Weight Loss - How Did I Let Myself Go?

I do portion control and it works! I can eat anything I want, however I only indulge in the sweet stuff every now and again. I just take a few bites of what is really fattening and stop. It takes some time to gain the will to do that, but it has made a huge difference in my diet and my weight. Plus, take the time to chew the food and eat slowly - that is a tremendous help as well.
Good luck!

I love P90X to get my muscles working for me - it's an amazing metabolic advantage! The first couple of weeks were absolute hell.

It's also tough to eat badly when I work out at that level. It literally makes me ill.

I can truly empathize . . . I got stuck myself.

Gosh S. we are in the same boat,, Only Im older, taller and heavier. (not a very pretty boat huh) Ive done WW a few times and love it. I did great, but then after losing 50 pounds all of a sudden its been 6 months and I have gained it back plus some, and dont know how that happend. I think we all know HOW to do it. We just need motovation and commitment to ourselves and we will do better. Im getting to the age where this could be what kills me and I HAVE to do something to stop it now. I know Im a stress eater and boy have I got some stress. Im trying hard working on that problem but thats a big struggle. Walking is about the best thing we can do. Im not getting any chances to walk the way I used to. Maybe we all need to start our own little forum for encouragement and help.

If you think you have a food addiction and want lifelong results, you may wish to consult with your primary care physician before beginning a plan.

..My advice is to be consistent with eating right and working out... and reward yourself with chocolate once a week... don't overindulge in food... its mind over matter... We mothers have to be whole and healthy for our well being and our kids and SO.... God speed and blessings in this area

Hi S.,

This could be my life story, but you are still young and haven't damaged your health, so it is time to start moving. Try the site Loseit.com for tracking, it doesn't cost anything.

Do something you enjoy for exericise or you won't keep doing it. I kept weight off for year with isometrics, Callenetics, Pilates, Yoga, doing weights at home and dancing around my living room. I hate running. Try the Bollywood, Zumba, or Dancing with the Stars exercise videos. Take them out of the library to see what you like.

If you have the summer off try turning romping in the pool with your kids to exercise. I hope you have one in your area. I know, it is so hard to be seen in a swim suit.

Note: Working moms don't have the time or the money to always eat fresh, though it is easier in the summer. I have frozen broccoli and spinanch in the house at all times so I always have a big serving of something green at dinner. I drop a package of spinach in almost every soup, chili, sause or stew I make.

Good luck.

I did great on Weight Watchers last year, but didn't sign up for their maintenance plan because I knew what to do. If you've done WW before, you know what you need to do.

You don't have to count points and measure every little thing, but you do need to watch your food choices, look at calorie/fat counts and eat reasonable portions. Add more fruits and vegetables to your fridge and keep the junk out of the house and out of your work stash. If it's not there, you can't eat it. However, be sure to have your splurge item on hand. For me, it's chocolate. When I'm craving it, I pour myself a couple tablespoons worth of chocolate chips and I'm good. I eat the good stuff the rest of the day.

Also, get some workout DVDs if you can't get to the gym. I love Lindsay Brin's Moms Into Fitness Boot Camp DVDs because they really target the right areas and they're short routines that give you pretty quick results (at least I noticed improvement quickly). Also, the trainer is a mom of three kids, so she "gets" it.

Another big tip is to get out of the house. Use your lunch break when you're working to take a quick walk. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Now that it's summer, you can do even longer ones. I know our kids enjoy getting out for hikes on local paths, so that can be a fun family activity. Also get out to the pool. Another way to exercise without feeling like you're forced to exercise. Even hauling kids around the pool will burn calories.

Good luck!

