Overweight Mom in Need of Fast Weight Loss

If you haven't done so already - wean. I could not lose any weight while breastfeeding. My body just held on to every ounce of fat so I could make milk. What worked for me was the Atkins Diet. I went on it for 7 months and lost 15 pounds. Read the book and give it a try. It is really hard to do at first, but you get a routine going of stuff that you like and you are "allowed" to eat and it is very motivating to lose 1-2 pounds a months. I kept it off even though I stopped the diet until I got pregnant again. Don't stress too much - I know it is hard to exercize with a little one, but try power walking with him in the stroller for 20 minutes a day. There are probably some other moms near you that you could start a little walking group and you will motivate each other. You could walk to a nearby park, let the boy play and then walk back home. Give him a snack while you walk and he will be happy to hang out in the stroller with you. The goal is to be healthy, and the weight loss will follow!

You should always contact you dr before starting any weight loss, but this is something that worked for me. I went from 2% milk to fat free milk. I switched to fat free creamer for my coffee. I started counting my calories as well. I got a book at Barnes and Noble called Calorie King, and used that as a guide. Just by writing down everything I ate and drank helped me realize how many fat grams and calories I was eating in a day. Then I cut back. I cut down to 35 fat grams and 1400 calories a day (I am not an active person, which is why I was only eating this amount) In 4 weeks I lost 10 lbs. Imagine what I could have lost by excercising too!
Good Luck!

You are in a cycle, you gained weight and now you're depressed. Th depression makes you tired and want to eat. You gain more weight...

I lost my baby weight by walking everywhere. I didn't change my eating habits, I just ditched the car. If I need money I walk to the bank. Almost everyday I walk to the grocery store, park, library, coffee shop, play dates, etc. Sometimes I ride my bike with my kid on a little seat on the back. You will be amazed at how fast you shed the pounds. It also rid me of depression and saves a lot of money on gas and other car expenses.

I have used a product called Carb Blocker and it works real well. It blocks the absorbtion of carbs and sugars from your food. Nothing is going to work real fast and be real good for you. Take your son out walking and to the park and play with him. Get a chart that tells you how big a portion is and reduce the amount of food you eat. Get a GOOD vitamin like Nutrilite and take it every day. I also use fiber dissolved in water between meals. Go to we-us.mychoices.biz and seaech for weight loss and daily vitamins. You can get the fiber there also. The products are all natural and/or organic and if you don't like them you can get your money back. Good luck!! If you are in the SD area I teach a class twice a week at my church and its free! Let me know!!

I used the Somersize program, similar to the Adkins or South Beach diet but a lot healthier. It allows for carbohydrates but focuses on food combinations. It helped for my first 2 babies, and I am doing it again now that I've had baby #3. You basically have to avoid all the "white stuff", white rice, white flour, white bread, sugar, etc. Focus more on healthy foods (shop the perimiter of the store and you will stay within your new diet boundries)!
Overall, you have to NOT starve yourself because your body will go into starvation mode and learn to live on xx amount of calories a day. Yes, you will loose weight. However, the miniute you east 1 extra calorie from xx you will start to gain again.

It took me a good 2 months before the "melt" began. But when it did, I swear, it was like overnight that I looked at myself anc couldn't believe the change. You will have more energy too-- and that will help with your depression.

It does require effort, and planning. Two things that I know are hard, especially with a baby. Try to get your boyfriend on board or a girlfriend. It is always easier with a support person, even if they don't need to loose weight. The food you cook is like gourmet food, so they won't mind eating it. My husband helps me cook, prepare and loves the food, as does my older kids. It is a great way for the family to eat unprocessed and natural foods.

Check it out at www.somersize.com
It is by Suzanne Somers, and she has a entire product line of foods and amazing cook books to help you with this process. She doesn't call it a diet-- it is a Way of Eating!!

Good luck-- I am right here along side of you in this constant weight battle!!

Oh, and if you need a great group of supportive women, check out www.momsclub.org
We offer activites, and so much for the stay at home (or part time working) Mom. We know how you feel!! :)

When I wasn't able to loose all the weight from having my son I went on a body cleanse called Isagenix. http://isagenix.com/us/en/home.dhtml
It wasn't that hard and I was able to shed the pounds pretty fast. I was actually surprised by the program and my husband I have have done it a couple times together since then to stay healthy and keep our energy up.
It's done through independant consultants, so if you want more information you can email me and I'll give you the number of the lady who introduced it to me.
Good Luck!

