Ready to Loss Weight!

Email me and I'll share with you some AWESOME things that can really help you too. I struggle with my weight and I can so appreciate where you are coming from.

EMAIL: ____@____.com

Take Care,
N. :) SAHM homeschooling 3 boys 12, 7 & 2 yrs old and married to my Mr. Wonderful for almost 15yrs. We love to help other moms, who want to become SAHMs, reach that goal. Could that be you or someone you know? If so, email me at ____@____.com

Hi, Raina - You may want to try VitalityForLife.com - vfl.com. Great site!!! You can do this! Let me know how I can help. Good luck. N.

Weight loss is a mindset - less about food, more about choices. If you're ready to commit to a daily practice of exercise, eating right and some internal reflection, do it now and give it at least 3 weeks for it to become a permanent lifestyle change. It takes time, commitment, and daily practice.

Hypnosis helps ease the mind to accept the change you want to make.

~L.
www.accesspilates.com/services
www.bodyrules.com

I have lived most of my life on a diet. I've tried WW, Southbeach, Atkins, etc. and have been successful on all of them. However, after a year or two, I go back to my old eating habits and the weight returns. What finally worked for me was learning not to diet and just eat normally. My mother is a small woman, but she seems to eat almost anything she wants. I asked her to write down EVERYTHING she put in her mouth for a two week period. She did this for me and I spent the next two weeks eating exactly what she did. It taught me what a healthy portion looks like. It taught me not to eat if I'm not hungry. It also taught me not to deny myself the things I like to eat. I eat anything I want, I'm just more reasonable about it. I've lost 17 pounds so far (without exercising) and I do not feel like I'm dieting. I still eat pizza (but one slice instead of 3) I still eat candy (one small bar instead of 4), I eat pasta, bread, hamburgers, whatever. There is nothing that is off limits as long as I am reasonable about how much of it I am eating. It's the knowledge that you are "dieting" that trips you up. Don't diet. Have a thin friend do what my mother did for me. It will work. Good luck!!!

Hi Raina,

Check out http://sparkpeople.com/. It is a free web site that has a ton of resourses like nutrition trackers, exercise videos, artcles, and very active forums.

You can also make you own page and there are all kind of teams you can join. This is the link to my home page there: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=JACKSMOM99

I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and believe that it is one of the best program out there. I had recently gain back some wieght due to an illness I am battling right now, the Sparks site has helped me because I could get motivated from home without having to go to a meeting. I am still doing WW flex points but I use sparks to help keep me motivated.

Also another great web site to check out and sign up for a newsletter is is http://www.hungry-girl.com.

I hope these suggestion help.

do you live near Reisterstown Md? I would love to have an exercise partner.

http://www.marsvenuswellness.com/health.htm

EXECELLENT source!!!
Watch today because it lesson will change soon!
Then watch that!!!

I feel your pain. I have never had a weight problem until I hit over 35 (I am 37) and had my beautiful son (who is now 5) I would stick to Weight Watchers. I had never had to diet so I did not know what to do. I also joined WW at my work and lost weight. But I cut my hours back so I could spend more time w/Tres so I had tog stop going. As soon as football is over, I am going to find another meeting. I would suggest going back to WW.
Good luck:)

After trying many approaches to weight loss/management I have been ecstatic with the results from the Body Balance Program by Nikken. My doctor, who is VERY fussy, read all the FINE print on the program and its nutritionals and said, "Go for it! I don't see anything "bad". He was even more delighted when I returned 25lbs lighter and able to eliminate one blood pressure medicine and cut the other one in half! I have been a nurse for over 30 yrs and my favorite work is as an Independent Wellness Consultant. Please learn more about Body Balance by going to my web page: mynikken.net/candysay
and be sure to visit the CONTACT ME, so I can help you know long-lasting SUCCESS! Candy S.

i agree with the mom who said the best thing to do is cut calories and watch them very closely. keep a notepad on your fridge and write down EVERYTHING you put in your mouth...food or drink. knowing you have to be accountable to the food journal makes you think twice about eating junk. then, set a daily goal of 1200-1400 calories. find some websites with good calorie counters and use that as a guide. if you do that and also throw in some exercise, you'll lose weight for sure.

Way to go Raina! About 3 years ago, I lost 50 pounds and have kept it off. I personally am not a fan of diets, including WW because they don't really help address the reasons for eating beyond what the body requires for nourishment plus I don't believe that one size fits all.

