Diet

Updated on January 29, 2008
S.R. asks from Sarasota, FL
38 answers

So its a New Year and Yes its time to lose the weight again, What is the most successful way you have had in losing the weight and keeping it off?? Suggestions please!! Thanks

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

36 years old, mother of 2 was 147 pounds, size 12 and an F cup. Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing to the rescue. I am now 115 pounds, a size 4 (I often get my clothes in the kids section) and a C cup.

I highly recommend it. www.NewWayToCleanse.com/B.

B. H
www.HeyYouGetReal.com

1 mom found this helpful
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K.F.

answers from Panama City on

Hi S.--

Over the past 9 months I have lost 65 pounds using sparkpeople.com It is an online weight lose community that is COMPLETELY FREE.

Give it a try.
K.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.W.

answers from Tampa on

WEIGHT WATCHERS ONLINE!

I lost over 30 pounds and managed to keep it off until I got pregnant with my little dude. The points system is wonderful and it works if you let it!

Good luck!

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J.H.

answers from Orlando on

the Dillard Diet Design. ###-###-#### they have a website as well which isn't very informative however the diet works! i lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks. went from a size 10 to a size 6 too (and even some size 4). i've put on a couple of pounds since but only b/c i haven't been watching what i eat & my old bad eating habits kicked in. i am still a size 6-8 and have only gained about 5-7 pounds back. along with the diet i also walked everyday...sometimes twice a day. the diet can be expensive...but it was so worth it & it was the only diet that i've ever had such sucess with. good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Orlando on

I have had a baby every other year for six years. I've bought a treadmill. I"ve tried diets. I was up to 5 miles a day walking with the kids. What I realized is -- of course, you have to make a change with what you put into your body. Salads, veggies (I hate veggies, so I drink tomato juice -- spicy), protein -- chicken -- tuna also. AND you have to MOVE! But -- with children -- I was regulated to before they wake up OR after they go to bed. Not great times to work out! Then -- TA DA! I found the YMCA! I'm telling you -- I do not leave my children with just anyone. I have to do background checks and know them. But I trusted this mom I know who works at the YMCA, and she said if I was uncomfortable -- to check on them every 10 minutes. I did. And the next time, I did again. They were having a BALL. They were being attended to. They were having the time of their life. And it has been two weeks of me -- getting a full hour (sometimes hour and a half) of mommy time -- after 9:00 a.m. I work out -- the kids play. And I really think I found a way to get my h.s. body back. I'm not a HUGE eater at all. I don't eat emotionally. But I do like to eat. And so I burn about 700 (sometimes more) on the machines there.....also the weight machines I've never done -- since high school. I'm really excited to have my pre-baby body back. And with my children having fun while I"m working out -- I can't say enough about this BIG change in my life. Wish me luck (it has only been two weeks of working out)......but I"m psyched. I've finally found a schedule that works for my children AND me. It just has to work!:)p.s. Drink water or if you don't like the taste of water -- add very little gatorade to it so that you can drink it.......sometimes when we think we are hungry we are really just plain thirsty -- drink two cups when you think you are really hungry. and last but not least, SLEEP! none of us get the at least 7 hours of sleep a night that we truly need! (also
anything we eat after dinner won't be healthy -- it won't be fruit or veggies -- it will be just added calories/fat to our bodies that we really don't need.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.V.

answers from Tampa on

S.,

This is how I lost my baby weight! I was so tired of crying in the closet because I couldn't get back in my clothes - my parents tried it, it worked for them, so I tried it too. I went from a size 10/12 back into my 4/6 and my trainer said I lost 3% bodyfat. This system works, and even better my kids now drink the shakes and I know they are getting great nutrition!

http://www.powerup.isagenix.com Oh and you can save 30% on all of your orders for a year if you become a member.

If you want to see some more before and afters go to http://www.isaresults.com

I give a free gift to all mamasource members!

- S. ###-###-####

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M.D.

answers from Sarasota on

Just eating healthy such as veggies, no sweets!
Exercise as well.
Drinking lots of water

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S.E.

answers from Melbourne on

My neighbor lost 60 pounds over the last 6 months by not eating any carbs. He does eat some carbs now, but just a little. Like if they go out for pizza, he will just eat 1 slice, plus a big salad.

