Nothing Works

I'm no expert, and don't have any weight issues. I do hope to obtain a masters in nutrition, one of these days. My thoughts are, perhaps it is a medical issue, like a thyroid problem?
I wish you the best!

Watch the sugar and the processed foods. I went on a low carb, low fat, low sugar, high protien diet which worked wonders for me. I lost 70lbs, 7 came off the 1st week.

Avoid fruit and fruit juice. really read the labels of canned foods most of them have a ton of sugar. Also most low fat foods are higher in sugar. When they take one away they replace it with the other, so low fat isn't always better. Fo example low sugar instant oatmeal(flavored) has 6 grams of sugar, BUT weight control oatmeal (flavored) has only 1 gram and 7 grams of protein! So really pay attention to the labels, you might be buying low fat but it is usually higher in sugar which will have the same effect since excess sugar is stored as fat.

I hope that helps and if you have any other questions please feel free to email me at ____@____.com

Hey Lara, If you have Comcast they have great on demand workouts. I enjoy Fit tv and lost my first 15 pounds doing it at home after my son was born. They have yoga, pilates, and much more, cardio, weights etc. Good Luck... A.

So... few things.

1) your post title is "nothing works" and i think you need to start there. don't take this the wrong way but you really need to acklnowledge that you aren't trying very hard to do this. With weight loss there is really one thing that works and it works for EVERYONE on planet earth. If you burn more calories than you take in, your weight will drop. Period.

I feel you about feeling unable to afford the gym... some of us cannot afford extras. But it sounds like you really don't want to work out anyway based on your description of boredom with videos at home. If working out were your first priority, you'd probably be able to find a way to afford it, even if it meant cutting extras somewhere else (like sodas! wealth management people call these things your "latte factor"). if it's really unmanageable even at a low cost gym, you can definitely work out without a gym or any equipment other than good shoes. you just have to mean it! lol. depending on the age of your son, you can either walk MORE and faster with him, put him in a jog stroller and RUN, or do calisthenics and crunches in your house while he is napping. find friends who are home with kids too and run or walk with them. do a few pushups while you're watching tv. seriously, it all adds up.

You also just plain have to cut calories. Start with things like soft drinks and sugary coffee if you are a fan of starbucks flavored lattes for example. just quit! make sure you get plenty of protein and lots of veggies and fruit, take a multivitamin, and commit to consuming fewer calories. cutting 500 calories a day should result in a loss of 1 lb a week. cutting 500 calories a day plus burning another 500 thru exercise should get you to 2 lbs a week. of course people hit plateaus (i've been on one 8 lbs from my post-pregnancy weightloss goal for 4 months! and i run 25 miles a week!) and it depends somewhat on your overall health, how overweight you are (if you're actually pretty thin to begin with, you're not going to drop anything more without drastic measures, and you really shouldn't want to!). if you are overweight and have a lot of other symptoms of a thyroid disorder (google it!) you might want to investigate that with a doc, becaus eit can really get in your way. Also if you are averse to working out, you probably do not have much muscle mass. building more of this through weight training will REALLY help you shed fat. muscle is metabolicvally active, fat isn't. A pound of body fat burns 2 calories an hour staying alive, while a pound of muscle burns around 16. do the math! the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you can consume without adding pounds, because it takes MUCH more energy for that tissue just to stay alive.

hope that's somewhat helpful... if it sounds like tough love, it is, and I hope it doesn't irritate you but the truth is, the biggest obstacle for most of us is that we indulge in negative self talk abotu it and allow ourselve sto feel helpless. you have to work REALLY hard to change your body, but it is possible, for anyone. you have to keep telling yourself you can and will do it. best of luck.

