Hard Time

I just wanted to say thanks, because I've been struggling with dieting, and I went to sparkpeople.com and it seems awesome! Also, I was the same way with getting bored while I worked out so I'd just quit. My mom & brother got me a personal trainer for christmas (best gift ever!) Anyway, he's been showing me how to circuit train, I only have to do 3 min. on the machine at a time and then 5 min. lifting weights. It's a great program, and it feels easy so I'm not tempted to quit. If you want to know more about it let me know, or if you want an accountability partner :) I'm 30 lbs away from my goal too.

I was having a hard time losing weight as well and had tried many different things. Finally in August I went to a weight watchers meeting and i can now say i'm 35 lbs lighter, I have tried weight watchers in the past and never had much luck, but i found a awesome leader and group this time around and i love it and have no problem sticking to the plan. I truly believe the key is you have to really be ready to drop the weight and find something that will work for you.

I hope this helps
E.
Plattsmouth, Ne

Hi J.:

Just wanted to tell you that I have lost about 25 pounds and still working on it. Obviously it wasn't just changing the eating but that helped. I do some walking, maybe some of my dvd's, vary it a little bit.
but I wanted to share with you a program that is so awesome!!! It's called www.vfl.com. The program is through a company that also sells products that are safer for families. They have meal replacement shakes and bars and they are SOOOOOOOOOOO good. This website is such a great tool because you're putting the info in the computer about what you ate for the day, activities you've done throughout the day, helps you be accountable to yourself. It's very inexpensive to get involved with it and it's wonderful!!! Lots of people have lost lots and lots of weight with this program.
Check out the website and if it's of interest to any of you, let me know and I'll help you get started the right way.
____@____.com
Have a blessed day!!!!
T.

J.-
Hi there. I am 28 and I am not sure about your financial situation, but here is my suggestion. I belong to CURVES for women. I am sure that you have heard of it, but not sure if you tried it. I was going regualarly and saw great results, then quit going for awhile and told myself that I am going to start going again soon. Anyway, I am not sure if there is one close to your home or not. I believe that sometime in March (which is the month that I joined) there is a week long special-deal that they do, where they collect food for the needy/homeless/etc... and they waive the membership fee to start,which I think was around $150 and then you just pay the monthly cost, which is about $30. It is designed for women only. That is a very nice thing because I was not comfortable going to a regular gym and working out in front of men, gawking, or skinny minny women.
Anyway, like I said I saw results in me, toned up, ate better and had a lot more energy.
Good Luck!

Jamie, Jamie,
I hear you lossing weight is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I lost 30lbs and was able to keep it off the 2 years before so I thougth well I should quite smoking and now I'm back up. I know why I added the weight on me, it was thoes evil sweets. When I quite smoking I just wanted something that felt good that second. So I'm down 10lbs with just the sweets down to once a week, for the last month (not to bad).

I've done the ymca and such but to tell you the truth I'm just to cheap with my money and time. I want a workout that is free and goes with my day. I love the libary and they have a ton of diffrent work out tapes that you can do in your own home. There are some pretty cool ones and if there's one that you want you can ask them to bring it in.

Also walking is one of the best things you can do for your body. Even if you park out a little bit more than normal you will be doing yourself good. If you can walk instead of driving that is the best. I use to go to the groury store like that park a mile away and just get out and walk. Now it wasn't always easy if I wanted to by a flat of eggs well I wasn't really getting to much more. Which in turn gave me another reason to walk to the store. I couldn't get it all in one trip.

Working out with a buddy is nice but when things get going and you can't meet up as much, you tend to not work out on you own. Well for me anyways. I know I need to be accountable for myself and I also bought a scale for the first time in my life and it felt great to jump on and be down 10bls from last month.

Anyway I wish you luck and keep on keeping. You didn't wake up fat and you won't wake up skinny. Well most of us wont. One thing that I found when I lost the weight the last time. I didn't stress over it. I just worked really hard on walking & yoga. I also got out of unhealthy friendships, I was happy for me being me. Also eat right for your type is a good book I don't follow it all the time but it makes some very good points. Good luck, we are all rooting for you.