Frankly, I did not even really know what kind and how much of each type of food I should eat. I have worked with 2 nutritionist - one a diabetic counselor (I am not diabetic) and two a holistic food counselor. Each day I plan and know what I will be nourishing my "vehicle" with and it is not "junk" - fast food, processed food, etc. Based upon their "prescriptions" for my unique and individual body and life, I choose to eat the best possible foods for me (plus my family).

Now hold onto your hats! During the 3 years, I actually eliminated sugar (and alcohol as it is treated like sugar in our bodies); artificial sweetners and soda too. I feel sooooooooo much better even on my worse day now than on my best day back then. You must be accountable as well to another person each day.

Once the food was out of the way, I began and still am working on making better life choices that don't involve food as a solution. It is amazing how food can be used to create a different feeling in the body. Somewhere I actually have a report on the 100 things (bad ones) sugar does to your body.

If anyone wants it, let me know and I'll look around for it and send it to you... Good luck! Hope you find your solution!

The best way to lose weight is by eating less calories and exercising more. Do not go on some crazy diet and don't starve yourself. Eat three meals a day but make them low-calorie meals. Fresh fuits and vegetables are low-cal and they really satisfy hunger. Whole grains like whole wheat bread and oatmeal are high fiber and really nutrtious. Cut back on protein: a few nuts and beans and a little chicken. Stay away from fats and sweets. Drink only water and a little milk. Don't use artificial sweeteners because they cause cancer. I just learned also that splenda increases fat in your body. Stick with this. The healthy way to lose weight is to lose 2 or 3 pounds a week. AF

"I believe" in exercise. I love to hike and just get out of the house. My kids love it too. For my family it is about everyone. By walking in our neighborhood, we meet neighbors, get to have talks about our day, get a clear head to rethink if I need to and show the kids that exercise is not a hard thing but a part of life. I think that the most important thing is not only teaching an active lifestyle but leading by example. You don't have to be a buff avid runner or something to enjoy a walk and conversation with your family or just you to help clear your head. I am not sure where you live but I would love to get out and find something to do and maybe even find a new friend along the way. If you are interested please email me and we can get together.
____@____.com
T.

Well Raina it takes discipline...I just went through this in Aug where I got sick and tired of my body. And I am a single mom w/NO time to exercise besides going to the park w/my son occassionally. So I went ahead and got Slim Fast. But to make it work you have to cut other things out. I cut ALL soda, ALL chocolate and fast food OUT!!!And you really have to stick by it. I told myself I had to have no cheating for 1 month. I also made sure I calculated every calorie I took in. I limited myself to 1200 cals (its what the doc said for my height and weight) and lost 14 pounds in 1 1/2 mons. More than likely the first 5 lbs was because I wasn't drinking soda anymore. I moved to those crystal light packs you pour into your bottle water. And I started drinking more water when I was hungry. Doesn't sound like a whole lot but believe me I am wearing the clothes I couldn't after having my son. Now I have been doing it for 2 mons, still 2 shakes a day and treating myself once in a while. I try and do my big meal in the afternoon for lunch. When you get hungry between shakes eat fruit or slim fast has 120 cal bars and they are good:) GOOD LUCK!

Raina,

The fastest way I started losing weight after my son was born was walking. It's simple. You can walk for 10 minutes here/fifteen minutes there. You can walk for an hour. Invest in a VERY good pair of shoes and a Ipod and get out there. Download the songs you listened to in the happiest times of your life. They will get you smiling and moving.
Also, when you are bored and want to snack out of habit, chug a glass of water and brush your teeth. When your mouth is minty fresh you hate to put a handful of bbq chips in it. If you aren't home and you want a snack keep mint gum and almonds in the car.
If you slip up a day and stop a Wendy's or Taco Bell, don't beat yourself up over it. Remember losing weight is a life style change. Now, 11/26 will be here before you know it. If you haven't lost enough weight by 11/26 but you are getting out there and trying your best don't get down.
Good Luck!!

