How Do I Do It?

Updated on August 09, 2008
C.F. asks from San Gabriel, CA
25 answers

I am 31 yrs old and a mother of three, the first two were easy the weight just disappeared as soon as i gave birth, but this last baby wow she just turned one year and let's just say i weigh almost what i weighed right before i had her, i've never had to diet before or exercise or watch what i ate so i have no idea where to begin, i have ordered the winsor pilates from t.v. but i guess im kind of afraid that maybe it wont work so i've honestly only tried it once, i guess u can say i'm a little depressed so maybe i have no motivation. Anyways i will take any advice of anything you did to help you.

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone the advice was great, i also got alot of moms like me offering there support as well which is great. Thanks again

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T.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have done a great weight loss program. If you want more information, email me back and I will tell you more.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.G.

answers from Sacramento on

I had the same problem, so I went to weight watchers and lost 15 pounds in 3 months. That mixed with the pilates and you will feel great after a few weeks. I actually weight less then I did before I got pregnant.

1 mom found this helpful

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S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Body for Life is awesome. I lost 25 lbs. after my second child and am starting it again after my 3rd baby. I have a bachelors in Health Sciences and Nutrition and searched for a "diet" that would follow sound nutritional guidelines. I also have worked out for years and never had a problem with weight, so after having kids the extra pounds were a new experience for me. The workout plan is awesome, yet simple so you can incorporate it into your lifestyle. I made a few adjustments to accomodate my schedule. There is nothing magical about this plan, it is basically healthly eating and exercise and cutting out empty carbs. It teaches you how to eat a portion of protein with a portion of carbohydrate. For ex: chicken with baked potato.) I still eat this way most often. The website has a lot of good info too. (My husband also lost his sympaty weight!) Good Luck!!! (Also -- the windsor pilates it great, but you really need to get your heart rate up there. A combo of weights and cardio)

2 moms found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

The best approach to losing weight is learning to intergrate 30 mins+ of cardio, & learing to eat healthy portions within a 1250-1500 calorie range each day.

The tools to help you learn this & keep you motivated, plus to make some new friends to help you along this journey is at www.sparkpeople.com.! I have been a team leader there for over a year & have had amazing success with helping others reach their idea body image!

Check out my personal site & I will help you get started!
By the way, Sparkpeople is 100% free!
http://sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=~J.~

Best of luck!
J.

2 moms found this helpful
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B.S.

answers from San Diego on

Hey C.,
I understand. I have a 7 month old and I lost weight quick, but now I have gained it back (well some of it). Let's just say I had to buy new clothes. I get depressed and sluggish as well, but I have recently found a wonderful solution that give me lots of energy and helps me burn more fat! Well, I would love to talk to you and refer to you to a wonderful company that is a wellness company. It's hard for me to explain over the email but I would love to talk with you. Please call me or send my our number so I can call you. This company will bring such total wellness to your family- I promise!
Please call me or let me call you.

Sincerely,
B. S
###-###-####

2 moms found this helpful
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D.C.

answers from Fresno on

I have three children as well and with each one I had the hardest time getting the weight to come off but the one thing that worked the best for me was to first throw out my scale!! This gave me the freedom to pay more attention to body instead of relying on a scale to tell me how my day was going to be then I started TAE-BO I liked it because I would do it first thing in the morning and for the rest of the day I would be full of energy. For the first few times I wasn't able to do all of the moves but after a week or so you start to notice that you kick higher and you start to complete the sets you couldn't befor and it is a real esteem boost and befor you know it you KNOW you have lost weight because those special skinny jeans you have hidden in the back of you closet will fit. The trick is to remind your self that muscle weighs more then fat so when you do decide to step on a scale dont get discouraged because the number doesn't mean a thing!!! What matters is that the clothes start to fit better and then they start to get a little baggy. at the very moment a peice of clothing gets just a little to baggy give it away donate it but dont wear it because if you keep the baggy clothes it is very easy to slack off and start to fit in them again if you always have your clothes fitting you correctly and I advise no pants with elastic waist bands it is hard to over eat because to eat so much that your stuffed is just too uncomfortable Keep up the good work if you want to get in touch you can email me at ____@____.com Good luck and have FUN always....elle