Try cutting out "simple starches" and refined starches... things like white rice, white bread, potatoes etc.

Complex carbs/starches are fine... such as vegetables, grain or whole grain things or whole grain pastas/breads etc.

Here where I live, our daily staples are white rice... lots of friends I know cut out rice from their daily intake and have lost weight this way. Or they cut out eating white bread or potatoes.

I wish you all the best, I know it is NOT easy. I was the same way. Simple starches/refined starches will also make some people "bloated." When I cut these things out of my intake, I lose weight, safely. At the same time I eat healthily and from all food groups.

take care,
Susan

There is a natural product that will help you lose weight.

Go to www.twihealth.com/jlwagner. The product is called LeptiTrim. It is all natural and works wonders.

If you have questions, call me at: ###-###-####

J.

Hello N.. I tried Alli last year and had absolutely no results with it, but a friend of mine did. I gave up on it and tried an herbal remedy that my son's sister gave me, and unfortunately I can't remember the name of it, altough I think it's called Herbal Cleanse or something like that. I threw it out when I found out about my pregnancy, otherwise I'd go look for it and let you know the exact name. I know she gets it from an herbal type store on Rosecrans, somewhere. I think the cross street might be Van Ness, but I can't be sure. Best of luck to you, and if you are interested, I can always call her (it's too late right now! lol, but I can call her in the morning or something) and find out the exact name and location. It's also a lot cheaper than Alli, I think it's like $28.00 for the bottle. I love it because it is all natural. One trick I learned from the nutritionist, is about 20-30 minutes before lunch or dinner, eat an apple. The fiber will fill you up, and you eat less. I'm an extremely picky eater (I don't like meats, chicken, pork or fish) so my meals suck. The nutritionist taught me how to make better choices regarding food, although I can honestly say I didn't always follow her advice because of laziness. I say adding walking to your daily routine can greatly make a difference. I am extremely overweight (morbidly obese if you ask my doctors) so this is one exerise that I can actually do that is not hard for me, and is easy on my knees, etc.. and I don't get too tired from it. Best of luck to you sweetie!!

Weight loss is NOT what people think anymoe. 50 years ago even 25 years ago you could change your eating habits, and exercise it you would be healhty. But not any more.

www.CleansedForLife.com.

Why does it work?

www.DrSpeaksOuts.com

I dropped 42 pounds and kept it off for over 2 years now.

I will coach you through it. I will be with you every step of the way. You will not be alone.

B.

Hi N.,
Have your thyroid level checked. My levels were out of balance after the birth of my daughter and I gained some weight, too. Good luck to you:)

I got a baby seat for my bike. It's a great way to get yourself and your baby out of the house! And get some great exercise too!

I'm not a fan of quick fix pills etc. It takes time to put on weight, it will take time to take it off. The good thing is that you have a good exercise partner, here are some tips.
Get off the couch and get down with your little one! Play chase, use his body weight and do squats, go for power walks, or do a trail.
Eliminate one (or two)bad food choices. Sugar is the enemy. Stop drinking soda and switch to water, or try crystal light.
Packaged foods are loaded with preservatives and salt. Plan your dinners for the week and stay away from Lean Cuisines etc. I do zip lock baggies of chicken with different blends of spices add veggies and there is no thinking in creating healthy. Spicy salsa,pepper etc-makes fajitas. Soy and sesame-stir fry. mustard-chicken sandwiches..or by itself.
Don't forget dessert! Try sugar free jello desserts or fruit combinations.
Move it to loose it! Have fun too-it should be fun!

Hi N. -
There is a wonderful book called "Clean Eating Diet" by Tosca Reno, that could change everything for you. Also, I get "Oxygen" Magazine which is inspirational for fitness and health, and features real women who have kids.

Working out with weights is optimal for weight loss and higher metabolism. And I recommend Hydroxy Cut for energy fat-burn supplements.

Good luck! - L.

Hi N.,

I recently bought this book called You on a Diet by Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz. I came across it at Jamba Juice and have heard many wonderful things about it. It teaches us about our body and advice on how to trim our waist size. I LOVE this book and I recommend it to everyone! Another I would try is weight watchers. It is great at calculating how much weight you should lose by using the point value system. I hope these ideas help:)

E.

