, you weren't healthy.

I would caution you against trying to lose the weight fast. That is not a healthy plan for you. I gradually gained quite a bit of weight over the years, and am now on Weight Watchers. I don't know what you know about WW. It's NOT a diet. WW teaches you better choices to eat, and works with your individual lifestyle. One of the girls in my former group was nursing a baby, and our leader researched the best program for her while she was nursing.

Regarding your exercise question, I just had a thought. Have you checked craigslist.com for a free treadmill? I know that people list items on there when they just want to get rid of them. It's worth a try! Other than that, how do you feel about exercise DVDs while the baby is sleeping? That might be an economical help for you.

Best of luck!

just put her in the stroller and go walking while she is sleeping. Put on your head set with favorite tunes or a book on tape. The fresh air and sunshine will do ou both good. Do some yoga or pilates when the weather is cold. Get stuff from the library its free. Good luck and dont fret, she'll be crawling and walking soon and you will work it off chasing after her

If you can afford Weight Watchers, do that. Otherwise, just watch what you eat (oatmeal and berries for breakfast, turkey sandwich with spinach on whole grain bread for lunch, but with NO mayo - try mustard or avacado), and a lean meat with brown rice and veggies for dinner). Snacks can be apple and peanut butter, or any fruit, of course, and nuts. Drink plenty of water. No sweets. If you eat this way, you will lose weight even if you are not exercising right now. When the weather gets a bit warmer, start fast walking or jogging. Can you do it with your baby in her regular stroller? Otherwise, do it when your husband gets home from work, if it isn't dark yet. Or, you will have to wait for the weekends to exercise (if your husband doesn't work on the weekends). It's not easy, that's for sure, but if you watch what you eat, you will start losing weight. Good luck!

The (ORIGINAL) Hilton Head Metabolism Diet by Dr. Peter Miller

Walk Away The Pounds videos by Leslie Sansone

and

TTapp (ttapp.com)

Are working for me. (Lost 7 lbs the first week, averaging 4 pounds since.)

S.

Pop that baby in an exersaucer, a swing, a play pen, or a sling and give yourself 20 - 30 minutes of moderate movement. It will give you energy for the rest of it after a week or two.

M.-
I joined StrollerFit when my son was 6 weeks. There is also StrollerStrides, check out your area. This can allow you to do a good workout, while your daughter is in her stroller. I do this 1-2x a week and then do exercise videos. It allowed me to lose the weight quick.

Good Luck!

M., It looks like you have received lots of advice. I had heard that breast feeding would take the weight right off, but I also struggled with the last 15 lbs. After I got my first period (9 months after birth), by body finally started to thin out. Also, I do a great yoga video by Denise Austin. Anything by Denise is great. It is 1 hour, and I can do it while my son is sleeping.

My doctor reminded me that it took 9 months to gain the weight, and some women don't lose the weight until they stop breast feeding.

You could look into the 12 Minute Makeover (http://maximizedlivinghealthsite.com//members/index.php?o...) , which utilizes burst training. It is really effective and helped me a lot. I stopped doing it over the holidays but am ready to get back on track. It's hard exercise, but doesn't take a long time and it produces results.

Be careful about exercising and breastfeeding. When you exercise your body produces lactic acid and I've heard that this can actually sour your milk a bit, making the taste unpleasant for your baby. So, if you are going to workout, just be sure and breastfeed before you do, or wait a couple hours after your workout.

I'm in the same boat as you-35# to lose. I've set a goal of 5# a month and it's totally do-able. You can do it!

quick question: those times you cut calories & your supply went down - did you cut your liquid intake as well or might there possibly have been any other variables at play (i.e. sleep, stress, activity level, etc.)?

Hi there. Have you thought about joining a gym with a creche or getting a babysitter to come a few times a week for an hour or two so that you can have some time to go out for a run or go to the gym? I started putting my son in the nursery at 3 months old so that he could get used to other people caring for him - and to give me a break! My husband travelled constantly when he was a newborn, so this was my only break all day except for his naps - which as you rightly pointed out - I used to do housework. Going to the nursery a few times a week for an hour and a half was wonderful for his social development. The gym became my "me" time - time to take off the weight, do something good for myself - oh and go and have a shower and put on some make-up without having to worry about my little one! It really kept me sane - and took the weight off. I really didn't lose much weight until I started exercising. Coincidentally, I also quit breastfeeding at about 4 months because my son just didn't want it anymore. My weight absolutely dropped off. I know some people swear by breastfeeding, but my weight clung to me until I quit (my sister-in-law was the same way as were a few friends)... but I was also going to the gym then (I didn't for the first 3 months) so it could have just been the working out. I am by no means advocating quitting breastfeeding to lose weight so please don't get me wrong. But if you want to lose the weight and have some "me" time, I recommend putting your baby in the nursery at the gym or getting a babysitter so you can go outside for a run. Good luck!

I hate to run, walk, excercise in general, but I found that doing Pilates worked well for me. It is low impact and you can get a video and do it in your own living room. I am very self concious and so I don't like to exercise in public. I lost a lot of weight and toned up my muscles too. There is a DVD at walmart that is called Pilates for weight loss and it does work. Good luck and Congratulations on your new baby girl.

Any thing that makes you lose weight (fast) will be like a yo-yo diet that you will put it back on and more because your metabalism is messed up that way. Smaller portions, a snack of protien, or (almonds for instance)mid morning and mid afternoon, or snack no bigger than will fit in palm of your hand, or a left over small peice of chicken helps keep from getting hungry until the next meal. Try not to have much sugar or fast food type or fried, and eat healthy, but not (diet) and it will come off (slower maybe) but will stay off and make you a healthy moma and still have milk. Little exercise, like walking in place raising your knees, for 60 sec. and a few others that you can do around the house. If you have a stroller, just take the baby for a walk, they love it, and that will help. Be patient and it will come off and you will benefit in the long run from this than thoses quick unhealthy ones . It will come. Good luck and just enjoy that baby.