2 moms found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from Las Vegas on

Well Good for you! You will be surprised on how awesome you feel once you start exercising. It releases endorphins to make you feel good and will help with the depression :) I also own Winsor Pilate's and love it! You will have to make time to take walks or get some sort of cardio in to help you speed up the process of losing weight. Mari explains it all in the little booklet that comes with the Pilate's pack. I do the Firm workouts when my son takes a nap and then a Pilate's video at night because they are really relaxing and only 20 minutes for the short ones. If you have any questions, I'm hear for you :)

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi C....we all have the same problem after pregnancy I think, and I have been struggling with my weight since my baby was born I did lots of diets and I took diet pills, supplements everything that would help me lose weight unfortunetely I used to lose the weight but then got my weigt back and then some...so I decided to change my life style...I am a stay home mom so I wake up at 6:00 am (like
if i have to go to work because it feels like a job that you dont like at first hahaha...) exercise for 30 minutes to start and then for about an hour that gives me time to eat my five meals during the day befor six o'clock and I do a lot of outdoor activities with my daughter...keep your self always active and when you feel like you don't want to do it just get up and out of your bed put your pants on and go exercise you are going to feel lazy at first but then you will feel full of energy...always try to eat fruits and veggies before you eat your food so you wont eat as much carbs or saturated fat ...drink water and always keep up the good work and positive thinking that will help you get through the day! and will make you want to do it again the next one! Remember that discipline is what you need to have and to build your discipline you will always have to do things that you dont' like until you get used to them! Good Luck!

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D.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am a mother of 4 boys. I too had simular experiences with my weight control or lack of. I had my first son naturally and the other 3 boys were emergency C-Sections. I did not gain more than 35 lbs with the last 3 and the weight just would not go away as easy as the first born, I gained over 50 lbs with him. Well needless to say, it took all of the pills and diets in the world to get me to realize that they don't work. My youngest is 13. Anxiety, deppression, stress and everyday motherhood has a lot to do with the weight that we gain. I have recently tried the lemonade diet, walking and cleaning my digestive system out on a regular basis. A good colon cleanser will do the trick. Also, I have cut out eating a lot of breads and sweets(oh how I loved my chocolate). I was feeding my yeast with my bad eating habits. I started drinking oxygenated water and alkalining my intake of foods. This should do the trick, if you stick with it. You will see results the same week. Pilates is excellent. I would meditate as well. Breathe deep and go for it. You are worth having your body back.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was in the same situatuion.I met this wonderful person who got me interested in working out agian.I started eating healthy,all I did was cut out as much fat out of my diet as possiable and I now belong to a gym that has a daycare,so I go work out 4 times a week.I also have the pilates ball it is very good for your core but always make sure you do a lot of cardio.I have lost 9 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks.Good Luck and if you need anything else just let me know.you can email me at ____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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A.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

DIET & EXERCISE!!! DIET & EXERCISE!!!!Yes I dare utter those words.My mom used to be a personal trainer and pro-body builder,so I also have taken a liking to understand nutrition from a non-professional standpoint.It's hard to grasp I'm sure because you have never had to think about it before,but as we get older and have babies our stuff changes.Instead of resenting it embrace the change and do what it takes to feel good.By diet I don't mean much more than watch what your putting in your mouth,eat what you want in moderation.Know that if it goes in and your not working out 'it's' going somewhere.As it goes for exercise it IS really hard to get motivation to go there but once your in it,it feels great.From the inside out.I challenge you to try a solid week of some form of cardio for 30 minutes min.-45 max.At the end of that week I garuntee you will feel amazing.Don't look in the mirror you won't see immediate results on the outside,you might, but it takes about 4-6 weeks to really see anything.Your selfesteem,energy level,and confidence will be the first thing to "see".You'll even feel sexier....

I hope this helps,good luck with that.....A.

If it any consellation I gained 80 with twins.3 weeks ago I delivered and now only have 20lbs to go.So I am sympathetic with your situation.I was worried I was going to have to be in it for a while.Now I just need to get to the gym.....