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P.F.

answers from Jacksonville on

The company I network with has a Trim 40 Plan (mainly for women over 40), but it works for everyone who is serious. This year they have come out with a healthy HIRO drink call Thermo, which burns calories. If you are interested on Monday nights they have a pique interest call at 10:00, led by a registered nurse. The number is ###-###-#### Pin #897107. You can visit my website to see if this would interest you www.tahitiannoni.com/elane. Just a thought

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N.L.

answers from Naples on

I have three children and seem to stay at the after baby weight. My body just loves to store that extra handle for the kids to ride on around the house:) I have found that a good cleanse can work wonders and I have been debating on doing one soon. I also just started reading a great book called 5-factor Fitness that I have by my bedside. I really want to work off that extra weight too and keep it off! The book talks about routine and how we need to change our normal exercise plan and workout 5 times a week to see our bodies shape up! I wish you much success in your New Years plan and I hope to keep a post of how the books tips work! All the best to you! N. F. RN

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M.M.

answers from Sarasota on

Hi S.,
I'd like to encourage you to think in terms of your fitness, rather than your weight, and about a style of eating, rather than a diet. Research seems to show that a low glycemic style of eating helps more people be fit (including losing weight) than other eating plans. Information is available on the Internet, and I also have information I can send you if you'd like. (Send me an email if you'd like my info.)

The other crucial component is exercise, to insure that the weight you lose is fatty tissues, not muscle. Exercise can be pretty simple - start by going for a walk 3-5 times a week. You can trade babysitting with a spouse or trusted friend, or put the little ones in a double stroller (available at many consignment shops if you don't have one) and let your 6 yr. old walk along with you. It doesn't even have to be very fast at first - just getting out and doing it will help, and you'll also be instilling great habits in your kids!

I lost almost 30 pounds last year on a low glycemic program with walking as my main exercise, have 20 more to go, and have not had much trouble with backsliding (except for over the holidays - I gained a couple of pounds but am now back on track) - so I know it can be hard, and I also know it can work!

I'm cheering you on!
M.

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G.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi, My Name is G. and I am A positive Lifestyle coach and counselor.
Many of my clients have used the 5 day nutritive cleanse.
I have done it 4 times and everytime I lose 5-7 pounds.
it is not just for losing weight it is for cleanse too so you t dual effect.
I help coach people for free when they are doing it so you can stay motivated.
The greatest part is after the cleanse you don't want to put garbage in your body anymore, just healthy things so you continue to lose.
The cleanse kit includes everything you need for 5 days and costs about 140 dollars. my coaching is free for the five days and also 2 weeks after to help you stay on track.'
if you are interested contact me @
____@____.com
thank you and God Bless
G.

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F.R.

answers from Pensacola on

I switched all our dinner plates to salad plates. Switched the soup bowls to the smaller sized bowls. It really is about eating less and moving more. We all know what is good for us and what is not. It's about not denying yourself the things you want. The word Diet is and ugly word to me. It has the word Die right in the front! If I want a "guilty pleasure" I have one. I just don't have 2 or 3 or more. I don't give myself a hard time for grabbing a burger and fries sometimes. I just don't go through the drive-through on a daily basis. 99% of the time, if you prepare your own food at home, you will be better off for it than if you were to buy it at a restaurant. Bake things instead of frying. Cut out the extra butter and bacon grease from some of that "homestyle food". Don't drown your salad in dressing. Watch the beverages. Water should be the main beverage every day. One glass of juice is enough for a day. I use crystal light because you don't add sugar. Soda is for rare occassions. Milk is good, but not the full fat milk. Change at least one meal a week to a vegetarian meal. Stir-fry's are quick and easy and tasty. As long as you don't add too much sauce to it. Steam cooking is great. You are able to retain the vitamins and minerals that you would lose by boiling.
There's a cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld called Deceptively Delicious that is fantastic! Both for yourself and your children.