Hi, Well i know how you feel, i breast Fed for 5 months so that helped me but after that i didn't lose to much very fast maybe 2 pounds a month nothing you could tell, now my lil one is almost 2 and i have stayed same wight for a yr now.. so i really dont know.i would just say try to eat healthy and maybe just walk with her down the street once a day or even just 2 times a week, I got a treadmill and never used it. don't have time like you said between being tired and house work.. well good luck and it'll come off give it time i know its seems its been long but its only 7 months , shoot mine is 2 and i have about 15 pounds to still lose.

I did weight watchers. You can do it while you nurse, (it gives you extra points). It really worked for me. I like to do Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone. Its a great workout and you do it in your home. I do it while my little one takes a nap.

My children are older now but weight watchers used to have a great program for nursing mothers. If you can not fit meetings into your schedule they have the on line program. I have never used the on line so I can not advise as to how it works.

Weight Watchers has a nursing mother's program that really works

I had the VERY same situation! I went to Weight Watchers while I was still breast feeding and shed 30+ pounds in a realitive short amount of time. Tell them you are nursing and they will give you the right plan.

Good Luck!

KEEP BREASTFEEDING!!! That is the best way to burn calories, but also- walk, walk, walk. Go on a walk every day and you'll shape up in no time! I breastfeed and walk daily and I weigh less than I did in Junior High! Don't limit your foods, listen to your hunger, but you have to choose the right foods. Lay off the processed snacks and sugar, and sodas for sure. If you're eating wholesome foods, pile it on your plate and enjoy! Like rice with veggies, pinto bean burritos, a lentil dish, healthy spaghetti, etc.

Do you have a regular (non-jogging) stroller or a baby carrier (Baby Bjorn or wrap or sling)? Strap your baby on or in and go for a walk! The faster you move, the more calories you'll burn, and it won't hurt your milk supply or your pocketbook! Your baby will probably love being outside too! I know that walking is not running, but if nothing else, it's a start. I do yoga and pilates (videos) while my 9-month-old naps in the morning (a 90-minute nap if I'm lucky), and we go for long walks around our neighborhood in the afternoon when the weather is nice (not raining and above 50 degrees) after she gets up from her afternoon nap (again, maybe 90 minutes if I'm lucky). I also try to use nap-time to catch up on household chores, scrapbooking, talking to friends, checking e-mail..... Whatever doesn't get done during the day either gets done in the evening after my baby goes to bed or doesn't get done at all (it's really not the end of the world if the bed's not made or the laundry's not folded).

I have recently cut processed foods and white flour way down in our diet. We switched to brown rice pasta, and whole grain breads. I had about 20 pounds that I have been trying to rid myself of for years. After this change in our eating habits I lost it all. I love salads and fresh veggies, so I eat a great deal of that. Make sure that the foods that you do eat contain all the nutrients that you two need. I am supplementing with a natural multivitamin from Sprouts called "Alive". The tablets are really big, but the capsules are not bad.

As for the house, I am not sure about you, but I am a neat nut. I have five children, and have had to learn what bothers me the most about the house and keep that up. Mine was clutter and the kitchen (dishes). I have found that when I keep up the two things that make my husband & I craziest, the other stuff can hold off till I have more time. One lady said walk, it isn't running, but it very effective way to exercise. The fresh air will do both you and your daughter good. As much as possible, take naps with your sweet baby. If she naps for an hour, maybe you could set an alarm and sleep for half and hour then work on something that needs to get done for the other half hour. Also, work at teaching her to be able to entertain herself. Start with 5 minutes, and slowly work up in increments of 5 minutes till she can pay on her own for about 30 minutes a day. Both of you will benefit from this training. Find a few special toys that she really enjoys, and can play with on her own; save them for the times when you want her to entertain herself. I hope that these ideas are helpful. Please feel free to private message me.

Congratulations on your daughter. Blessings on your family

cut out all sodas, "fancy" coffees/teas, beef/pork, ice cream, chocolate, most breads (i love multi-multi grain breads)... examples for simple lunches...fix a crock pot of beans or cabbage or vegetable soup once a week. try and walk a mile or more each day weather permitting. drink lots of water. substitute olive oil for regular cooking oil. various types of creative salads, chicken dishes... you can do this ...:)

i have lost weight by eating a piece of fruit, a couple hand full of walnuts or almonds, and a small glass of juice in the mornings. lunch is usually something prepared in the crock pot that week. dinner depends if my husband is home or away. if he's away, i usually have a salad and chicken breast or seafood. if he's home well... he cooks i do small portions while eliminating the aforementioned foods. he is aware of what i do not eat and thinks i'm crazy. and while he thinks i'm crazy, i watch as he gains weight and i loose weight... oh sweet...

snacking... olives (black or green), toasted multi grain bread dipped in olive oil, nuts, a piece of fruit...

now every once in a while i do indulge in a piece of pie or home made candy/cookies sans chocolate

i also like to crunchy (bad for the teeth) on slightly melted ice cubes. i'm going to try to start freezing cranberry juice cubes.

you can do this! hang in there.

I swear by Atkins. I just started (again) and have already lost 4 pounds. The last time I did Atkins (6 years ago), I lost 60 pounds in 5 months. I kept it all off for over 2 years, then stress happened (illnesses in the family that required lots of travel). I still only put back about 1/2, but the last 15 I've gained in two years, after getting married to the love of my life.

I would supplement with vitamins because it's a protein heavy diet, but you eat alot and (at least me) are satisfied.
Good Luck!
Frances