My good friend is a personal trainer and I asked him what's the best at home program he's come across. He recommended Jorge Cruise's "8 Minutes in the Morning" I've been doing it for a little over a month and have lost 7 pounds already (I'm still 30 lbs heavier then my prebaby weight though and have a way to go still!) It's really simple, you exercise for 8 minutes first thing in the morning which boosts your metabolism for the whole day. Each day you do two different strength training moves so it doesn't get boring either! The food part of the program is really simple too. 1/2 of your plate should be veggies, 1/4 protein, and 1/4 carbs with 1 tablespoon fat (butter, oil, avocado, etc). Nothing is off limits! I think that this is why is has worked so well for me, because I can not stay on a strict diet. But this is easy because I can still cook like I use too and eat what I want, just in different proportions. I would recommend his books, you can get really cheap used ones online through www.half.com.

If you want to learn more go to his website www.jorgecruise.com

Best of luck to you no matter what you choose, and remember you are not alone!

I am a 27 year old mother of a 16 month old son. Your request for suggestions about loosing weight caught my eye because just a short time ago, I was in your place. My suggestion is weight watchers. It really works. I have lost 18 pounds in 13 weeks by simply following their plan. They teach you how to eat right - both healthy and portion control. It is really easy - trust me. It does cost some money, but takes little effort. Just a thought. Good luck.

Hi Lara,
I was 117 before my first pregnancy, gained 42 lbs, and lost 45 after. I ended up gaining the extra 3 lbs back because 114 is way too little for me (at 5'6"). I recommend cutting out all soda for life, and eliminating all white breads, pastas, rice, crackers, cookies, etc. But diet is only 1/2 the battle, and diet alone will not be as effective without exercise. For exercise, try increasing your workouts from walking to easy jogging (even if you're so slow that you feel silly), and then increasing to more distance, time, and speed as your body adjusts. Jogging is great because it is free. Also, you need strength training to burn fat. You don't need anything fancy, just a set of inexpensive weights from Target. You can use the weights for curls, tricep excercises, shoulder press, chest press, etc. You can also do pushups, crunches, dips, squats, lunges, which all help, especially when holding weights. Aim for 25-30 minutes a day of cardio (more if you're just walking), and strength training 3-4 days a week. I hope this helps!

Hi Lara,

How old is your son? If he's a toddler, I have a great workout video for you!
http://www.kidlifting.com

It doesn't feel like a workout, since you're playing with your son, and it gives you the strength training you need to boost your metabolism - that walking doesn't give you.

As far as nutrition, there are my recommendations:
http://www.healthfitonline.com/resources/tips/eatwell.html

To your health!
M.

Hello Lara!
I have noticed lately that not eating past 8 at night helps too! I know it hard sometimes with crazy schedules but, that has worked for me so far. I lost 10 lbs in two weeks so far...Thank goodness. Hope this helps! :)
M.

Hi Lara,

Anything is possible! I have lost 50 pounds in the last year and a half. It's as simple as eating the right foods and exercise, and of course lots of water.
It was hard in the beginning for me but I stuck to it and if you do you will see results too. I didn't treat it as a diet but a lifetime lifestyle change. I eat chicken, fish, turkey, red meat (broiled/BBQ/sauteed) every once in a while; unlimited veggies (as many dark green as possible), 3 fruits a day, and two protein bars a day if I need a little extra. I drink 5-6 16 oz bottles of spring water every day. I only use olive oil and balsamic vinegar on my salads. Lemon also....
I started to walk on my treadmill after losing my first 10 pounds because I had no energy to exercise until that point. I love my treadmill now. Walking around a park for 30 minutes works just as good. I always walk for 30 minutes and if I feel like doing more I than do so. The first 15 minutes are hard for me, even today. I try to exercise 5 days a week.

Oh, I have a low thyroid...so it has been even a bit harder for me to shed the pounds as apposed to someone who does not have hypothyroidism. I continue my lifesyle change for myself first!! and than my family!! I too have a great husband, daughter, son and grandson. I am blessed.

Don't ever give up.

Best Regards,
: -) R. Thompson

ok I know you have already gotten a lot of responses but here is what worked for me. CALORIE COUNTING. There a web site calorie-count.com that is wonderful. You put in your height, wight, goal weight and it will tell you how many calories to eat every day. its free and tells you how many calories are in most foods and restraunts, so you can plan ahead. I am a stay at home mom and i cant afford the gym either so I know how you feel. I have been doing it for 2 months and am down 20 pounds. Check it out.

