Ok ladies. I'm going to be 40 this year, my youngest is 3 and I still weigh in a full 10 (maybe 12) lbs more than I did when I got pregnant the first time when I was 31. I had 3 kids over 4 years and before that was always active, thin and could pretty much eat what I wanted.
I think being pregnant and nursing for almost 6 years made me think that I could continue to just eat what I wanted... but I'm tired of being ALMOST as thin as I'd like. Although I'd love to weigh 125 again like I did in college, I'd be happy to be back at 130.
Those of you who are truly back to to your prebaby weight - how did you do it? Calorie counting? Exercise? Combo? Special diet?
I'm worried if I don't get there before I turn 40 in Sept., I might never do it.
Thanks!
J.
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I am actually a little less than my pre-baby weight, only because I had this intense fear of getting the "mom body" after kiddos!! I think I weighed 125-128 when I got married and I am 120 today. I have had to watch what I ate my whole life but for some reason I found it easier to lose weight after I had my 3rd baby even got down to 115-116 for about 6 months. BUT in the last few months my old metabolism really seems to be creeping back up on me and I went back up to 120 and have to work to maintain it. I am a little bummed because I was really stoked at 116 so honestly I am trying to get back there but my body doesn't seem to be getting the message. I have been using MyFitnessPal to track calories and exercise (there is an app for your phone too so it makes it easy) and try to stay away from sugar, "white" carbs and processed crapola. I also have started working out consistently for the first time in my life about a month and a half ago and even though I still don't "love" it, it does make me feel better... I only do about 20-30 mins a day, 5 days a week. I will never be one of those people who does 2 hours of cardio because I'd rather stab myself in the eye. :) Anyway, I have lost only 2 pounds in the last month counting cals and exercising, BUT I am trying to focus on being healthy and not the number on the scale (ok that is just what I am telling myself, I really do want that damn scale to cooperate). I do see my legs getting more toned ...
If you reduce calories (and snack and health a little more healthy) and do toning exercises with 30 minutes of cardio a day, then you will lose that 10 lbs quickly.
Also, keep in mind that body measurements from toning are way more accurate than keeping tab of the lbs!
You sound just like me! But I know for a fact that you can lose it if you put in the effort. We do naturally gain a bit of weight as we age and just have to work that much harder, sigh. Really though in the end, our age really is just a number that we can overcome. Hang in there and stay positive, don't give up!!!
I weigh about 130 now and my best weight is about 125. When I find my clothes fitting tightly I increase the frequency that I run or do Karate to every day, instead of most days, and for dinner some nights I have a bowl of oatmeal and greek yogurt, or raisin bran and banana. I avoid french fries and make a pot of soup for lunches. I have yogurt, fruit, or popcorn for snacks. It might not fit everyone's view of a "diet" but it seems to work for me. (And I do drink a protein drink for breakfast every day. Have done that for years.)
Some might argue you aren't supposed to return to it. I know for a fact the body resettles differently than pre baby. It's best to focus on looking and feeling good and not get hung up on the idea of a particular weight. Maybe you are supposed to be 140 now and that's why you find it hard to get to 130.
That being said. Losing vanity weight can't be done with exercise alone. YOu have to snack all day instead of eat meals and burn burn burn those calories. Vanity weight is the hardest to lose because our bodies like healthy padding ( men like us that way too)
Hi J., I just posted that I was looking for a Diet Buddy! I have WAY moer to lose than 10# but its always nice to have people encourage you and help you when you need it. If you are on Facebook, search "Diet Buddies", I just started a group on there. Its a nice place you can post if you are having a good or bad day and any tips that might help someone else if they are working for you. Good luck!
Whatever you do, don't diet! None of them work.
Just live a healthy lifestyle. Don't buy pop, juice, cookies, crackers, chips from the store. Keep all that out of the house. Instead buy your groceries from the perimeter of the store: fruit, vegetables, diary, meat. Treat yourself to a piece of chocolate and coffee, so you don't go nuts :)
Kick your kids outside and be with them. Just being outdoors gets you in the "healthy" mood.
If you're addicted to pop, like so many people are, a good "gateway" drink is charged water, like La Croix water.
Finally, you may be holding on to that extra weight because of sleep deprivation issues. The worse we sleep, the more calories we crave. If you're still nursing, you may not be able to lose your weight just yet.
You'll be fine!