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J.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi,
I was pretty unmotivated after I had my second child until I saw some photos of myself and realized how bad I had let myself go. I joined ediets.com and signed up for "Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover" workout plan along with the "ediets Weight Loss Plan" and I found it very motivating and inspiring. I now weigh less than what I did on the day of my wedding and I've been able to maintain my weight mostly because I NEVER want to see the girl in those photos again. It's an EASY program and only $12/month to join as a member and have your meal plans sent to you weekly along with a virtual trainer. My biggest problem was not wanting to join a gym, but a lot of the exercises can be done at home with little or no equipment...maybe some 10 pound dumbells. You should check it out ;o)

www.ediets.com

1 mom found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi!
I am Brandi. I have a 5 month old girl and I have lost 31 lbs (of 42 lb gain, ahh!) I would suggest getting a jogging stroller if you don't have one. Take all the kids out for a nice long walk right after dinner every night (weather permiting...) This way, you can all be active and healthy. Also, Oprah's trainer said that the most important weight-loss trick he had to offer was picking a time in the night and not eating ANYTHING after. I don't eat anything after 7:00. Not only will you be reducing the caloric intake for the day, you will have a chance to burn off the calories you already ate. This is helpful for me because I am a miserable dieter, but I have to cut back somewhere! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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H.C.

answers from San Diego on

I gained so much weight after my son was born, so I say the best thing I ever did was find a few friends and we all worked out together. That way if you're feeling sluggish or lazy they are there to motivate you. I've bought video's and felt ridiculous using them. In a structured class, everyone is doing the same thing and you don't feel alone. A lot of gym's have daycare facilities so your kids are never far. Within a year I was down pregnancy weight, plus another 15 pounds.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I'm in the same boat as you - only on the 4th kid and a few years older
I just haven't had the drive to lose weight - I've been given inspiration (a cruise), but really haven't made an attempt

I do however have a great "food plan" it's pretty limited, but the results - if followed - are incredible.

Again, I just haven't masde the attempt this time around

Let me know if you want it - it basically cuts out sugar, flour and limits what veggies (no peas or corn)
NO snacks either.

M.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from San Diego on

I just recently took of the extra baggage that my daughter left me with, and she's 2 1/2 now, so I can relate. I always tried to exercise, but didn't diet because I thought it would be too hard, so I never lost much weight. You have to do both. I just started the South Beach diet as a new years resolution and have lost 15 lbs already, with very little exercise. My boyfriend has lost 25 lbs on it, but he's a guy and we all know how unfair that is. I'm just starting to add in the exercise, so I expect that I will keep dropping wieght at a safe, regular pace. I totally recommend getting this book and seeing if it's right for you. It takes into account that we are human, and can slip or cheat from time to time, and it's a diet that actually keeps you satisfied, not starving. The first two weeks are the hardest part, especially the first 3 days or so, but once you get past that, it gets easy. It's really the best thing I've ever done for my body. Check it out.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Stockton on

omg i can so relate. I also have three and last one i put on the weight. My last son is 5 now and I'm double the weight i was when i got pregnant with him currently. I'm up for advice too.

1 mom found this helpful
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V.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

It is scientific, so there are no shortcuts. get on line and figure out your exact energy output per day or per week. eat 3000 units per week less than what you need to efficiently run your body. Your metabolism may be stuck if you have been attepting to diet. Give up all carbonation, eat 3-5 cups of colorful vegetable each day with one or two fruit servings, no juices. Eat no more than one serving of meat, 3 oz, yes get a food scale. serving sizes for pasta or rice is 1/2 cup, measure this also. do not eat less than 1800 calories per day( eating too little also messes with metabolism.) The most simple way to lose weight however is to walk (jog or run-no difference) 10 miles per day, every single day. head out the door right now with the kids in the stroller.