Hello N. ...

I've been a health educator for the past 28 years.

There's a brand new product that will be released this Saturday, January 10th, that is going to be the answer to every single person's struggle to lose weight ... especially BELLY FAT. The "weight" is over! It has undergone extremely thorough, monitored, human studies and is 100% GUARANTEED to work. Sound exciting? I know I'm excited since I'll be taking the product, too.

Just drink 4ozs a day ... it's that Simple.

If you're really serious about losing weight and you'd rather not go on some crazy diet or join a gym ... take a couple of minutes today and visit my blog:

http://melaniekissell.blogspot.com

You'll be glad you did!

I'm here for you if you have questions,
~M.
###-###-####

Hi! I joined Weight Watchers and I've lost 30lbs, it's great and the meetings provide lots of support. I've also been trying to take my little one in the stroller or backpack carrier and walk - start out slow and before you know it you'll be walking a mile!(or more) I'd be cautious about Alli, if you eat any type of fat it won't allow your body to digest it and you have a high risk of having diarrhea or even leakage. Best of luck!
K.

I have a 16 month old and realized it was time to 'make a change' because I could not say "I just had a baby" anymore...

so I recently did the South Beach diet (I just did the phase 1 for two weeks and lost 10 pounds and it's staying off, so far so good) Here's a link to the basic SB diet plan.

http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/shoppinglist_p1.htm

Hi N.,
you will get lots of answers as it is a concern for all moms!
Good for you for reaching out-and you will find a solution that works.
You need exercise you enjoy, and smart-energize energy input to in the form of
optimal nutrition.
I am a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer-and created The BenchFit Workout
as a solution-easy , mind -body home ex.This will burn 200 to 500 calories per workout,
which can help lose and MAINTAIN weight loss of 1/2 # to 2# per week, along with some calorie adjustments.BenchFit is a home exercise-and it can blend with other exercises too.
It is in DVD and book version.Most people need a coach or trainer for at least of few sessions, so if you are local we can connect,I love helping people succeed,
also I know 2 great in-home personal training companies:Mobile Health and Fitness,
run by Dave Douglass, and Fitness on the Move, run by Tiffany Ferrari ###-###-####
For optimal calorie input and keeping high energy-
I recommend USANA Re-set, endorsed by many MDS, Including Dr Christiaine Northrup:Womens Bodies, Womens Wisdom. The delicious, low glycemic shakes and bars
are a treat, and can be used along with healthy meals to put you on track.The "secret" is, there are no secrets; ACTION plans work, but be wary of "quick fixes or extreme diets".
Think about choices and nurturing yourself-and gaining a sense of physical confidence and
power.Us women focus on the scale vs our sense of accomplishment each day, and staying home with a busy 14 month old is to be applauded.

Health and Blessings,
M.

M. Mason-Cover, MS PT, ACE
Health and Wellness Educator
www.BenchFit.com
____@____.com

ps I lost 20# and went down 2 clothing sizes, and have maintained it for years now,
by using the "secrets:formulas and resources" I can teach you.

Hi
I love www.babybootcamp.com
You get to exercise, keep your baby with you, meet other moms, playdates, etc
Good luck

Hi, N.,

I will describe what worked for me. I can't comment on any weight loss supplements as I've never taken any. I suspect that there is no healthy "quick fix" when it comes to weight loss. I will also give you a bit of advice that is probably different than the advice you've already been offered (as I come from a family of pscyhologists, psychotherapists, and am a graduate student studying psychology).

I am 42 years old and am 5'3". My two kids are now 2 and 1. Most of my life, I've weighed between 110 pounds and 115 pounds and have been quite athletic, swimming, playing tennis, lifting weights, dancing, etc. almost every day. While pregnant with my elder child, I gained 35 pounds, which was too much, as a result of not exercising for 4 months to fulfill doctor's orders, taking prednisone, which slows metabolism and increases appetite, and eating everything in sight. As soon as my first child was born, I started trying to lose weight but struggled, especially after the first few months. (Because I had a c-section, I could not exercise for a couple of months. Lack of exercise probably slowed my weight loss.) I became pregnant six months after the birth of my first son. At that time, I was 10 pounds heavier than usual. In that pregnancy, though, I got to exercise for the duration of the pregnancy. I gained just 21 pounds. My second child, too, was delivered by c-section. However, since he was born (12 months ago), I've lost 40 pounds. My weight has dropped to 107 pounds.