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H.R.

answers from Panama City on

The best way I have found is listening to your body.
Sounds weird, huh? Start by putting smaller portions on your plate than you are used to. See if that satisfies your hunger and appetite. Especially if you have a habit of totally stuffing yourself at dinner time. I like to do that when the food tastes soo good, but You can train your body to eat just the amount it needs. you will want to eat more than three times a day but when you are hungry in between meals, eat a snack with substance, protein ect.. but not junk food. Takes some effort and training but this is the best way I have found to conquer my appetites. Its kinda like mastering yourself and not letting the food master you.
hope all goes well, and Happy New Year.

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S.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Weight Watchers! I have tried so many things and this has been the only thing that has dropped the weight and I have kept it off! It is also the only thing I have been able to stick with.

WW teaches you how to eat right, not starve yourself of valuable nutrients like most other "diet" plans. They also start you at a caloric intake for the weight you are currently at and slowly back off, whereas others like Nutrasystem send you the food for your goal weight. Doing that will set your body into starvation mode and you won't lose anything healthily.

I started in August and have lost 40+ pounds. My only issue now is where to buy fitting clothes!

I hope this helps. Check out weightwatchers.com. Here, you can sign up from the privacy of your own home. They will teach you all you need to know. They are also waiving their registration fee right now.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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M.M.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

The most successful way to lose weight and to keep it off is to commit NEVER to diet. Instead, gradually and consistently make better food choices--limit junk foods and saturated fats. Also, exercise more, but not in a way that seems like exercise at first. For example, dance!!! This not only burns calories, it makes you feel good. It also helps to drink the proper amount of water and to make sure that you are not eating when you are not hungry or due to stress/unhappiness. Finally, keep in mind that the weight was not put on overnight and it will not be permanently taken off overnight.

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P.N.

answers from Tampa on

I joke that gestational diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to me. I began losing weight while pregnant. I am now 20 lbs less than when I became pregnant with my first child. What it is, modified Atkins. Lean meats, stay away from the fats these contain pesticides that the animals eat anywaze. Fresh fruit and veggies. Limit the butter. Stay away from processed foods. Anything that is made from a box should be tossed. 5-6 small meals a day is ideal. Three real meals with three healthy snacks mixed in. Read labels. Look for low calories and/or low carbs. Fat cells simply deflate, you need to force your body to consume them by not providing your body with alternate fuel in carbs. Look up guidelines for diabetes diets, by changing your lifestyle you will change your appearance for good.

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K.B.

answers from Orlando on

I practice yoga once a week (tones & sculpts while increasing flexibility & relaxation). I try to work in about an hour of cardio a week at the gym (my gym has onsite child care & shower facilities, which makes it easier). I also had a lot of initial success getting back on track with the South Beach Diet (only "diet" I've ever been able to maintain without feeling hungry and actually liked the food).

The biggest key is to find something you enjoy and stick to it (rent different styles of workout videos, try a kickboxing or cycling class, make friends at your gym to hold you accountable). Eating right is a lifestyle change, not just a quick fix. Best of Luck to a New You in the New Year!

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M.C.

answers from Tampa on

M. here, I am a 39 yr old who just lost 3 lbs. I go to website and log in everything I eat. THAT'S IT. Weight Watcher, any web program. I did this a year ago after 2 years of not being able to loose that last 5 lbs. You will enjoy what you are eating more and the control you receive from controling your figure. GOOD LUCK and Happy eating!

little about me, 39 with great husband and beautiful 3 yr old. I am a stay at home just starting a master's program, one class on-line.

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T.P.

answers from Tampa on

1)portion control but eat all the normal foods. Reward with small deserts etc so you don't have cravings and cheat.
2) absolutely must add exercise, walking etc even if it's short periods. This speeds up the metabolism which uses the food stored energy so it won't be converted to fat for later!
There is no way to diet with out exercise and expect to keep it off.

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M.C.

answers from Orlando on

Hi S.,

It's great to meet you. You did a great thing by connecting here. I am sure there are others who can help too, which is great.

I've lost 71 pounds, 8 sizes and 36% of my body and at 5 foot 2, it's quite a change. I used to struggle a lot with weight and getting it off. I do share my story at www.Coach4Hope.com, which right now is a blog, but very soon it will be a web site with a blog.

Anyway, feel free to read there, I'll be glad to help you with no pressure or obligation, if you would like.