Hi Lara,

Wtih all the changes in your life you are doing really well maintaining your weight! It may not seem like a big deal, but it is and I want you to give yourself the credit you deserve for it. This is obviously something you DO want or you wouldn't have asked for help. Good for you for recognizing you need to shake it up a bit and try something new/different.

Here are my thoughts..... Are you having any other difficulties besides losing weight? Tiredness, dry skin, etc? IF so, you may want to have your Thyroid levels checked and speak to your doctor about any other testing should be done. You didn't mention anything but thought I should bring it up on the off chance it might help.

I first became a Mom in my early 40s. Before then I constantly heard people (mainly women) saying your body changes after a certain age and it's harder to lose weight. Every age was thrown out as the age things change 25, 30, 35, 40. As I passed these milestones I didn't notice a significant difference. Only after I had my child did my body change and it seemed I had less wiggle room when trying to lose weight and needed to stay VERY focused on an exercise/nutrition plan. Sparkspeople was mentioned earlier and tracking your eating and can really help with this!

I'm also using the nutritional products Barbilee talks about in her post. I've found them to be invaluable in how I feel, I have more energy throughout my day and am in a better place mood wise.

Oh, just thought of another idea....If there is a Moms group, church group, or neighbors who also want to get exercise maybe you can start or join your own group outside of joining a gym to keep each other motivated and have fun. You could focus on one type of exercise or try all different kinds together. This might even be an option or help if childcare is an issue, taking turns watching each other's children so you can get some good exercise time.

Anyway, Hang in There! You'll hit upon what works for you at this time in your life which may be very different than whats worked for you in the past.

Hi Lara,

Have you tried Weight Watchers? It's worked for me - and for a lot of people - and if you keep an eye out for their promotions where you can join without paying the registration fee, then you just pay the weekly.

As for working out here's my two cents - ideally you need both cardio and strength training. Some people like weights, others like yoga and/or pilates. (of course there are people who don't believe yoga and pilates count but having been a pilates instructor I can tell you that if you do it right, it definitely builds strength!) I find it really hard to stay motivated on my own with videos so if you can find a workout partner or even a class once a week to go to, that might help. Walking is great if you're really walking and not strolling. Maybe try picking up your pace for a minute and then slowing down to your normal pace for 4 minutes and gradually moving towards 5 minutes at "top" speed then building that up even more - basically you need to push your heart (gently). If you like to swim, most LA city pools are only $1.50 or free if you have a library card and that's great exercise. Or have a little fun, put on some music at home and dance around with your son for 20 minutes :) Do you know any other moms who want to walk/work out? You could do your own version of "stroller strides" and find an area with some hills - that'll work you out!

Hope some of this helps, or sparks an idea. Good luck!
A.

I tried curb your cravings and it works..

Well, since you cannot go to the gym, I would say try different things with your walking... for instance: go to the park and run around with your kids, do things that will burn more calories - turn on the music and dance (with or without your kids). Maybe make a challenge for yourself to stop drinking any soda for 1 month and maybe eating a certain amount of fruit and veges each day. Just a few ideas that I hope will help you!

Good luck,
B.

Dear Lara,

I was 56 pounds overweight until my son was 2 years old. I gained alot of weight with both of my pregnancies. Finally, I went back to work and school and lost the 56 pounds and more. I am sure that it is because I was busy, moving around, and eating less, because I had fewer hours. I am not suggesting that you go back to work or school, just telling you what worked for me. Another reason for my weight loss is contributed to walking and sometimes even running. Check out this website it will get you motivated. Good luck! It will happen!
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/index.shtml

Hi, I Know what you mean about keeping a membership. I cook very healthy i eat salads and raw veg. most of the time. I also buy light products and fat free products. I walk for an hour every day. I started doing this 2 years ago i was 137 pounds. right know i am 124 pounds. I also count calories i only intake 1600 a day. this works for me you might want to give it a try. good luck!

Try cutting out processed foods. There is alot of hidden junk in mixes and foods that come in boxes, etc. Try making everything from scratch and eat lots of vegetables. That might be the ticket.

