Insight

I am a plus size mom. I have hard days too. It's really hard. I was on wieght watchers and then lots of things happened and I stopped. Sometimes I feel like I will never get anywhere and will always be plus size. I shop at JC Pennys, DOTS, WalMart, K-mart, Fashion Bug, DEBS, and Old Navy. If you need someone to talk to my e-mail is ____@____.com .

S.

I think that almost every mother goes through a period of unhappiness with their "new" after child bearing body. I set a goal for myself and just said your doing it.. I had a vacation coming up and I wanted to feel good about it. Surprisingly it wasn't all that hard.. I was very dedicated and had never dieted/worked out before in my life. If you truly are unhappy and it is affecting your relationship and your love for yourself then you really should do something. Start small.. No pop, nothing fried, make smarter deceisions. Try different workouts to see what you'll like.. Step class is a lot of fun! Get an I-Pod and jam while you ride on an eliptical.
Most importantly know what you have to offer on the inside because that truly is all that matters. I wish you the best of luck and let me know how things end up good luck!

I felt the same way, I accepted my size and tried to get over it. Then the doctors said I have diabetes. It happens. I'd love to talk to you about what I did to get over the hurdle and help myself!

S.
____@____.com

S.,
I know it's easier said, but remember the person you are inside. As the Wizard of Oz says, "..a heart is judged not by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others". And it really is true. Don't worry as much about it, but set it as a goal to do something. just not obsessively. Because I have some overweight friends that I wouldn't trade for the world because they're content with who they are, not how they look. Sure it's a concern, because it can affect one's health. But be a loving person first, take your health into your hands and do something about it, and I think things will just fall right into place.
Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference.
Don't wait till your health is compromised and you're forced to do it. Be ahead of the game, because you're too precious to so many and you don't want to lose a minute with your loved ones.
The best of luck and let us know how you do! You might want to find health clinics that use infra red saunas. They do help with weight loss, are healthy overall. I can suggest two right off. One's in Ann Arbor (Bio Energy Medical Center) and one in Plymouth (Breathing Waters). Both are alternative therapy places.

HI S.
I found after I had my baby I kept the weight on. It took me a while to find I wasn't getting enough emotional support, and was eating to fill the void. Check out Lane Bryant size 14-28. They had tall clothes for me too. And remember Merlyn Monroe was a size 14, not some skinny little thing.
I worked on being happy, getting into social groups. And increased the veggies, decreased the meat portions. They say a womans portion of meat/chicken/fish is the size of a deck of cards. Then I fill up on veggies. I also read the vegan diet for chronic disease prevention by Carrie Sanders. It was a great insight on how the body works with the food we give it.
She's doing a free class March 27th at 6:30 pm at the Caroline Kennedy Library (dearborn hts, MI)
But the best thing I did was believe in my self.
Good Luck A. H

Gingery Carrot Salad

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound carrots, cut diagonally into thin slices
* 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 tablespoons sugar, or maple syrup
* 1 clove garlic, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
* 1 dash cayenne pepper
* 1/2 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add carrots, and continue to boil until just tender, about 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, sugar, or maple syrup, and garlic. Season with cumin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir in carrots and raisins, and toss with dressing. Cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Steamed green beans w/ lemon & garlic

S.,

I am 40 and now at a much more difficult age for losing the weight! While I am also not very happy with my weight, I try not to let it get me down. Most times I am successful. I am also about your size and I just shop at WalMart. It is unlikely you will find any Junior sthat fit, but misses and women's should fit fine. I generally wear a L/XL and have bought Womens XL or 16/18 in tops.

I did Weight Watchers a couple years ago and it did help a great deal. If you don't have a lot of spare time, or don't want to go to a group setting, this can also be done online for much cheaper.

I have learned that I can eat almost anything I want, as long as I keep the portion size correct. Exercise is also a key. Keep in mind, if you are getting enough exercise your weight may actually go up because muscle weighs more than fat!

Hope this helps!
N.

Hi S.

14/16 sizes are everywhere. Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, TJ Maxx, Marshals to name a few, even Value City.

If you'd like to earn extra money from home PART-TIME with benefits, click below. I am looking for people thirsty for success! CLICK HERE:> www.JLTaylor.biz or call 1-877-623-4588

Try these stores, you'll be surprised. Check the clearance racks too! (smile)

Making big money from home,

JT

Like many other moms, I've also put on weight. I am not entirely happy with my appearance. I'm working on it like everyone else!

Our unhappiness with our appearance doesn't always change with weightloss though. As many people will tell us, there is usually an underlying issue to the weight. If we don't deal with the issue(s), we cannot deal with the weight and/or the insecurities we are feeling. I don't think being happy and being thin are as closely correlated as being happy and being at peace with ourselves and our issues. We also need to strive to be healthy not thin!

Hang in there and remember THIN DOES NOT EQUAL HAPPY!

I know this is not the information you requested but I wanted to let you know that everyone has something in their lives they are disappointed or depressed about. The only way I have found to be happy about myself is to think of others 1st (and of course know that GOD loves me and made me the way HE did for a purpose). Be as beautiful as you can from the inside out. Love your husband with all your heart and make sure he starts and ends everyday feeling loved, respected and appreciated and he will return the favor by loving you just the way you are and feeling that he is "out of his league" with you. Be the best wife and mother he knows, be happy where you are in life and strive for a happy home life with your wonderful family. If you are unhappy with yourself you could teach your son to be unhappy with himself. You want your son to grow up knowing that he has the best mom in the whole world (you are the best mom for your son or GOD wouldn’t have given him to you) and if you don’t love yourself and him and his daddy without reservations your son will question his own worth. I have a wonderful mom that has/had low self-esteem and I always wondered why and since i didn't know why I thought I should have low self-esteem too since my wonderful mom did. Of course this is easer to write then put into action but it looks like you have started by controlling your diet (and bad habits) and striving for acceptance of yourself whatever your size is. Don’t let the mirror tell you who you are, you tell the mirror that you are a HAPPY, wonderful, loving woman and prove it by your actions. GOD bless you and your journey and your family.

I am a plus size mommy (18) and I am tall (6 ft) so I have a very hard time finding clothes. I usually have to spend quite a bit on a few outfits that compliment my body type and are long enough for me. I can't walk into Target and buy an outfit. So I understand your feelings very much. I have been this way nearly my entire adult life.
I focus on being a good mom, friend, wife, member of my church, I volunteer. I give of myself and I take time for myself (get a pedicure, a massage, go see a sappy movie by yourself, fill inthe blank with something you like to do). Write some scripts about what is awesome about yourself. The things that you like about yourself, the things that your husband likes about you, your friends and family. You can use these scripts to replace the negative self images in your head.
Don't quit with the excersizing. You may find that the inches and pounds are due to an increase in muscle mass, but it is nice to be fit - even if it doesn't result in the body you want it will help you feel better about yourself. Lots of feel good chemicals are released into your blood stream when you work out. Stay active, have fun, laugh a lot.

good for you! get some new clothes that highlight the shape of your body. Don't focus on the size, just look for the cuts and colors that look awesome on you.