Hi Raina,

As a personal trainer, the best advice I can give you is find something you like and stick with it. If WW worked for you as far as your diet goes then I would go back to that. You need to exercise cardio and weight training. Go for walks in the evening with your husband/ and or child. If you find a buddy to workout with, your most likely to stick with it. Pay close attention to your diet, what, how often, when and how much you are eating, compare that to how much exercise you are getting. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any questions or need some more in-detail advice feel free to email me directly.
____@____.com

So you need a quick fix AND a long term solution... I can point you in the right direction if you are determined that this is what you need for yourself. email me at ____@____.com with the title - "No diets, please!"

S.
About me - SAHM of four, ages 7 and under

There will be all kinds of advice, but the bottom line is you have to burn more calories than you take in. Bookmark a page on your computer with calorie values, and make sure you keep a journal of what you eat -- you won't know how many calories you are really taking in until you do this. DON'T GUESS at the end of the day; you have to track it so you are aware of what you are taking in.
Also, be sure to take a multi-vitamin & drink lots of water.
You can do this!! :o)

If you don't have a lot of time for exercise, Curves is a great place to go. It is a thirty minute circuit training which gives you both aerobic exercise and strength training. For the diet side, Weight Watchers really does work since it isn't a diet but shows you the healthy way to eat. I did it online since I am strapped for time as it is between work and my family. I have lost almost 50 lbs by using both of these things together. Good luck!!

Hi Raina,

A couple of months ago I was in the same boat as you. I have two kids. 9 soon to be 10 and a 1year old turning two next month. I was having problems losing weight. a nurse talked to me about ALLI. If you go to alli.com you can get a $10 discount, they have message boards to talk to others on it and you get rewarded for losing weight recently they sent me a snack bowl it is awesome. I am 5'4" before alli I was almost 170-172. I started alli at the end of july and I am now 150. Email me at ____@____.com and I can talk more to you about it. It teaches how to eat, what to eat. You also have to excercise I lost the weight with just alli alone but I am know at a standstill so I am joining a gym to help lose the rest.

If you're really serious, then buy The Extreme Fat Smash Diet book by Dr. Ian Smith. It worked for me. I lost 20lbs. in 6 weeks. The reason I like this book is because it gives you a daily menu & exercise routine for 3 weeks. You keep repeating it until you've met your goal. It's not easy, but worth it. Good Luck!

Hi Raina,
First let me say I have NO experience trying to loose weight. BUT, I have heard people have great success with Flylady (www.flylady.net) and her book Body Clutter. You may have heard of Flylady in reference to cleaning and decluttering your home, but she also struggled with a weight issue and helps others with that.
Hope that helps and good luck!
D.

Eat healthy, exercise. Repeat daily.

It sounds like you do best in a group, so search around for another WW group or perhaps get a personal trainer or join a group that mixes exercise advice with nutrition. Several friends have done various bootcamps for women that offered both nutrition and exercise.

Also, start slow. If you haven't been working out, work out no more than 3 times a week for 6 months. Otherwise, it gets overwhelming. Vary your workouts and join classes.

Good luck. Consistency is your friend.

I have one website for you - www.sparkpeople.com
It helps with your calorie intake, workouts (there are even some online) and wonderful forums for support! I say join and give it a try - I have lost 33 lbs so far, only 25 to go. After you join you must join in the forum called "done being the fat girl" they are the most motivating group I have found.
I hope this helps!

Raina,
I empathize with you and know what it's like to feel like a stranger in your own body. First, let me acknowledge that ANYBODY can lose the weight. What you need to focus on is losing it gradually by changing your lifestyle. That will certainly begin with nutrition. You should aim to eat 5 to 6 small meals per day, trying to take in a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein (turkey, skim milk, etc), and whole grains. Second, you must set a goal to be active most days of the week -- exercising with purpose 3 to 5 days per week for 20 to 60 minutes. The good news is the duration of exercise can be divided in 10 minute bouts. If working with a personal trainer does not fit into your budget, find a workout buddy. It sounds like having accountability will help you to succeed. Finally, keep a journal -- it's a great way to see patterned behaviors and helps to reduce emotional eating. Good luck, God Bless!

hi raina,
from my fridge door....
eat more colors than were in joseph's coat
have a great big salad every day. some days have two.
sometimes make the salad the meal.
have fruit where you can see it.
make every meal a pleasure.
drive past the drive-through.
bring back dining (not just eating.)

in addition to this.....
work out 5 days a week. do it early. if you put it off til later, you won't, and doing it early will give you energy for your day. don't get it a workout rut, do lots of different stuff, weights, walking, jogging up and down stairs, cardio machines, calisthenics, yoga, aerobics.
good luck!
khairete
S.