I did not kill myself to lose the 40 pounds. I think that the following helped. First, I have nursed my second child because that's what he wants. (First one did not want to nurse, so I nursed my first-born for less than six months.) Second, with two babies, classes and research obligations and a husband who is gone most of the year, I don't have much time to eat. (I'm not advocating this method of weight loss.) Third, I am vegetarian who does not eat fast food and tries to limit my sugar intake to one dessert and one sugary drink, e.g. hot chocolate, each week. (I don't always live up to this standard!) Fourth, I try to push my two kids around in a double stroller at least every other day and lift weights and do some cardio exercise on the cardio equipment at the gym at least every other day. (Fortunately, I've found a gym that offers babysitting so that I can exercise.) In the past, when my body has not felt good or I've started gaining more weight than I think I should, I've recorded my diet for a week or two and then shown my log to a dietician. I've noticed that I often let myself become dehydrated because I don't drink as much water as I should. (Sometimes, I drink only a few cups of water per day.)

One thing that has NOT helped me stay as fit as I'd like is depression. Due to some problems in my marriage, lack of sleep and a mild identity crisis, I have been depressed for a couple of years. The depression makes me exert myself less at the gym. (Does that make sense? I hope so.) If I did not feel depressed, I would probably work out much more vigorously and be firmer and stronger. I underwent psychotherapy several months ago for a few sessions but was terribly unimpressed with the therapist, who I thought was about as sharp as a bowling ball. I have started to see a therapist who I think is one of the sharper therapists I've seen. I also occasionally listen to CDs designed to reduce depression and anxiety and increase energy. (Belleruth Naperstak offers a wide range of imagery CDs. You can view them at www.healthjourneys.com.) I hope that by reducing the depth of my depression, I will be able to directly and indirectly help myself feel better. If you think that depression plays a prominent role in your life and you have not consulted a psychologist or psychotherapist yet, I recommend considering it.

As you are young yet having been with your partner for a decade and have a beautiful 14 month old boy, it sounds as though you enjoy major aspects of your life and you have a lot of things going for you.

Good luck,
Lynne E

I used the six week body makeover program and lost about 20 in 8 weeks. I like it because I am not hungry and I feel good on it. It does a lot to maintain your blood sugar levels. Good luck to you.

Honestly from my own experiance nad what I have been told by my doctor before is this. Weight loss that comes from any kind of a supplement/ Weight loss pills is going to only be temporary and will most likely back fire in the sense that once you stop taking it, you will re-gain all the weight you lost and then some. I've tried everything from Hydroxy cut, xenadrine, NV, Slimquick, etc and I have seen the pounds jump right back on the second you stop taking it. I found I needed a lifestyle change. I had to learn how to eat better and how to do it in a way where I didnt feel like I was starving or being kept from eating things I wanted and being able to cheat once in a while...I went to Weight watchers. It will cost you no more than buying bottles of pills and honestly after a while you learn all you need and can continue doing it all on your own. I've lost 50lbs before my Kids, and after babyu #1 lost 45, and am now on my way back after baby #2. There is free registration right now...so go at least give it a try. First class is free. I love it cause it has become my families mode of weight loss. My Grandma lost 80lbs in 9 months. Mom lost 40lbs in 6 months..we've all done it and have been able to loose nad keep it all off for years..well, except when you go and have more kids...like in my case..but I know once I get back on, it takes no time to get in the groove and off come the pounds. Good luck to you and I hope you are succesful in what ever method you choose. :o)

Hi N.,

I too have been trying to lose weight. My brother in law brought my attention to a vitamin supplement called Vemma. It is full of 12 essential vitamins and minerals so it is very healthy for you. It has green tea in it which naturally curbs your appetite. With this and portion control I have been able to lose about 10 pounds so far.

Here is a website to look at for more information.

www.myvemma.com/jassoindustries

Good Luck
L.