M. Caskey

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T.Y.

answers from Sarasota on

Hi S.,
I am a personal trainer and I will be honest. It is pure dedication and hard work. BUT only for the first month. After that it should get easier to stay with it. You really just need to watch what you put in your mouth (lots of veggies and fruits and WATER) and like another mom said- MOVE. If you cannot get to a gym with a daycare then play, play, play with your kids. Run around with them as much as possible. Lift the 1 yr old multiple times for an upper body work out. Walking helped me alot after my son was born. But now that he is almost 2 he doesn't care to be in his stroller so I take him to the ymca. I also work out at home while he naps. Do NOT eat your kids left overs. Limit all processed foods. I wish I could give you a magic formula but it just comes down to the basics- expend more calories than you put in. Most importantly, don't starve yourself. It NEVER works.
Good luck, and don't give up!

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M.H.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Hi S.,

Getting healthy is always the best way to lose weight (or even gain weight if you are underweight). It is simple but it does require consistency, which can be hard for some. I speak professionally on many issues about health including weight loss. My husband successfully lost 110 pounds several years ago and has kept it off and feels great. If you're seriously interested, please feel free to call me. My Verizon cell is ###-###-####.

I would be glad to help.

Regards,

M.

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E.T.

answers from Tallahassee on

Weight Watchers was successful for me. My husband and I are starting the program again this Saturday. It works great!

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M.L.

answers from Melbourne on

You have to start slow. Don't do any crash dieting. Weight Watchers worked well for me. Also do some form of exercise at least for an 1/2 hour each day. Eat small meal so you matabolism starts to work on a faster pace. I hope this helped. Be blessed.

M.

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C.P.

answers from Tallahassee on

Wow, some really awesome advice and so many women right on target.I am a Mommy to 3 beautiful children.Ages four, three and one.All of my children were BIG babies at birth and you can imagine I matched.Once upon a time I was a nurse, not I am a SAHM. I am 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 210 lbs at delivery. I now weigh 145 lbs. I actually get asked very often how I stay so trim,let me tell you it sends my spirits soaring every time! I am by no means dawning a bathing suit and my stretched belly will never see another 2 piece, but I am not terrified to be naked in front of the man I adore. And here's the best part I am not a gym freak or a diet yoyo. I just simply made a promise to myself to not eat anything I don't let me children eat. Meaning, my 1 year old doesnt drink soda or sweet tea, neither do I. My kids don't need a hunk of triple chocolate cake, a simple slice will do, and we ALMOST never eat fast food. Add that to actually sitting down at meals and enjoying outside time with the kids and the pounds have melted away. Loosing weight was never an issue, I love food! but, being a healthy example for my wee wonders is a driving force I don't fail on. I have recently started using a circuit trainer so that I can actually sculpt my body and gain stronger/longer muscles, so who knows maybe one day I will see a two piece, even if it is only in the privacy of my own backyard.

BE BLESSED! I pray you're New Years will be fruitfull and happy...
Christeena

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L.B.

answers from Tampa on

I've had success in the past with Weight Watchers. I find that it's realistic and works with whatever your lifestyle and eating preferences are. It's something you can easily maintain once you reach your goal. I used to go to the meetings once a week, but you can also do it online and I know others who've done well that way too.

Good luck!!

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A.M.

answers from Tampa on

join a club (I'm at Lifestyles). I know it can get hard to motivate yourself so I go to the classes and if you're out of shape and feeling yucky about it just go to the back of the class no one will notice you huffing and puffing and before you know it you'll love it. And the best thing about it is you get a break from the kids while you do it with their "kiddy club" which is free with the $50/mo. membership. You can even put the kids in the club and have a sauna if your tired and need a pick me up.

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J.B.

answers from Sarasota on

Are you still nursing? If so, this wouldn't work, but the master cleanse is a great fast/cleanse that I've done twice in the past. It's not only about losing weight, but it gives your digestion a break and helps the body process toxins that it has stored in its tissues. You can check it out online. It's kind of intense and not for everyone, but I highly recommend.