No advice here...just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I was an 8 before I got pregnant. I gained lots of weight while I was pregnant. After she was born, I started losing weight steadily. Now, for the last month and a half, nothing. I'm at a steady size 12. Size 12 isn't so bad, but I would like to have the choice & my body isn't giving it. :(

I would say though, don't push it. Don't let life pass you by while you are stressing about your weight.

When I only had one child like you do now, my huband and I did "Eating For Life" by Bill Phillips. It takes some preparation, which is why the one child factor really helped. I lost nine pounds and my husband lost over 20! It is a book you can get at any bookstore or vitamin store. The recipes are great and it works. It just takes a little time. Give it a try :)

All exercise works worth consistency. You can get a stationary bike fairly cheaply, you can try Craigs list, I picked up some exercise equipment really inexpensively there. The Ball is awesome. I have probably 8 different tapes, the key is to always rotate them, never do the same video two days in a row, I know how hard it is to do it at home rather than the gym, but you can do it, just don't give up when discouraged, keep doing what you are doing. I had difficulty being at home all the time, I became a grazer, crackers here, crackers there, it really adds up, have the time I did not even realize I was nibbling, so after I made a effort to not "snack" it was easier. Core training has given me a nicer tummy than before I was pregnant. Good luck, and I TOTALLY understand, I hate it when I get in a boredom phase with exercise, just do not stop!

Try doing baby yoga with your baby or get some girlfriends together to go walking/jogging in the park. It is a great way to get outdoors and not notice you are working out. Workout routines are great, but variety is the spice of life. You need to vary it because your muscles with quit getting the maximum benefit and you'll get bored. Good luck! I don't know how old you son is, but remember, it took 9 months to gain the weight. It could take almost 2 years to take it back off safely.

Lara you need to pick something and stick with it. The secret to weight loss and to keeping it off is staying with what ever you change. I say go for those walks everyday for at lease 30mins. Stop the juice and the soda completly and just drink water. Watch your calorie intake, you would be surprised how much you take in with out even realizing it. I am nursing righ now so I take in quite a lot of calories right now plus I am a runner(2400 a day). There are alot of sites you can go to that will tell you how much you should take in(www.sparkspeople.com). I would start off with about 2000 untill you find out the amount you really need.It will be hard at first but it will end up becoming routine for you. Good luck to you!

Have you tried slim fast. They have a really good online program. It's really good for me when your really busy you just take a shake and your done. But online they give you a bunch of different type of meals you can make yourself. I think the main thing to do is the 6 small meals a day. Which i still have a hard time doing but it seems to be working.

Hi my name is A. and I feel for you. I was in the same boat after I had my third baby I got up to 210 pounds and I got down to 160 on my own. But I was 120 pounds before I started having kids. I met someone that started me on herbalife and I was very sceptical but I lost 40 pounds in 3 months! I have kept it off for two years now. I became a distributor immediately because I could not afford the prooducts without the discount, and now it allows me to stay at home and sell products. If you are interested check out my web page and there is all my contact information there, I would love to be able to help you.
http://herbal-nutrition.net/members/ash79smith

Sicerely,
A.

I lost 105 pounds of body fat doing the Body for Life Program. check it out at www.bodyforlife.com

Being over weight is really not your fault anymore. We know how to eat heatlhy, but that doesn't work. We know about moderate exercise, that doesn't work, we even know about "counting calories", which also DOESN"T WORK! I get that. My second child was 6 before I finally found something that worked. 100% guaranteed. (www.HeyYouGetReal.com) NUTRITIONAL BODY CLEANSING. Isagenix has an amazingly natural Cleansing and Fat Burning System that offers a COMPLETE balance of nutrients while cleansing your body of impurities. It is natural, it is organic and it completely fits with any lifestyle. I released 32 pounds (in less than 2 months)and have been able to keep it off since March of 2006. Diets don't work, you simple starve yourself. Cutting back on calories doesn't work because again, you need calories to convert to energy. The ONLY thing that works 100% everytime...for SUSTAINED weight loss is cleansing. 90% of the cultures in the world cleanse as part of their religion. It is just what htey do. We here in North America are not so advanced (LOL)...yet we weigh the most....funny how that works.