Hi S.,
I just responded but now I see it was not posted :o/ Anyway, like you I have been a WW girl on two separate occasions and managed to let the weight creep back up on me both times. I breastfed for 6 months and after that the weight came back with a fury like none I have ever seen in my life. I decided that I didn’t want to suffer the guilt of weighing in with someone weekly who has no trouble “maintaining” their weight loss. I just couldn’t do it again, so with the help of my loving husband I was going to do this on my own….no success so far! I have decided that I needed some accountability. Another former WW buddy told me about www.sparkpeople.com which is very similar to WW online but on steroids! It can be a tad overwhelming but I found that the nutrition tracker is what I need to be accountable. Additionally, I take the advice that you can’t deprive yourself of the things you love but the fact that ‘moderation’ is not a favorite word of mine; we have assigned Saturday as “Cheat day”. That is when we will go out for dinner, if we want, have a full-fat dessert or whatever. Then Sunday, back to work. I admit Sunday isn’t always the easiest day to get back on track to, but I decided I am tired of being overweight and I really want to be a good example to my now one year old. If I can hopefully get myself in check it will be easier once she is older and really impressionable.
I wish you nothing but the best in what is one of the hardest journeys I have ever dealt with myself! Take care of yourself.

I gained 25 lbs last year on chemo and now that I'm cancer free, I'm trying to lose the weight and get healthy. I try to get to the gym a few times per week, but quite honestly, that's harder to do in the summer when the kids just want to go to the pool and do something "fun" and entertaining. Even when I was going to the gym, I hadn't done much to eat any healthier, so I lost about 5 lbs and then plateaud (sp?). I finally decided that something had to give and that my food choices were going to have to get better. I have been REALLY watching my portions and trying to cook things more from scratch. I don't do starches at dinner anymore (I would almost always have a meat, a veggie and a starch). I just make more veggies to go with whatever meat I'm making. I also started using ground turkey instead of ground beef and have focused more on fish and some chicken than the red meats and pork. I no longer eat soups for lunch because the sodium was so over the top. I eat lots of salad and when I do eat a sandwich, I try to eat turkey with one piece of cheese and add in some veggies. I also don't eat it on bread anymore...I use a tortilla to reduce the carbs. Egg white veggie omelets are really yummy and great for you! I just season the veggies with a little bit of garlic powder and season salt. I even allow myself a little bit of cheese in the omelet, but it's mostly veggies and I only use the egg whites. Quite honestly, I have lost almost as much weight by watching my diet as I did going to the gym 4 times per week. I think if I could actually ever combine the two, I would be doing great! I have about 18 more lbs to lose and it is slow going, but I would rather lose it slowly by making better lifestyle choices than to follow a "diet" that will just backfire on me in a few months. I am just eating a ton of fruits and veggies instead of carbs. My favorite snack used to be pretzels because they are "fat free". Well, fat free doesn't mean you won't gain weight eating them! I now eat carrots dipped in hummus or some fruit. I also stopped eating cereal for breakfast. I have been eating plain greek yogurt with some granola on top and piled high with strawberries and blueberries. The yogurt by itself isn't great tasting because there is very little sugar in it, but with a little bit of granola and a ton of fruit on top, it's delicious! Again, I just had to change up my whole way of thinking and I had never struggled with my weight before, so I had no idea where to start. The "convenience" foods aren't good for you and it takes a little longer to eat healthy, but it's worth the effort to see results. I even have my kids eating fruits and veggies as snacks instead of the processed crackers and stuff. Not all of the time (they are still kids), but at least some of the time. I feel like in the long run, we will all be healthier for it.

Anyway, I feel like I have totally rambled, but the bottom line is to try to get away from the packaged foods and buy/cook fresh. Use more veggies and fruits in place of carbs or snacks and try to get a good, brisk walk in at least a few times per week. You don't have to go to a gym to do that! Also, during the busy school year, just plan ahead and try to buy things to make that are easy (think bagged salad and cherry tomatoes) so that there is less prep time. I wish you the best of luck. It isn't easy and the pace of weight loss can be maddening, but you can do it! Eat if you love to eat, just eat the right things and you'll do great! :-)

