L.,
My husband just lost about 50 pounds and I lost 10 pounds below my pre preg weight... my daughter just turned one year. my husband was told he had high blood sugar and cholesterol, and he didnt' want to start on medication at only 30 yrs.
Here are some tips...
cut out things that quickly turn to sugar...potatoes, white breads and pastas. some people don't like all whole wheat. try aunt millies 100% ww bread. it has no high fructose corn syrup. also, barilla plus pasta is good and very similar to regular, but much better for you. it is not hard to make two types of noodles either if your hubby won't eat the ww.
if you are a soda drinker, STOP drinking soda and switch to water. also, watch out for amounts of salad dressing, cheese, etc.
eat at home and not out and try to cook with more vegetables, so you fill up on them rather than starches or meats. even if your hubby doesn't like them, you can make a side for yourself.
cut down or cut out desserts. have low calorie snacks in the house for when you get hungry and try not to stock junk food in the house. if it's there, you'll eat it.
don't eat off your daughter's plate, even if she doesn't finish. it's wasted whether you eat it or not (i've heard this happens to many moms!)
one things that has helped us is planning meals in advance, making a shopping list and then shopping only once every two weeks. this way, we don't fall into the eating out trap because there's nothing to make for dinner. also, sticking to a list in the store helps from buying junk. both of these will also save money!
START EXERCISING...i am convinced that people cannot lose weight and keep it off without exercise. if your daughter doesn't nap, take her for a walk. EVERY DAY. plan it into your day, and if it's not nice out, go to the mall and just walk around. time it and walk AT LEAST 30 minutes per day at a quick pace that you can handle. my husband and i get up early and both exercise before our daughter wakes up...which works for us.
my husband and i have really made an effort to improve our lifestyle and to pass that on to our children. try to keep in mind that the lifestyle is ongoing. it is hard to keep a diet going forever. whatever you do, don't go to extreme because you won't be able to live with it...you have to do things you can live with. if you mess up or have a special occasion, just get back to healthy choices the next day (just don't have a special occasion every day! ha ha ).
hopefully, your husband is on board with you to lose the weight and will help you by being an accountability partner, and encouraging you. talk to him about it, and i'm sure he will help you find time where he can play with your daughter while you exercise or maybe will even be more open to eating different foods, especially if it will help you expand your family!
God Bless your efforts!