Seeking Advice on Weight Loss and Exercise Plan That Works

Weight Watchers is a great plan. You don't have to buy certain foods - you can eat normal food like anyone else. It teaches you what and how to eat. I highly recommend it!

L.,

I don't know about any weight loss programs from personal experience, but I do have a little info for you. If you do want to go to the gym and workout, have you tried the YMCA? They usually offer free childcare with a family membership. The memberships are a little expensive, but with six kids you might actually be getting a deal vice a typical gym.

Here is a great website www.resetlive.com This is a presentation from a specialist in nutritional medicine. If you like the program, please contact me directly for more information or to get set up with a support blog. This is a long term, as well as a short term, solution for weight loss/management.

S.
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About me: SAHWM of 4

http://www.sparkpeople.com/ is a good free online support site. I've also experienced success through WW as a couple of other people have mentioned. It is a lifestyle and not necessarily a diet. I just needed a jumpstart after it being 2 years from having my son b/c I let it go too far, so I am always successful with them for their 3 months program (online this time) and once I'm at where I want to be, I continue to live the "lifestlye" of only eating when my body tells me I'm hunger and always incorporate plenty of water, fruits, and veggies in your daily eating/snacking. I also use my treadmill in the early morning before anyone is up and it really gets my day off to a great start. And all I do is jog/walk for about 2 miles in 30 minutes about 3 times a week and sometimes 4. Good luck! I know you can do it!

I highly recommend the Body for Life program. It requires a little bit of reading/research to understand, but not much, and a commitment every day. With this program you have one day off per week where you can eat anything you want and you don't exercise, but the other days you must stick to a basic plan and either do cardio or weight training. This plan can work for anyone at any age or fitness level, because you set your own limits for exercising. The nutrition part of this plan may seem overwhelming at first - but just give it a couple of weeks and you'll start getting into it. It's based on the diabetic eating plan, I think. 6 small meals per day.

The great thing about Body for Life is it's not something you go on and off - it's a plan you stick with - and you can plan ahead for special occasions with your one day off per week. The best part about this plan is that if you mess up, it's not the end of the world (like with Atkins), and there is a 24 hour help line you can call if you have any questions.

Good luck!

L., I really like using the free www.sparkpeople.com.

Do you have a YMCA near you? Childcare if free while you workout up to 2 hrs a day. You could also try Weight Watchers. I've been doing it for a while and have lost over 50lbs so far. Online is around $17/month.Another option is to include your children in your "workout". Go for a walk, ride bikes, play tag. It's fun for them and activity for you. You need to find something that works with your lifestyle and your family. Good luck.

Two Words: Weight Watchers. Wonderful plan that works. If you can afford it, check out a gym. If not, get yourself some exercise DVDs. I have a really good one for yoga: Yoga Zone. Yoga is great for the body and mind. And don't let anybody tell you you can't get a good workout from yoga.

I applaude you for even beginning to have a little bit of energy left after working and caring for 6 kids! Good for you!! Anyway, I'm kind of lazy (okay VERY lazy) but I went to nationalbodychallenge.com, it's based through the Discovery Health channel, and they personalize and set up your workouts and give you tips on eating the proper things, portioning your food, etc. The work out are very minor BUT make you feel AWESOME, and it only takes about 20 minutes a day. You can personalize your workout and add things like 'chased 6 kids for 1/2 hours' and they credit that to your calorie burning and cardio. It's easy and it's FREE!! Good luck to you, I hope this helps with what you're looking for!!