I went to WW before and while I like it, I really don't like to count points perse... although, recently I have started using "myfitnesspal.com" (it's free) and gotta say.. it makes it fun ... so check that out. Additionally and MOST of all.. planning is soooooooooooo key... esp with kids, FT job and all the stress that that can bring.. do a few short cuts if you can... try and cut up a bunch of fruit and veggies Sunday night, this way you have them for the week and might be apt to eat better. Additionally, try to do that with snack.. example..
pre-cut an apple, raw almonds and a piece of string cheese and put them in a small baggy.. this way, you grab and go... (or make whatever snack you like) but just have it HANDY...BEFORE hunger sets in...... once it does, you won't think straight (As least I don't) and therefore, I make lousy choices..also, when hungry, drink a cup of water BEFORE you eat.. this way, you are properly hydrated. I ve read that if when you eat you are dehydrated, your metabolism doesn't work as efficiently. .(hey sounds logical to me) but moreover, drink because you might just be thirsty as oppose to hungry...

Also, do you have the WW pedometer? I LOVE it.. I use it to track how much I walk everyday.. as you prob know, all those steps add up.... so try and use stairs.. etc.. park farther away at parking lots..

lastly.. consistency is key... whether bad or good... whichever you are doing are the results you will reap.. And it's so simple to say, but take ONE day at a time. if you future trip whether back to the past of how you were thinner or to the future of how you want to be, that just makes a person more miserable.. stay in the now and work on just getting through one day at a time.... again, sounds easier said than done.. but it's something I remind myself of every day and so far , it's working...best of luck to you

I went to WW for a month and lost 20lbs. I stopped going because I can weigh myself at home and buy their little snacks from the store. So why keep paying my money to go there and sit in a meeting I thought to myself. Anyways, I lost an additional 15lbs in 3 weeks and is still loosing on my own by doing this:

I exercise for at least 30 minutes a day

For breakfast: 1 egg, 1 cheese 2 pc of toast and 3 pc of bacon BUT the cheese is fat free, the toast is reduced cal and the bacon is low sodium

For lun: smart ones

For dinner: A medium piece of meat and veggies. If you is like me and like for your food to be tasty, try using ACCENT SEASONING. It tastes great and is low in sodium. Or try MRS. DASH it tastes ok

For dessert: Smart Ones Icecream (I didnt eat dessert everyday, only somtimes)

Snacks: Fat Free popcorn (the small bags), fruits, veggies w/fat free salad dressing, WW candy

Beverage: Diet Soda or Crytal Light

I lost 2-5lbs a week with this diet! Try it for yourself, its great

Weight loss is SO difficult! I find I need an really good incentive to keep me on track - an upcoming special event like a wedding, reunion, or trip. What might motivate you to stick with it? Better health, more energy, knowing you'll feel better about yourself so you can be a better mom & teacher? There are lots of exercise programs available on TV; get your older kids involved and maybe they'll exercise with you & make you do it! Do you take vitamins? The line I use sometimes helps people lose weight, i.e. if your body is missing key nutrients, your metabolism may be sluggish. Happy to provide more info on the vitamins and other weight loss products this wellness company offers. Good luck to you!!!

S., if you go to www.livingpremium.com and look for the B-Slim plan, you will see what me and my husband have used with great results. All natural and easy to use and we can even eat most of what we want. No counting points or anything like that. Message me if you have any questions about it. Hope this helps!

Hi S.!
As somebody below mentioned, it's "mind over matter". If you believe in yourself, then you will get the results you want. :-)
Here's what works for me:
A) No eating after 7 pm (NO MATTER WHAT)--especially if it's a special event, birthday party, family gathering, etc...If you're really craving a slice of cake at a party, for example, just wait and eat it the next day!! You can save a ton of calories by doing this day after day.
B) Only drink water (or sometimes milk) but never juice, soda, or anything else.
C) Eat all-natural foods (absolutely no artificial fats/sweeteners/colors/flavors, etc...) No chemicals (trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, modified corn starch, etc...) This type of diet is so much healthier for the kids, too. :) I try to eat organic as often as possible.
D) Go for a walk EVERY day (even if you don't feel like it, or if you're too tired, etc...)...it will rejuvenate you! Eventually shoot for 3 miles/day (45 minutes of fast walking). My experience=the pounds will melt off like butter! :-)

I hope this advice works for you, too! Best of luck!