On the soda thing I'm not sure how hard it is to stop but I would thing that would help alot I dont drink it myself because it hurts my belly really bad. try drinking a glass of water before you pour the soda. You may even be saving your self some moolaa too. Maybe you could get yourself some flowers next time you want to buy a soda. that will make you feel good all week and that's just one case. Something to think about. Don't give up and even if you fall just get back up.
best wishes
J.

After my two children (17 months apart) I was ready to start working out again. I joined 24 hour fitness and work out with a trainer once a month. It keeps things from getting stale. My monthly fee is approximately $20 and the training sessions are $50 each for one hour. It's worth the money to use a trainer, at least until you reach your goal weight and then maybe use one less frequently just to mix your workout up a bit. I decreased my fat body percentage 10% and dropped four dress sizes. You still have to be willing to do the work though. As I once heard Oprah say..."I may be wealthy enough to afford the best trainers, but it's still my fat butt running around the track not theirs" Using a professional is definately worth the expense.

Girl!

I know what you are talking about. It is so hard to do and seems so easy to say what you are going to do, then to actually do what you say your going to do. I am in the same situation as you! So don't feel bad, after my first child it was easy and then I got married and then I had another child. Seems like it was so much easier cause I was working full time with my first child and also a mother. It is very hard to get it off with my second child. I think a lot has to do with me not working full-time and I am home full-time with my kids. It is really hard to get me time with my kids. So don't feel bad.

There are so many diet programs out there, you just need to do what is best for you schedule. I have heard of the three hour diet, which are smaller portions, but you eat every three hours when you are awake. Make sure to stay clear of any pills about loosing weight. There are too many out there on the market now and I don't think they are so good for your body. This is what I would do and what I try to do, drink plenty of water 8+ a day, eat right, make sure you are eating veg's and fruits and plenty of them and if you eat meat red meats. What I would do too is cut down your intake of pop. I know I am still trying to stop myself of that, but it really isn't good for you. It is so hard when I go to a place not to get a Pepsi. I do love the taste, but get an ice tea or a lemonade in stead. I think I may have lost some with in a couple of weeks of not drinking pop. You can not believe all of the sugar that is in there. I would recommend drinking more water, milk, orange juice(any type), but just trying to avoid pop of any kind. I have already noticed a difference in myself. Don't get me wrong though I also find myself giving in when I do go out to eat. It is really easy to do. I think one so often isn't really going to hurt, but I just wouldn't do it every day. Also, I have heard of a Subway diet. I have been eating there a lot too, and maybe that is helping me too. They have wrapes, and low carb meals, and even salads. Try the Subway Club! That is my favorite! The main thing about what you eat is also working out. It can be hard at times, but simple walking is very good for you. Go to the mall before it opens and walk there, or get a treadmill, or a home gym. I am still trying to get mine set up! lol! Well, whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck. Let me know what you decide to do, and if it works! So I can try it too! Good luck Girl!

C.

I just started the Weight Watchers POINT system and I love it! You can sign up for this online if you don't have a local meeting group in your area. I personally can't afford the $12 weekly meetings so I purchased the $25 starter kit and have only been to two meeitngs in the last month. I've lost 4 pounds so far!

Jamie,
I have to show my support for the Weight Watchers system. Before getting pregnant this time around, I lost 30 lbs using the points system. I found the meetings to be helpful as that was the only place I would weigh myself, but a friend of mine is just using the Weight Watchers online only and is loving it! Depends on what you would find most helpful - I needed the accountability of knowing people expected to see me at the meeting. I also appreciate that Weight Watchers isn't just about losing weight - it's also about helping you learn about your food triggers, learn about fitness and exercise, and learn about healthy eating for life. I liked that I could eat whatever I wanted, I just had to be honest about it, and limit my portion sizes. It was very successful for me and if need be, I would go back after this baby is born and done nursing.
K. F
Omaha, NE

What I've don't is cut down on the amt. of soda / pop I drink. And started drinking more water. And that has helped alot. I've also switched to Organic milk (Horizon). The Organic milk isn't that bad. It doesn't have growth hormons that they give the cows & etc. You can buy it at Walmart. All though it is a little pricey. Drinking Diet Soda doesn't do a hill of beans. What you should do is cut down the amt. of soda you drink. Sorry IF I sound rude. I do NOT mean to. Cutting down the amt. of soda you drink will help. Now I usually only drink soda when I eat out or when I'm over at my dad & step moms. IF I do buy soda for home. I usually try not to drink more than 2 a day (IF at all). Otherwise I usually drink bottled or filtered water. Hope this helps.