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T.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello there! I have taken a nutrition class at college but i took it to learn how to gain weight. now i really am in shape (round) this is what i wanted. All was allright till i developed high pressure the dr. told me what i knew. it takes to eat smaller balanced (a little of each of the four food groups, less on the breads and meats) meals in which my mayor intake was fruits and vegetables that were uncooked. In as fast as a month's time I was not an ounce thinner but my pressure returned to normal again. I have kept my diet kept on the vegetable side and in one year I lost 11 Lbs. It may not sound as good as you may expect, but one has to care for oneself daily. soo you may come to the idea of liking if not some maybe other vegetables or fruits. I have given this same advise to other five ladies and I just envy their shapes! because they are younger they can easily loose weight better. since you are inthe childbearing years i have it for certain that persevering in your endeavor will give you the result you want. Once you achieve the desired weight keep working on it like if you still had the weight. Depression? dont even think about it! life is to beautiful to waste worrying about something there is only one of you and no one can fill your place because you are loved by your family if you have one and by god if you believe in him. but first of all, believe and love yourself. do not pursue being thinner because of what others may think of you. no. you do work on you because yiu love the way one day tou'll
look. Maternity makes us plump. that's nature. it is also natural to breast feed. this will help us come down on our weight. Oh, one last thing NEVER have lipo surgery. my sister nearly died when she did have it. Dont loose faith in yourself! you are the only one who best knows how to help yourself. good luck and god bless you. for not being deppressed keep busy in your housework, see what you can do for yourself and others. love you friend!

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A.P.

answers from San Francisco on

As long as you eat healthy and exerise the best you can and you will be able to reach your goal.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

What I have been using that I've actually lost 8lbs in the last two weeks, is natural and organic, no side effects and the Spokespearson for the product is Heather Hansen from the Biggest Loser is O3World.
Check it out, I love it!
http://myO3worldproducts.com

S.

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D.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello C.,
First I have to say that I know EXACTLY how you feel. I just had my second child and my body seems to be perfectly content being 3 sizes bigger than I was prior to giving birth. I've tried a lot of different things, but if you're into workout tapes, try Cindy Crawford's workout. You can order it online from Target or Ebay for $9.99. It's an entire body workout and it's low impact so it's easy to do. I did this workout 3 times a week after my first baby and I lost the weight in 3 months...I'm starting to use it again now and I'm hoping for the same results. No matter what you end up doing, don't give up.

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R.M.

answers from Sacramento on

C. - I'm sorry you are feeling depressed! A good walk outside with kids in the stroller would probably help lift your spirits, especially if you take a friend and get some conversation in, too!

One thing that helped me was this combination: mix equal parts Rye, Basmate brown rice and Barley. place 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of mix in pan. bring to a boil. turn to low and when it begins to simmer, place a lid on it and let it cook for 20 minutes. You can add vegetable is you like - I mix it up different every time.

Also, there is a product that Arbonne offers called Going Goin Gone. The offer support with their systems which includes a meal plan and vitamins, fiber shakes and protein shakes. You can check it out at www.rlovelyskin.myarbonne.com. And, if you have interest and would like to get your products at a 35% discount, I can show you how - it's easy.

Here to a great day - tomorrow... and coming from a mom who one weighed more than 60lbs more... be patient and CONSISTENT and it will come off... And, I am so glad you are "talking" to some of us out here.

R.

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M.L.

answers from San Francisco on

There are lots of good posts here. I, like many, can completely relate. I'm 35 and was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder shortly before becoming pregnant with my son. I gained 15-20 because of that & then I gained the pregancy weight. He's 10 mos old now, I'm still overweight. Between work, commuting, and taking care of a household, I find it hard to make time for myself. I was eating healthy but I wasn't exercising and that was getting me down. My body felt like an enemy - something to be tackled or dealt with, if you know what I mean. So I decided to do something fun - I joined a soccer team. I love soccer and hadn;t played for a long while. Now, once a week for a few hours, I'm running around in the sunshine with a bunch of other moms. It makes me happy, my body feels good, and it has slowly motivated me to become more active in my daily life- longer walks with the dog, taking the stairs, etc. i guess my advice is this- if you add a fun activity to your life and it makes you feel good, motivation won't be an issue. You'll simply want to do more of it because you like it. Good luck!

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L.H.

answers from Las Vegas on

Isagenix..
Forget all that 6 months to a year stuff! I have been doing fitness and nutrition for 20 years.. NOTHING like it. Nothing!

www.fluke.isagenix.com

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