I am in the same boat as you. I am 33, have 2 kids, an 8 year old and a 2 year old. Along with being a full time wife and mother, I am a full time Sr. Accountant for a well known major specialty retailer and have a high stress job. When I got married 10 years ago, I weighed 130 lbs. After my oldest was born in 2002, I stayed at about 150. I let myself go, wasn't eating well and when I got pregnant with my youngest I weighed about 160. After having him, I dropped some weight quickly, then ballooned back up close to 180. So being a 5 foot 2 woman just under 180lbs is NOT appealing. I haven't eaten right and have just been downright lazy! So this year I decided was my year to eat healthier and lose the weight. I am done having children so I have run out of excuses! My cousin started South Beach Diet a few years ago and lost just over 40 lbs. She looks fantastic (now a size 6) and has kept the weight off, so I decided what did I have to lose but the weight. I started at 177 lbs wearing a size 14 pant. I have been on South Beach diet for just over a month and lost 10.5 lbs in the first month WITHOUT exercising and I am down 1 pant size. The first two weeks are hard not eating carbs and sugar, but you learn to make healthier choices and it does get easier! Just in the first 3 weeks I felt better, wasn't tired all the time and had a lot more energy. Now if I eat something bad (fast food, etc) my body rejects the bad stuff! I was a total carbaholic, LOVE pasta and bread, but have lost a big part of the cravings for carbs and sweets being on the SB diet. It is not necessarily a diet, but a lifestyle change. It really helps you re-learn how to eat and make good choices. There are a ton of substitutions out there you just have to stick with it. I just introduced some cardio this week, so hoping to see great results from that. If you don't have gym access get a treadmill, bike or inexpensive elliptical for your home, or just put the baby in the stroller and walk outside. The walk will not only do you good but will be great for baby too. Sit your husband down and explain to him your plans and ask for his support. Support is a big factor in your success. My husband would LOVE for me to be 120 lbs again but he knows realistically I may not get that small again. Now being on SB, he has seen that I am making progress and has started giving me words of encouragement. I even got a your looking sexy comment recently. That ego boost really has helped push me. My co-worker was at the Dr. recently and her Dr. recommended SB or WW as weight loss plans. Difference is on SB you don't have to measure or count calories. Just eat was is on the DO list and avoid whats on the DON'T. Good luck in whatever weight loss journey you decide to take!

Dear S.,
Like you and others I have been working to loose weight on many occasions in my life. I'm shorter, and older than you . I only mention this because as others have said the older you are, the more challenging dropping weight becomes.
I'm a hypnotherapist and can tell you that the mind body connection is there even when you are not aware of it.
Eating: the commitment to a long term way of eating instead of a "diet" is the plan that will carry you through the dips in your journey. Saying that, take a day at a time or even a meal at a time.
Processed foods need to be avoided as much as possible. Fresh foods are your ally! Join a CSA. Even at this late date in the season, some groups still have openings. Buy fresh fruits and veggies and freeze them for later in the season. Get in the habit of drinking ONLY water. Fresh lemon or lime juice in your water will help if you want variety. Herbal teas are also good choices.
Drink half your weight in water(oz) each day. For you, it would be 119 oz a day. It will keep you hydrated and metabolizing food quicker. NO DIET SODA. It makes you crave sugar and messes with your synapses.
Eat smaller meals more frequently. Chew your food until it's liquid in your mouth.
Exercise, see if you can find a buddy to share workouts. Even walking around the block or in the mall. Share exercise with your kids. Include weight training in your exercise. Exercise bands are cheap and efficient to use.
Hope this helps.

i love to eat too! but i'm so over not fitting into my clothes. so i signed up for weight watchers and beginning to feel better (it's only been 2 weeks..we'll see how it goes). but anyway if you dont wanna do WW again, have you heard of zumba? google it or search for dvds on amazon. it's a dance fitness workout that's supposed to be really fun. i would've done it but i live on 2nd floor of a condo so can't do the jumping around.. check it out! i hear good things!