Hi!
For me, Weight Watchers is the only diet that has worked for me! I had tried every pill and fad diet out there....and lost but then gained it faster than I lost it! Before my wedding in 02 I decided to go to a WW meeting and ended up losing a lot of weight! After having my son 11 months ago, I still had about 15 pounds to lose. (I gained over 60!) In the last two weeks, I have lost 8.2 of it! It is REALLY easy b/c there are no foods off limits. You can eat whatever you want, just in moderation! There are also a lot of "free" foods so you can splurge on something you are craving and not have to starve the rest of the day! Hang in there....It's SO HARD but I keep telling myself that I will be more satisfied wearing shorts this summer than any food can satisfy me right now! =) WW online is great for support and recipes....
Hope it helps!
M.

Hi! I have the same issue on having a rough time losing weight. I go to Curves and LOVE it. If you can, find a work out partner. But, with Curves, it is an woman only environment with a work out circut that I personally think is fun and effective. Most of them also offer different classes, such as kick boxing and step aerobics, as part of the membership.

Hi-
I live in southwest Iowa, about three and half hours from you... I am in the same situation as you... I am 24 almost 25 years old and I have two kids. I never really lost all my weight from my first son and then I went on the depo shot after having him and gained a bunch of weight and never was able to loss the weight before I got pregnant with my second son and now I am fighting my weight problems. I am about 100 pounds over weight and I am sure I am diabetic because I had gestational diabetes but have not been able to be tested yet. But anyways- I understand how you feel. I did the weight watchers points system and it worked really well for me but I just haven't been able to get back on it because its so hard not eating what my husband and my kids are able to eat and what little time I have after I am done working full time and going to school full time and then being a mom, I just don't feel like working out or anything else. Though I have talked to my doctor about one a day weight smart multivitamins and he said those are good to take because they give you all your vitamins plus it helps boost your metabolism though I must warn you that if you do decide to try them never take them on an empty stomach always always eat something before taking them... if you are interested in talking let me know... and good luck with everything...

Hi Jamie! Nice name my daughters name is Jamie. Well anyway, try the 1000 to 1200 calorie intake every other day. On the off days you eat as usual. Rember that 10 minutes of exercise 2 times a day is the same as a 20 minute workout. That is a good way to start and get going. You can always modify it later to more time. If you are unsure about the calories, you can buy a calorie book. Remember to write everything down even the little things, because they add up. I can give you some menus that I use. Sometimes it helps to see how someone else does it. One thing for sure it does work. Just try it for one week and see the difference. good luck J.

J.,
Hi My name is A. and I can definitly sympathize with what you are going through. I myself am over weight. I recently started weight watchers and I think it is going to be amazing! I have been doing it for 2 weeks and have already lost 7 lbs. They say your first few weeks it is ok to loose more then normal and after that its about 2 lbs a week. Thats the healthy amount. It works on portions and eating better. I hope this helps.It is working wonders for me and I think it is definitly worth a shot!!! Good Luck!

my husband made a little work out room in our basement, he made it with the things that he likes to do, he has a punching bag, weightlifting bench and then he runs and does sit ups and jumping jacks and some excersise on the floor i think that when i was in school we called the bicycle. he lost 20 - 30 pounds and looks great, i kinda fell in love with him all over again. hes more energitic and willing to do things with me and the kids that he wasnt before its great..