I would recommend Weight Watchers. I love it because there are no "forbidden" foods. Every food is assigned a point value and you can eat anything, as long as you account for it in your daily allottment of points. I eat on the run a lot and it really works for me. Double Cheeseburger at McDonalds = 11 points. Red Burrito at Del Taco = 5 points. Beef Broccoli at Panda Express = 3 points. It makes it easy to eat on the run and still lose weight. They even have an online version where there are no weigh ins or meetings. I would definately recommend this program! Good luck!

get outside. it really helps me more than any pill has. the natural light relaxed me and made me feel better, which made life easier to live and i did not end up depressed. i did use green tea capsules up until i became pregnant with my son, with some success. i gained 70 pounds with him so i will be back on the weight loss wagon again. good luck!

Hi N.,
Unfortunately, there are no secrets. Eat good food and excersise more. Get out and take your son for a walk everyday. If you were wondering ,I am about 30lbs over weight myself~~~to much, but I always try to remember that I didn't gain my extra weight in a week or two and therefore, I shouldn't expect to lose it that fast either. You want to do it healthfully. My best advice is Weight Watchers. A little bit of a learning curve, but it's worth the effort~~I am down 12lbs over about 5 weeks. I need to excersise more, but I am on my way. Goodluck to you!!!

Have your thyroid checked. That is often a problem that people don't know about. Your regular doc or you obgyn can do the test for you. It isn't really a big deal. You might also talk with your obgyn if you are feeling depressed. Some moms realize they were depressed until it is over and they feel like they missed some good baby time because of it.

Just wanted to put something out there if you can't afford weight watchers or like me are uncomfortable with the idea of "meetings" with people face to face, a great website I've found and its free is www.sparkpeople.com They have everything you need to get started, food & fitness trackers, blogs, teams for support, articles and free fitness videos they post regularly to youtube. If you've got time, check it out. You are sure to find like minded people. Definitely talk to your doctor before starting on any weightloss plans too!

Hi N.,

Check out Fun To Be Fit in La Mesa. They have an 8 week challenge course that provides you with a nutritional analysis and circuit training class taught by a personal trainer, but with about 10 other people (usually all women of all different ages and skill levels). They are very nice and give you personal attention during the classes. Circuit training is nice because you are on a machine for about 45 seconds at a time and go from one machine to the next, so boredom isn't an issue. The hour goes by fast and you definitely see results. They also take all your measurements and provide you with a food journal with suggestions on how to change your eating habits, but base it on your current likes and dislikes. It's a small place, but very nice and helpful - not scary or intimidating like some of the big gyms.

I lost 60 pounds over about 8 months by joining Curves. You get a well-rounded workout in 30 minutes. They also track your progress through various measurements each month which is a great motivator (or was for me). Aside from the cost, the catch is that you only get out what you put in. A lot of the ladies seem to just go through the motions; socializing more than anything and don't understand why the pounds aren't dropping off. I actually had several women comment, "Wow, you really sweat." Duh. I'm working out! I didn't even diet; just ate what I wanted in moderation and tried to stop when full. Best of luck!

Thyroid! I've been there and done that times four. Every single pregnancy I was fit and trim, then the baby would come and within a few months I was packing on the pounds. Depressing! After the first two I figured it was just the change in lifestyle, and being a mom, but after baby #3 my doctor finally discovered that it was a thyroid thing. My thyroid slowed way down after birth, leading to weight gain. He prescribed a thyroid supplement and it did the trick.

I am on Herbal Life and have lost 40pounds since June 2. This is with basically taking weekends off and eating whatever I want, plus two weeks of vacations eating what I want. It's easy for me because I can eat one meal a day of basically anything I want. My Herbal Life coach is awesome, too!! Her name is Kim and you can reach her at ____@____.com

I'm a 47 yr old mother of 4 and grandmother. I was a runner for years before a back injury changed my active life style. I have had a continued weight increase since by back injury almost 5 yrs ago. I have purchased many weight loss program over years. Most worked temporarily and many were to hard to follow due to strict foods and workout programs. Recently I came across a program called fat loss 4 idiots. I know it sounds insulting, but I was able to purchase it on ebay for a lot less than its website. www.fatloss4idiots.com It uses basic foods, and it is a food combining program that allows you to eat 4-6 times a day, and you can eat until you are satisfied and never have to use diet drugs. I like this program because it comes with a handbook, a calorie burning program that can be changed over and over again. It also give you an online diet generator that creates 11 day diets that can be changed over and over again. I lost 10 lbs in 11 days and was never hungry. It does recommend that you walk everyday. I can walk without pain , so this was doable. My co-workers have also used this program (many have poor eating habits) and also lost up to 12 lbs in 11 days. They also commented on the ease of the program. Good Luck, Grandma Becky