Hey L.,
I know what it is like to want to shed those baby pounds and feel better about yourself! I have 2 kids, a 3 year old and my second just turned 1 year old this week. I have found some in-home workout videos that are phenomenal and will literally knock the weight off! Have you seen the infomercials for Turbo Jam? It is a cardiokickboxing workout that is great! I lost 42lbs with my 1st child with this program and a sensible diet. I was able to stay in better shape during my pregnancy with the second and dropped the baby weight quickly too. I am now in the best shape of my life, better than BEFORE having kids! Is that not crazy? Chalene Johnson is the creater of the program Turbo Jam and she also now has a new workout called ChaLEAN Extreme. Talk about intense! It is all about Muscle Burning Fat. You lift weights in this one with mixed in Cardio. I JUST LOVE IT!!! I totally believe in these products and tell my friends and family about it all the time. I actually now work as an Independent Beachbody Coach, sharing my fitness success and inspire others to get fit. Please check out my website www.teambeachbody.com/genelles and look at the products. I can tell how to get 10% off the product and even up to 25% off! You can also get great nutritional info and recipes.
You asked about FREE online support, you can get that too by signing up as a FREE member at my website. There is a great online cyber gym that people log into daily and encourage each other to workout at home. By logging in, you are entered in to win up to $1000 a day for FREE! It is awesome and very supportive. I would love to be your support Coach and answer any questions you my have. Again, go to www.teambeachbody.com/genelles and email me. I wish you well on your fitness journey. COMMIT. DECIDE. SUCCEED!!
Have a fabulously FIT day!
G. Seward

Hi. I can tell you what worked for me - Weight Watchers. I had never tried it before, but I've been on the plan since January of 08 and I've lost about 35 lbs! I learned to use better portion control, to stop/rest/assess when I'm eating to make sure I'm not stuffing myself full, and not to substitute food for emotions (not eat when I'm bored/sad/ lonely/tired but fill the gap with something good like calling a friend, taking a walk, etc). The friendships I've made at my WW meetings have helped keep me on track, too. I was working out 3-4 times a week at the gym, but now I mostly just walk my son in his stroller 2-3 miles each day, and the pounds are still coming off. So see if you can walk with your kids, do active play with them like kick around the soccer ball, play tag, roller skate, etc. If you're breathing heavily and starting to sweat, you're getting exercise so keep it up. I find that if you enjoy whatever form of exercise you're doing, you'll keep it up and get benefit out of it. And if you're not having to take time away from your kids (especially since you work full time), they'll appreciate the activity, too. If it's dark or cold when you get out of work, try to find an indoor play space like Monkey Joe's - I always break a sweat climbing up the stairs to the big slides with my son (since he wants to do it again and again). Even doing regular cleaning & housework can be exercise if you do it vigorously or put a dance in your step. Clean to some of your favorite music. Make it fun.

Four Letter.......W A L K. Walking was how I lost a lot of baby weight. I walked with the baby, I walked with my husband, I walked with the dog, I walked with friends, and I walked alone with my ipod loaded with songs that put me in a high energy fun mood. I also walked malls and looked at the window displays and worked towards the cute dress in the window or awesome skirt. it also helps you destress

Hi there,

I use T-tapp and its great, 15 minutes at home in front of your TV. You can check it out at www.ttapp.com.
Good luck, S.

Wow L., there is a special place in heaven for you. I feel overwhelmed with my two daughters at times, I can't imagine six kids. That is awesome that you are doing something for you. I am also a very full time working mom. I have found that my regular daily routine is plenty of exercise for me especially when I modify it. I have added ankle weights to my day. I park away from buildings so I have to walk farther. I take the stairs as much as possible. I also switched out my regular office chair for one of those exercise balls. You have to keep your core muscles tight to get a fuller effect. I forced myself to eliminate all soda from my diet and drink water and my energy shakes only. There are several things you can do to modify what you currently eat that can help too. Add pepper instead of salt. Pepper speeds up your metabolism, the hotter the faster it goes. Eat smaller meals more often. It keeps your metabolism active. Another thing is to carry more things and make fewer trips. I do this when loading and unloading my car with groceries and other stuff. I also joined a kickboxing group at my church. It is every Wednesday from 9:30-11am and it is free. There are women from different religions that come so it isn't at all focused on church. Children of all ages are welcome. If you are interested, I can give you the location. Best of luck and God bless.

P.

Hi, L., You are obviously a busy lady! Wow - I don't know how you do it with 6 kids and a FT job! It can be tough to carve out time for mom - that's for sure. Are you familiar with Melaleuca? Many folks have great success with their weight loss program and products; their vitamins alone are frequently reported to boost metabolism. You can check out melaleuca.com & vfl.com. Please let me know if you'd like any further info. Good luck! N.