I'd love to share more with you. Are you interested?

B.
www.HeyYouGetReal.com

Arbonne has a great weight loss program with proven results. They even have a website dedicated to those trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. I've used some of the products with good success and have been very happy.

http://www.gofigure8.com/index.php

Let me know if you have any questions.

S.

Ymca will give you a schorlaship if you need it that is what I have and only pay for 6 months a time due to my husband's income goes up and down due to the contract jobs he has.

Use weights to strengthen your bones, take vitaimns, eat only when you are hungry not when the family eats, eat your biggest meal at 12:00noon time and drink a lot soy milk and other soy products or low fat or non-fat yogart, get rid of your scales in the house. do breathing exersixes when you are stressed out.

In the last year and a half, I have only lost 22 lbs, but mostly inches due lot of walking and going to the gym 3 times a week, and I was a plus size all of my life, finally now in misses, and love tight and sexy clothing and all the other men at the YMCA, tell me how good I look and I love the attention, instead of being the Fat girl there.

I am not where I want to be yet in sizes, but at least I don't have to wear baggy clothes anymore and like the way I look now, even though I dtill have a tummy that noone sees. For in my business I teach men and woman how to dress for success on a budget and I am doing it for me as well, so everyone can see me doing too!

I hope this helps, and diets don't work, just eat what you want, but in smaller qualities, and when going to a party, eat before you go and just take a tsp to taste everything and you can live fine.

Sincerely,
S.

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.

Hi L.,
Loosing weight can be a daunting task. My advice to you is the same as I would give to myself. First and foremost find someone who can give you support and keep you motivated (like other moms in your area who can go for walks with you), create a weekly excercise schedule and stick to it, and really watch what you eat. I can so realate to what you are saying. Temporary diets do not work, so you'll need to create new eating habits for yourself. I have just started a nutrional cleanse and fat burning system. This is a life style change for me and something I'm committed to because it's so important for me to stay healthy for the rest of my life. I'm 44 and my daughter is almost 3. I want to have lots of energy and stay young and healthy for her and my husband too. Good luck.

My best advice would be cut out the juice, which is usually high in sugar and just have it occasionally.(obviously that would make the soda a bad choice as well) : ) The main thing I would say though is try to walk, ALOT. Cardio is the best thing for loosing weight, not working out at a gym. The best part is it is free! I was at a gym for 8 months trying to loose weight for my wedding and only lost 3 pounds. I started walking and in about 3 months I lost 20 pounds! I am not sure how old your son is, but if he is not able to go in a stroller, I would say go by yourself or with a friend. You have to walk briskly, and unfortunately he would not be able to keep up. Try doing a minimum of 30 minutes of brisk walking a day. It is hard for the 1st few weeks, but once you get in the routine it gets easier and you will actually miss your walks. Good luck to you, hope this helps.

Hi I am J. mom to Alexis and Aiden, I teach Baby boot Camp, a stroller fitness program that allows you to bring your baby with you during the workout, I know you said money is tight, so I want to let you know I have a coupon for one month of unlimited classes available for only $25, maybe you could use this and come to class for a month, we will show you what you can do to get back in shape, at the same time you will meet other moms going through exactly what you are, and make new friends for your son. You can e-mail me or call me any time (____@____.com or ###-###-####) Your first class is always free with Baby Boot Camp and we would love to have you come out, please visit www.babybootcamp.com to see a schedule of classes.

I have battled with weight loss my entire life, this is the only program that I have been able to stick too because its so much fun to work out!

I hope to hear from you soon!
J.

Hello Lara,
I've been doing Weight Watchers since I've had my daughter. I did the program a couple times before with great success (I love 50 lbs the first time and over 30 the second time). I really like the program, it works for me and my husband.
Best of luck,
C.