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T.W.

answers from Orlando on

Start with walking like 1 mile every day and work your way up a mile after every 7 days. Once you get to the 5 mile mark or so, start with jogging. Keep your carbs to a minimum, when you are hungry in between meals eat a handful of almonds, or an apple or an orange. You need proteins, fiber, omega 3's to keep you healthy and help with loosing weight. These things will help keep you full as well. Tuna, avocados, bananas, multigrain breads (check the carbs on those before buying), almonds, natural peanut butter on multigrain bread or in fruit smoothies is a great way to stay full and add protein. Publix has great peanut butter in their deli area.
As for working out start with one area, you'll be more likely to keep it up for a period of time if only 1 area is sore instead of your whole body. Like start with your arms if you are doing the walking in addition. You can either use weights if you have them or tape a couple of cans of veggies together and use that. You can do different exercises for your arms with those for a few weeks and then move up to a large bottle of juice and then up to a gallon of milk. I used these back in the day when money was so tight I had to get real creative about a lot of things.
Just do a little bit every day and then add a little at the end of 7 days and before you know it you'll have worked your way up and whittled your way down.
Good luck!

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P.G.

answers from Orlando on

The best way to lose weight is to cut the carbs and exercise. Eat protein, veggies, and a few fruits and I promise you will lose weight. Double up on the veggies at lunch and dinner. You will have so much energy and you will lose weight.

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M.A.

answers from Orlando on

"The Diet That Isn't A Diet" was in Readers Digest some 25 years ago did it for me. It is simple, easy to remember plan as well. Here are the basics: 1. Eat when your hungry. Simple as it sounds. Just because the clock says it noon, does not mean you have to eat. Eat when you are hungry, it may be 4, 5, or 6 times a day, but EAT ONLY ENOUGH TO SATISFY THAT HUNGER AND QUIT. It may only take an apple, or a half sandwich. If it not during a normal meal time, a simple snack will stave that hunger. Just because it taste good does not mean you have to eat till you can't. 2. Eat healthy. This does NOT mean just eat salads and such. Just cut the sweets/sugars and fried foods down to minimum. Lastly 3. If your system can handle it, drink an 8oz glass of grapefruit juice before you fill your plate. This increases motabolism....and takes up room. (and you don't have to fill your plate...take what you want, but just follow rule #1.

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J.P.

answers from Orlando on

Visit SparkPeople.com

It's a fun and unique way to make losing weight fun. You can do everything from calorie count to track your fitness. You earn points for every good thing you do, including reading fitness articles or using a recipe from their site.

For christmas I made the most delicious coconut mereingues which is one of the recipes I recieved from them and I have had several requests for the recipe!

The program is easy, they have food planners listed out for you and it's a very simple site to use.

Best way to lose weight in 08! And it's completely FREE!!!!

Best wishes, Happy New Year!
J.

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T.C.

answers from Naples on

Just choose and exercise that you enjoy, so you will stick to it. For me, it is yoga because it not only keeps me physically fit, but it keeps me sane, calm and centered so I can be a better mom. Best Wishes and Happy New Year!

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C.V.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Well I just started my diet today. yeah lol I had originally lost 110 lbs and with three pregnancies gained weight back. Exercising is important and eating 5 to 6 meals a day. If you need a walking partner let me know. I live in Crestview.
C.

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M.

answers from Sarasota on

just wanted to see the answers

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I.Y.

answers from Gainesville on

I have been going online to http://www.sparkpeople.com

Great website and everything is free!
You can log your exercise, weight and food. I joined in July and lost 20lbs in 3 months, I have been plateauing (I still need to lose 20 more to be at my goal) due to the holidays.

I also just joined Weight Watchers to get that added boost. I was going at it alone, but now I have a buddy I go with to the WW meetings.

I also walk for an hour during my lunch break.

Good Luck! Try and lose it slowly! I tried to lose 2 lbs a week, and before I knew it its gone! Before I would always attempt to lose it too fast, and it always came back with a vengeance!

Just be patient and know that it didn't gain overnight so don't expect to lose it overnight.

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C.W.

answers from Naples on

If you are interested in attending a Baby Boot Camp class, we offer them at Miromar Outlets in Estero and Lakes Park in Ft. Myers. It is a stroller based fitness program where you can work out with your child. You can sign up for a free class at www.babybootcamp.com or contact me at ____@____.com
Good Luck!

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