I am right there with you hon I am 28 2 kids and can't seem to knock this off - I dont have a lot of time to devote to myself and excersice and dont have the best support system at home. I am actually in search of someone to help me in this too -- I have about 50 lbs to loose to be in the healthy range for my height. I have thought about Weight Watchers (which alot of people enjoy) I just have a hard time paying someone to get on a scale :-) I would love to chat sometime if you want to see if there is anything we can do to help each other. My email address is ____@____.com you can reach me there during the day and we can go from there!

HEY GIRL
PART OF YOURR PROBLEM IS DRINKING DIET DRINKS. LOOK UP DANAGERS OF ASPARTAME ON THE INTERNET. NOT ONLY DOES IT TURN TO FLOMALDAHIDE IT GOES STRAIGHT TO YOUR HIPS AND MIDDLE STOMACH AND DOESNT LEAVE. PLUS YOU ARE MORE HUNGRY WITH THE FAKE SUGAR SO YOU SNACK MORE. ITS SCARY BUT REALLY INTRESTING INFO ON THIS SUBJECT MY SISTER JUST DID A COLLEGE PAPER ON IT SHES IN MED SCHOOL. I HOPE THIS HELPS!!----A.---

Dear J.,
I know where your comming from. Go online and check out www.flylady.net, and sign up for the emails http://www.flylady.net/join.asp then I want you to go to amazon.com and buy Body Clutter by marla Cilley and Leanne Ely Its only 14.95 plus shipping and handling! It isn't a easy F. but I guarintee you one of two things if you read it. You will either do what the book says and loose weight, or you will read it and at least learn a TON about yourself and possibly love yourself a lot more. What do you have to loose? ;) I need to loose the exact same ammount of weight maybe we could team up if you would like. E-mail me if your interested. ____@____.com

My hubby lost about 30 lbs last year by:

Don't eat anything with MSG (it is in a lot of prepackaged food, even campbells' soups). Researchers actually inject MSG into lab mice to make them obese (since mice aren't naturally obese).

Quit the soda, even diet. The caffiene is bad, and I have heard that the sweet taste of diet foods gets your body prepared for the sugar, so when it finally does get the sugar it overreacts and sucks it all up.

You can also check out the book "Eat right for your blood type" from the library. I think it makes some valid points on why what works for some people doesn't work for others. The author also has a cookbook with lots of yummy foods. He talks about different exercise that works better for different people. It might give you some good ideas.

I have always had a hard time losing weight and maintaining my weight. I have found something that works for me and it is really easy and free. what i did was I started cutting my portion sizes in half, i would take my normal amount and then cut it in half on the plate. I drank water mostly and would eat slower and actually enjoy my food. I still ate whatever i wanted and lost over 30 pounds. I have tried dieting and it just doesn't work for me. Sometimes you really just need a cookie!!! Anyways pair that with some exercise and it is as easy as pie. Also i really watched to make sure i was only eating when i was hungry. Also a good inspirational book "Thin Within".

I hear you boy do I hear you. LOL. I'm extremely overweight. Some of my problem is that I'm on Medication that makes me gain weight. I don't like to exercise by myself, except swimming, and I don't eat right. My family is worried that I'm going to have a heart attack or stroke but I don't have high blood pressure. I've tried dieting on my own and with meds that are supposed to help. My body can't tollerate them. My sister successfully lost weight with weightwatchers. Most of the time, I just need to quit before I'm stuffed. I try to eat only until I'm partially full. And I slow down. If I eat slower, I get full faster. I'm lucky because I actually like heathly foods. But the exercise, Blah, Yuck! Where are you at, maybe we can walk together. i tried the Y to and it wasn't good except for the swimming and the hot tub. LOL.

My mother-in-law lost about 50 lbs by doing Slim Fast for breakfast and lunch and then eating popcorn (no butter) as a snack. Give it a try! What can it hurt?!
Hey, my hubby was born in Le Mars! :-)
G.

I will tell you what worked for me is Winsor Pilates ... yes it is working out but it is not cardio and it is nice to take some time to deep breath and focus however I do get up and do it every weekday morning ... if that is not a viable option a girlfriend of min lost 36 lbs on that Reform diet from Science Nutrition (keep in mind though it was not cheap) Hope that helps ... Smile we are all beautiful!