Dear Sara you should try this product from Young Living Essential Oils which is called 5 - DAY NUTRITIVE CLEANSE. It's great!! Read about it. Go to this website https://www.youngliving.org/366584 and stroll down till you see the product and click on the purple lettering that says FIVE DAY NUTRITIVE CLEANSE BROCHURE (PDF). There you can find the necessary information you need to loose weight. I tried it and it works. And you can order the product on the same website. It's ideal because it cleans your system and is also a food substitute that gives you all the nutrients you need in one meal and at the same time it balances your digestive system. This together with a little exercise should be enough. All you need is half an hour exercise.

Nothing worked for me until ...

My doctor put me on a diet like Dr. Oz on Oprah ... lean meats (servings not bigger than your palm) and lots of veggies. No white wheat, no pasta (unless it's whole wheat). To lose fastest no whole wheat either until your at the weight you want or cut way back. Uncooked olive oil (to help your body let go of stored fat) dribbled on salad or veggies instead of butter and dressings. To make it easier on my tastebuds, I'll make sauces like spagetti and instead of serving myself noodles, I'll pour the sauce on lettuce ... dark green leaves are best. I'll put my salad on my plate and pour whatever food I've made for the rest of the family on top of that. Eat it all together. It tastes better for me that way. I'm not a big fan of lettuce. My doctor said to let myself have some fats (like butter rather than margarine) and whole plain yogurt or whole milk (easy on the milk though) to help curb the cravings for sugar and chocolate.

Sound cooky but ... The other thing I do is imagine a freind I want the body of and stand like her ... she's healthy and muscular without losing her femininity, walk like her, move like her ... my theory is it takes a certain energy to stand and walk and hold your posture like that and besides, what the mind can conceive the body can acheive. So I basically pretend I look like her already. She also lifts weights but I don't so I lift my child often and don't worry about carrying my kids when they whine to get picked up ... I figure, that's my workout.

The weight flys off me. But be careful ... you can harm your body losing weight too fast so check back often with your doctor. I've heard of nursing moms collapsing and having heart attacks from losing weight too fast.

To be fair I should mention I like to hike and kayak too and do these things with my baby and 4yrold. So I'm sure I get some excersize although that's not why I do it. I also take a belly dancing class which is excersize as well but again, it's not why I do it. Basically I do whatever sounds like fun and if it also makes me sweat ... all the better.

Oh and invite other moms to do these things with you ... that keeps it more social and less about exersizing. And I disagree that you need to find a system and stick to it. My advice is to change it up. I get bored with the same things all the time. I change it up ... kayak this week, hike next week, try bicycling another week or walking or new walking friends each week. Eat a variety of foods and try a variety of physical fun. Go dancing with your toddler ... Dancing with the Stars is a good show for dancing with your baby or toddler or child.

Let us know what works.

Dear Lara,

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child I was 214. When my son was born I weighed 264. Three months later I with baby weight gone I weighed 230, so I could only blame 15 pounds on him.

And then I ate and ate and it crept up to 252 and I realized I had to do something. A close friend suggested The South Beach Diet. It is more that a diet, it really is a life style. I made sure my husband was willing to give it a go with me. Of course you want to know the results before I ramble on about the diet, so here it is, I am now 220 and still losing, that is over 30 pounds, and my husband went from 275 to 250 (his baby weight, haha). We are both still losing. The plus is my 17 mos old son is eating what we eat so I am training him to eat well too.

All it cost to check it out is the cost of the book. After the second week I started throwing out or donating the food that wasn't allowed on the diet. My neighbor/friend was worried that I might want to change back and would need the food. I assured her even if I did fall back it wouldn't be to the extreme I had been at and to enjoy the condiments, white flour, and frozen fruit juice, etc I had given her.

Hope I haven't bored you with my testimonial, but even with occasional cheating, I have lost over 30 pounds and people have noticed!!!! I want to lose 50 more and I am headed that way! My husband only wants to lose 25 more, but together we keep each other strong and my baby loves his oatmeal pancakes - which is my absolutely favorite thing to eat.