L., My husband and I are doing the Slim n 6 program right now. We started a month ago. I have lost 4 pounds, he has lost 10. We are just watching what we eat as a family, but weight watchers is really good too. Slim n 6 comes with a dietary guideline that you can follow for optimal results but for us it was better to do a lifestyle change from the getgo, but you can start with their program full force. I love the way my body already looks after one month and the definition of my arms, stomach muscles and legs. It makes me feel so strong! So you may want to check it out. They have a support group w/in their program too! You can do it from home in your own time. We do it every evening at 7pm. THat is what works with us and and our children respect it. We explained how important it was that mom and dad take care of ourselves physically as well as spiritually and emotionally and we will be better parents b/c of it and be around longer to be wit them. SOmetimes our kids do it w/ us! I wish you the best!
A.

I too had trouble loosing weight after my third child. I am now going to the gym three nights a week and I am trying to eat healthier as well. However, I can totally understand where you are coming from, where do you find the time for all of this. I simply just look at the back of something and look how many calories and how much fat and trans fat something has in it, and try to minimize that piece. Since going to the gym is not the best option for you, you could either get on some type of program like weight watchers or something of that sort, I know this option worked for my close friend. You could also purchase the Wii if it is within your budget and get the Wii fit, that way you and your kids would have a way to stay active. I am about to purchase the Wii in two weeks, because of the same reason, it is really hard to get to the gym with everything going on and I feel I should be working out more than three times a week.

I know this may sound weird, but I would also post a picture up of when you were your desired weight, post it in a place where you will always see it, and post a date next to it of when you are going to meet that goal. It helps me to stay positive and to picture that I am already going to be at whatever I desire on the date I give myself. I know it may sound crazy, but it has worked for me with a lot of things in my life. It can't hurt to try.

Wow! Six children? Wow! That should be exercise enough! That said, it's a bit hard to incorporate a consistent exercise program in the winter without relying on another facility. Have some mercy on yourself. We have just spent that past four months enjoying several holidays centered around food, so some weight stagnation is probably expected. You might not see big changes until the weather changes. Meanwhile, you can implement a few routines around activities you might do already. For instance, if you do the grocery shopping, park car a considerable distance from the store. When you shop for gifts, walk around stores. If you have to wake up at 5 to take care of an infant, try getting up at 4:30 and get in some stretches. When holding the baby, try stretching other arm. These are all light exercises, but if you keep doing those, that should jump-start the metabolism until the spring when you can take infant and toddlers on nature walks around the neighborhood or take all children to park. Also, talk to Dad and see if he can become a helper in your program and once a week (or every other week), if he can stay with the kids or take them away, you can borrow a video from the library and work out at home or go for a jog once you feel a little stronger. Also, you wrote that you work full-time. Instead of eating at lunch, maybe take that time to walk. You didn't mention where you work, but if you work in an area that has local attractions, try going out for lunch for 15 minutes and eat at your desk when you return. That should buy you 5 days of exercise. You can also build more exercise time into your day by taking subway instead of driving (or whatever is nearest form of public transportation) and walking the distance to the job. Finally, be patient. Shaking off baby weight is always different with each pregnancy. Took me 4 years! with each pregnancy, and still kept about 8-10 pounds! Also, let good health be the goal and not the weight loss. You'll get discouraged and give up easily if you don't see instant results. But, when you just want to be healthy, you'll enjoy watching your endurance improve. And, just when you're not looking, those pounds will melt away. I also do not believe in denying myself foods, because that only creates a craving-binge-guilt-quit cycle. Learn to cut portion sizes, though, and eat more frequent meals throughout day. Increase veggies and fruit intake as well as water instead of juices. No pop at all. Enjoy a few sugar sweets from time to time, but if we're stress eating and drinking coffee, that has to stop. (I struggle with that one.) Keep healthy choices in the home as well as a few goodies and once they're gone, delay replacing them. I would expect noticeable changes within a few months. Remember the last 10 are always the hardest. Finally, if any of the children are involved in sports and you have to attend anyway, try either finding Mommy-and-Me classes, or exercise (walk around bleachers, etc) before the event/game starts. I'd try finding a class with some of the older children, which might challenge you a bit. Recreation programs tend to be affordable, and you could ask if there are scholarships or additional discounts for large families.