Morning J.-
it's always those last 10!!
Exercise, yes - even 3 10 min sessions at least 6 days a week.
protein- not certain on your height but at least 75gm a day.
water- no less than 8 glasses
white flour starches- only 1 serving a day to go after that ideal shape you're looking for. This one is HARD. You can go to 2 when you hit your goal.
Calories-- if under 5'7"- 1200 a day- if under 5'4" 1200 with additional 200 calories exercised off is a simple calculation. I can profile you if you want to email me at ____@____.com (i have a meeting but will get back with you asap)
There are great free internet sites to help you put in food logs if you're serious. They 'show' what's happening.
Sounds like you have the will- just don't give up. I had twins in my 40's and have my shape back and I still work at it now in my 50's but it helps that I'm also a wellness coach part time so that keeps me accountable.
Stick with it.
You'll be happy you do!!
About me: 51yo perfusionist, wellness coach, mom with 10yo fraternal twin girls.
B. J
Mere tooo! Same weight #s EXCEPT that I only had 1 baby at age 40..... I am 48 now...hubby is on Atkins diet and weight is falling off like he is a crack addict...don't really want to start smelling like him, but would like to shave about 10 lbs off....and now of course I'm finding the weight that he is losing...I swear...he lost 20, I gained 5.....so now my goal is 15. I'm going to start with leaving the damn Easter candy alone, trying to walk and ride my bike more, and exercise moderation with portions and junk.. Some things I just can't live without like my chocolate milk in the morning..never developed a taste for coffee..have to have my milk in the morning, and with every meal that I make at home. Good luck, let us know about your success!
Calorie counting. I lost 16 pounds just doing that. No exercise, but I am somewhat active I think. And i weigh less than i did before both babies! So I think its definitely possible to return to your pre-baby weight.
I also cut out basically all sodas, juices, any drink that has calories. All I drink is flavored sparkling water which i love so i don't even miss them. You'd be suprised how many calories you can cut that way. Besides i'd much rather save those calories and indulge on dessert!
I am almost 43 yo. I have been unhappy with my weight for the last 3yrs.
On Jan 15th I injured my knee. To make a long story short I actually have severe arthritis in my knees because of a kneecap defect I was born with but never knew about until 2 months ago. I then decided I needed to do something about my weight.
The first thing I did was stop eating sugar. I gave up all junk food in addition to bread. I still however eat a lot of fruit even though that contains natural sugar. I also started eating more protein/meat and nuts. I do not count calories. I am also never hungry. (I lost 6 lbs in about 1 1/2 wks. I then bought a recumbent exercise bike. I now ride about 2 hours /day. ( 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour at night). Within 10 weeks I was down 15lbs.
I can not believe I was so unhappy with my weight when in just a couple of weeks I could fix it. I now weigh 124lbs (down 16lbs) at 5'7". I am so happy!! (When I was out shopping buying new clothes with my daughter 2 people actually thought my daughter was my sister.). Yeah for me!
Since Easter, I have been eating candy but I think I have increased my metabolism so much I can now have it in moderation.
Good luck! You can do it!!
EDIT I drink a protein shake every morning for breakfast. (whey protein vanilla, skim milk, banana, 3 ice cubes and 1 teaspoon of coco (10 calories)
I've had great success with Weight Watchers. You can do it online only, but I'm more successful when I attend the meetings. With learning portion control, being more active, and being more aware of the hidden "bad" foods, I was able to drop the first 10 pounds in about a month. What I like about WW is that it is not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. It changed my attitude about food and eating, but still leaves me room to have a slice of cheesecake once in awhile. Once you hit your goal weight and maintain it for 6 weeks, you become a lifetime member. Then as long as you stay within 2 pounds of you goal you have free access to all of their online resources and in center meetings.
I was an older mommy when I had our first baby....I feel you pain...I was 104 when I got pregnant with baby #1 and was 110 when I got pregnant with baby #2, 6 months after having baby #1. After the second baby, I just couldn't lose the weight and hoovered at 133 pounds for almost 10 years! (baby #2 just celebrated her 10th birthday on Friday). What I came to realize is that weighing 104 or 110 wasn't healthy for me at 5'4". I still have a little "baby pouch" but I'm excersizing regularly and eating right....I measure inches and work at toning any trouble spots I feel I have. It is natural to have a little "happy fat" and I've come to realize that at 43, I look and feel terrific!