Hey! I'm there with you. You can try the Sergeant's Program; it's a "bootcamp" style fitness program, but you go at your own pace. i've tried all the diets, laxatives, sitting in the sauna--they don't work. Through this program I'm getting stronger and slowly losing weight. It's usually offered at Bally's and NO, you don't need to be a member of Bally's to join. They offer a free week trial period to see if you like it. email Clarence and tell him D. Jones referred you. His email is ____@____.com. I hope you decide to at least try it. I go to the one by Prince George's Plaza from 6-7 pm.

walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise, just go at your own pace, challenge yourself without hurting yourself, or getting lazy and going the other way.

Also, you would be amazed at what has high fructose corn syrup in it. "what Do they say about it?!" Well, I've heard your body does not know how to process it like it does regular sugar, so it just kind of sits around in your system. Not good. You'd be amazed to know what it's in, like bread crumbs, both Progresso and Contadina - why do we need HFCS in bread crumbs?! (Write back if you 'd like a recipe you can make yourself) And ketchup, get Heinz organic, it just has regular sugar. Or Whole Foods makes their 365 brand. Do you drink sodas? Give them up now, yes, even the diet stuff.

Just avoid as much sugar as possible. Change bad habits into good habits. Don't go to the store hungry. Make a [good!] list and stick with it. Have a good balance of the four food groups; don't go for Atkins and such. Basically start eating healthy in a way you can continue with for the rest of your life, not a die-t you can't wait to be off.

Get with your doctor and see what advice they have. If someone recommends a drug without letting you try on you r own first, find another doctor.

Hi, Raina! Okay, I hope you don't mind my honesty, but I think honesty is important when discussing this topic. First, for your height, you should really get down to about 130-135. That seems like a huge drop for you, but over a period of time, it is very feasible. Forget the clubs, groups, discussions, etc. It is truly a decision for you to completely change your eating habits and activity level. You don't have to eat special food or completely cut out certain foods. It's about balance. Make sure you eat breakfast EVERY day. Do not eat heavy in the morning though. I think that eating things like eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. any more than on the weekends is too much for in the morning. Oatmeal is best for breakfast. There is research that it actually assists in losing weight, and it will make you feel full for a longer period of time. Even better, it contains all of those whole grains that you have to include in your diet! I say diet as in your daily eating. Not a period of time when you eat less. Stay away from fried food, eat more vegetables (yes, every day), and make sure you get proteins, whether it's through meats or beans (not green beans). Light snacks are necessary to keep your metabolism pumping.

Finally, you need to increase your activity level. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Don't ask people to get things for you; get everything yourself. Pick up your pace a little when you're walking anywhere. Wear a pair of high heels every now and then. It helps tone up your butt and calf muscles big time! And, it will make you feel sexy!! yay:) If you have a body type that requires more daily exercise, then make sure you schedule time (even at home) to just do sets of sit-ups, push-ups, dips, etc. You do not have to go to a gym or spend money on equipment. Good old-fashioned exercises will give you the results you want and need.

I hope this helps! Remember, you have to keep a mindset of living healthy. And stay positive! If you don't feel good about yourself, it shows. And it will inevitably hold you back. Good luck!

K.:)

I've had great success (and by that I mean 1-2 lbs per week, which is really good for a body) by first finding out my calories per day, and then weighing and measuring everything. And like others have said, keeping track of everything I put in my mouth. Remember to keep hydrated, as that allows your body to burn calories more effectively and don't eat less than 1200 calories a day, as your body will think you're in a famine and hold onto the calories instead of burning them. I use a program on my Palm Pilot called "diet and exercise assistant" by Keyoe (www.keyoe.com for more info). With it I can input what I eat and my exercising. This time I am ignoring the "food budget" a little more, as I am nursing, so I keep my calories per day between 1600 and 1800 instead of 1250-1300. I got this idea from my Curves membership. I also read Body Clutter, which I love because it tackles not only the number on the scale, but what led us to that point, such as habits and emotions. And let me tell you, any time you can take even a couple pounds off (like I've lost 6) you feel like a whole new woman! I've been known to tackle my husband now, instead of that "Right now? Oh. OK" You go girl!