I will warn you that the first three days are the hardest to stick to the diet, you aren't hungry but you think you are cuz you can't have the things you are used to. AFter that it was fine and the food is normal food, so it is yummy. It is late Oct now and we started on the diet mid June. Like I said we cheat on it some, so we slide back a bit - exercise helps lose it faster (I walked 2 miles every day in the beginning with the stroller) but after the first six weeks I stopped which slowed the loss, but didn't stop it.

Hope this helps give you an insight to the South Beach Diet option.

Hello Lara (I know your Mamasource request came through a long time ago), but ...

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.
###-###-####

Losing weight is not just about eating healthy and working out. There are an infinite amount of WAYS to lose weight. I didn't lose any weight until I changed my frame of mind. I had to convince myself that I wanted to be skinnier, and not use words like fat, diet or other things that added to me feeling unworthy. Have you watched or read "The Secret"? They have a great chapter on weight loss, but if you focus on "needing to lose weight", your need will always be present. If you focus on being happy at your perfect weight with absolute belief and faith, along with doing your due diligence of healthy eating and exercise habits, you will find your pounds melting away! (Not "I will be happy when..." - if you say that you will always be chasing happiness without ever obtaining it.) Please keep posting, it is much easier to do with the support of encouraging people!

Lara you are a happy wife and mom, bravo.
I know you will loose weight, drink a glass of water before you decided to eat ( even just a snak ) eat out of a small plate and just one helping.iff you are hungry munch on celery or carrot sticks= apple

you can do it

p

Lara, i feel with you, i was there too. I was 117 pounds before i had kids, after every kid i went back down to about a size 6. Recently i had had a miscarrage and gained so much weight in my first trimester. It was devasting, then i had to deal with all the weight gain. My sister told me about Monavie, i tried it only as a favor to her cause she was a distributor. To my shock, in 1 week i lost 5 pounds, in 1 month i lost 14 pounds. This is not a weight loss drink, its a wellness drink, its loaded with antioxidents and cleanses the body. It is now being said to help heart diesese and cancer. There are so many reasons to drink this. For me i take it for the weight control and the energy it gives me.
Here is a link that you might find interesting. Its a Doctor Pennington, on Fox news, telling woman what we need for our bodies. She has written many books, this is very interesting, please follow the link and check out what she says, she has alot of good advice about woman and thier bodies.

http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId

If you want more info. my website is Drink39.com
or visit Monavie.com
I swear by it. It really helps.
Good Luck,
A.!

I have been on this diet for 2 weeks and have lost 8 ponds I am so excited! A friend referred me to Arbonne products telling myself okay here we go and this actually works my plan is to be 130 and when that happens I will start working out.

You may need to jumpstart your weight loss by trying something like Weight Watchers. It sounds like you're at a plateau and your metabolism may have slowed. Try not to approach this as a 'diet', look at it as 'healthy choices for your lifestyle'.

The reason I mention Weight Watchers is that it is an easy program that works, the food is available in the frozen food sections of grocery stores and they are labeled with points as well as nutrition info, so they are easy to track. They are also portion controlled so it will be easier to start learning what 3 oz of fish looks like, or 2 servings of veggies, etc. It also prevents you from overeating AND if you do the online program, there are lots of other healthy suggestions for ways to fill in your diet around the frozen meals. There are even points listed for entrees at places like Applebees, and I believe a listing of food items with points on the Weight Watchers site.

As far as exercise, just start making it a habit by scheduling it on your calendar like anything else. Pencil in 'take a walk' and put in the time or the minutes you want to spend doing it, and set a goal, say walking for 15 minutes, 3 days a week. If you make the goal, treat yourself to something, like a pedicure, or a new accessory. If your goals are small and easy to accomplish, they will be easier to stick to and you will have many small steps you can reflect on - showing what a great job you are doing in your quest to be healthier! An idea for the boredom is to team up with a friend, or join a local workout club or organization to meet like minded moms who also need support. Do you have a YMCA in your town? Many of those are cheaper than a gym but offer all the benefits. A community center may offer a fitness class or an aerobics class for low or no cost once or twice a week. A site I used for motivation and help that worked well (and is free!) was www.sparkpeople.com You can fill out a profile and track all of your exercise and foods and calories and there are message boards full of other people for motivation and support.