can u take a spin class at the gym? i take one 2 x's a week..they have a daycare so i can put my son in there up to 2 hours..i always lose up to 3 lbs in spin class..then u have to drink a protein shake right after..
it's 80% diet..cut out dairy..and check the calories on things you eat..try having a grapefruit before your breakfast and lunch..they're low cal and will help u fill up.
i enjoy exercising..if i don't exercise i get depressed..
i try to walk my son to the park in the morning...then during his nap i workout for 10 to 20 minutes to a dvd..then when he goes to bed i will do another workout..if i go to the gym i skip the late workout.
i eat oatmeal for breakfast by 365 Wholefoods brand..w/ oj and some tea or coffee..then i try to have a protein shake for a snack..then lunch is usually chicken w/ veggies or some kind of protein meal..then after i workout i drink a protein shake..i like Kashi vanilla shake w/ blue diamond vanilla almond milk (it tastes great)
for dinner sometimes i don't eat that much..hummus or i will make myself protabello mushrooms w/ soyaki sauce from Trader Joe's..i drink a no cal green tea drink from TJ's..it's Bergamount Orange or something like that..no sodas..if i want a soda i drink Kombucha drinks from Wholefoods or i'll have coconut water..not juice.
walnuts are a great snack..i am 43..i am 20 lbs lighter than i was before i had my son..b/c i workout right and eat better.
you don't have to workout a lot..you just have to workout properly..get some quick 10 minute workout dvd's..

it's not that hard to workout 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there...once u get into a routine w/ it you'll love it..and i have never found anything that makes me lose more weight than cycle class...i quit running b/c cycle class works way better for me.
good luck*

South Beach all the way!! I to gained too much weight (90 lbs)during my pregnancy, I was so hungry all the time and decieded to eat everything in site. It is now 2 years later and I have lost 30 lbs through many diets but to tell you the truth I recently started the South Beach and the weight has come off faster than all the other diets and my husband loves it because he eats everything I do, you cook on this diet. As compared to when I did Jenny Craig which works but he sufferd in the cooking department. Get a South Beach book prepare for the week and see 10 lbs come off within 2 weeks. It is great!!
Good Luck.

alli didnt work for me...try a green tea supplement...either actual tea or in the pill form!

Hi N.,
As other moms have said, there are no fast easy ways! I wish there were! And the options that are fast are generally UNHEALTHY.
I encourage you to WALK-just half an hour a day! 15 minutes up the street and fifteen minutes back-so easy! The walking will do three things: boost your heart rate, start to take the weight off, and get you out of feeling depressed.
Find a buddy-maybe your husband or another friend or mom that you can walk with and make dates to walk. That way you are obligated and can't miss a walk, and then you also have some outside grown-up time.
I started waking up (it was REALLY painful at first-but then it got easier) at 5:45am and walking for an hour and then getting home in time for my daughter to be up at 7 and start their day. I treasure that time! When I walk consistently, I am: nicer to my family, more energetic, and I notice my clothes fit better.

Another idea is to lay off the breads. This is a tough one. Maybe save your bread for one meal-say breakfast-and then make that bread very nutritious-no white bread! Whole Wheat!

Listen girl-you are a mom and a wonderful young woman. You deserve to put only excellent foods into your body.

OH!!!! And I just thought of a great site that I joined!!!!
SPARKPEOPLE!!!!!! www.sparkpeople.com I think. They send, you daily recipes, exercises, encouraging emails. It's a great site.

Hugs,
E.

Put the baby in a jogger stroller and walk walk walk every day. The outdoors will do you and your baby some good also, drink lots of water and cut your food portions in 1/2. The above three are easy to do and you should see the lbs. come off.

My husband and I just lot over 20 pounds in about 3 months with www.cookiedietonline.com. IT is a cookie that fills you up and you eat 6 a day and then a healthy dinner. It works because it takes away the hunger. I gained wait from staying at home at home .NOw I do not think about food as much because it fills you up.Good luck. L.

Looks like you got a lot of advice, I didn't get a chance to read them all but I think Weight Watchers is amazing. Even if you can't afford to do it long term maybe join for a month or 2 to get an understanding of the program. I don't count points anymore but I'm more aware of what I eat.

I did hit a plateau and talked to my doctor about it. She suggested cutting back on carbs. I would eat cereal or toast for breakfast and a sandwich at lunch almost everyday. Now I try to have a piece of fruit for breakfast, yogurt for a snack and a big salad for lunch. I just try to have a balanced dinner but don't worry as much about my carbs then but make sure they're whole grain. By cutting out my grains my first 2 meals I lost another 10 pounds in a little less than 2 months and have been able to maintain my loss since.

N.,

Remember, no quick weighloss is healthy.

Take your little one out in the stroller. Morning air is therapy.
Drink lots of water
Elimiate all sodas, even the zero calorie ones
Power pack with veggies
Take a vitamin supplement

Out of all diet books, these are the 5 ingredients that are in most. If you are to cut out anything healthy, its not a good idea, Most eliminate white sugars... potatoes, white bread and items with corn syrup.....

Diet and exercise. There are no quick fixes. If you need to loose a lot of weight talk to your doctor about the best way to go about it. If you need to loose a moderate amont of weight then you must burn more calories than you take in, its a lot of hard work. If it were easy to loose weight we would all be our ideal weight. Oh and exercise helps a bunch with depression it has the same effects on the brain as medications for depression do, but again if you are feeling very blue not doing things that you used to do and if the the depression is interfering with your daily life then it is important to seek help from your Doctor. Good luck. Take Care.

Hi N.,

Almost 7 years ago I joined Weight Watchers. In one year, I lost 60 pounds. By attending the meetings, eating the right foods and simply walking in my neighborhood, I have managed to keep it off for almost 6 years now. I also went down 12 dress sizes. 4 years ago I had my daughter and 16 months ago I had my son and kept the weight off afterwards both times. Basically, the meetings motivate and inspire you to keep the weight off. The other members in the meeting give tips, advice, etc. Weighing in every week keeps you accountable. They have Mommy & Me meetings whereas you can take your children to the meeting without worrying if they are going to be too noisy. They have toys play with, and you get to enjoy they meeting. They also offer a plan for nursing moms.

Prior, I had tried everything else and this was the only thing that worked because it is not about being on a diet but more about changing your lifestyle. They teach you the right foods to eat without supplements or buying "their" foods. It absolutely changed my life and now inturn I am teaching my children how to eat healthy too.

I hope this helps.

K.

Mummy magic tea helped me greatly after pregnancy when I was overweight...!

HI, Cinch hs a great weightloss plan. Many have been successful with it. here is my link for it http://www.cinchplan.com/naturalhealthylife Check it out. Good luck to you
Y.

Dear N.,
There is a chance that you could have a thyroid condition. (I have it myself) there are no symptoms to a thyroid condition except rapid weight gain in spite of dieting. If this is what you MIGHT be going through,CHECK IT OUT NOW!!( if you have limited income, there are clinics that will charge according to your income, but these places can take a lot of time. You will have to be monitored by blood tests occasionally so the doctor will be able to give you the right amount of levithroid...or something similiar)
There is also a chance that you could be experiencing a form of post partum depression.
If you are quite sure that "none of the above" is your case,
here are some ideas that helped me lose weight:
(1) when Hubby isn't home, try to have meals with SOMEBODY besides your baby as often as possible or correspond with another dieting mom with a similiar problem.
(2) Diet sodas with FRESHLY squeezed lemon or lime are delicious and won't seem so sickeningly sweet or "phoney" tasting.
(3)Artificial sweeteners aren't too good but they are much better than sugar.Breakfast is an important meal to concentrate on. Almost nothing is better for a diet than a bowl of oatmeal with a banana mixed into for breakfast. Eggs are excellent (If you don't have a cholesteral problem)
(4) Instead of counting calories and going crazy with varying quantities, JUST eat MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES and LESS OF EVERYTHING ELSE, especially oils!
Good luck, N.!

Do you have reason for gaining weight? If not, you should have your thyroid checked. I gained 18lbs. with my 3rd. pregnancy and then after she was born I gained 25 more... I was not eating anything different and I was lightly exercising so my Dr. suggested my thyroid and it was the problem.

You should look in to Weight Watcher's, if done correctly it can be a great program!

Good luck! Don't be depressed, you know there is something that can be done so it is temporary, hang in there and enjoy your baby!! You will get the weight off!