Hello L.,

You will have to find what works for you, but wanted to share what worked for me. I struggled after my second child of getting the weight off, I tried to work out at least 3 times a week and watch what I ate, but seeme at a lull and I have some neck issues so can't do anything to strenuous. I know I wouldn't keep up with going to a gym, use to but not now with kids. Once I am home at night there is no going back out for me. About one year ago I saw one of those infomercials on the total gym ( with chuck norris and cheryl Tiegs I think) and inspired me, I researched and found it at Dicks for much less $330 and thought I would try it. If you have the room to put it, it does fold, but not the lighest thing to put away after each use. I use that multple times a week and love it. You burn more caloried by doing resistant training then treadmill etc. I am not into running. I really focused on using the total gym only for a few months and worked the treadmill back in and changed my diet to high protein low carbs. I am finally back to what I was before my first child sz 4. I totally understand your frustrations especially when you have 6 kids, how do you find any time for yourself?! With the total gymn you can use it anytime, evern for 5 mins at a time if that is all you have. not only did I lose weight I toned.
I wanted to also mention TOPS, have you heard of them, I joined it as my company it helped me lost the last 10, I was already on my way but having to be held accountable for what I ate, really did it for me. I also take something called green tea fat burner (Costco sells it), it helps to burn fat by getting your metabolism going but it does have a natural caffeine. I take them faithfully, I like it because it gives me energy and green tea is an antioxidant.

also the biggest loser has a website and newsletter you can subscribe to, it send you helpful information to keep you motivated, and help you know what is good or not good to eat.

goodluck, I hope you find something that works. I commend you for having 6 children!! They must keep you hopping! L.

Hi L.! I actually got my personal training certification because I realized how hard it was to stay fit AND be a mom (I just had #3 a month ago). The only way that I have been able to stay in shape has been to work out at home. I suggest you get one of the exercise balls, a mat, and some bands. With those, you can work on every part of your body. Most of the equipment comes with suggestions but please feel free to contact me if you need some specific routine help. It also helps to sporadically add short spurts in your day. Run up and down your stairs 4 times after taking a bathroom break. Do 30 jumping jacks after putting dishes in the sink. These small things are so fast they won't interrupt your day but will help to get your blood moving and energize you. I also suggest snack adjustment. Try raw veggies: baby carrots, celery, red pepper, etc... These are very easy to just grab quickly. Also, water!! I try to drink a glass of water before every meal and throughout the day. And don't finish your kids plates!! I found that I was just finishing up for them, if they were done and had a couple bites left. It seems small but it adds up! That's just a few things. Hope I was coherent! Please let me know if you would like any more help with the exercise routine. Good luck!

My parents are on Weight Watchers and that really works for them - they are getting older and don't have a lot of time or motivation to actually exercise (but really, who does!?) and they have found that the simple advice WW's gives them helps - they don't have to not eat certain things, just count points...also - I tried the pre-ordered meals, and they were pretty quick and easy, but a little more expensive and less flexible.
Also - if a normal gym doesn't do it for you, maybe try Curves - they have circuit training and it is only half an hour - plus they are everywhere, so very convenient...I joined a normal gym because the one I go to has daycare inside the gym, so it's easy and I can go whenever I want, but it is a bit pricier than maybe a gym without one.
If you want to stay home, not only is walking around the block cheap and easy, walking is one of the best forms of exercise, any way! Maybe get a pedometer if you don't know how far to walk and just count the steps...or you could check out a video store for yoga videos, aerobic videos, etc - there are some really fun ones out there, and then no one will see you mess up in the privacy of your own home! I used to have a Paula Abdul dance video....hahaha! Great exercise and super convenient. Hope this helps!

Do you have a spare 20-25 minutes in your day after the little ones are in bed? If so, try the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred dvd. I'm doing that in conjunction with Weight Watchers. The 30 Day Shred is a great exercise dvd. It really targets all areas of the body for a workout in a short amount of time. Its only $7-8 from Amazon or Target.

Other than that, there is sparkpeople.com that can help you with your food choices. It helps you calculate how many calories you need to burn and tells you about your fat & fiber. Plus there are also message boards where you can post for help. This is a free site.

Congrats on having six children... you are so blessed! I understand the frustration with how you look and feel and hope that my experience can help. I've never been one for diets or gimmicks that you have to pay for, I've just been interested in nutrition and read about it like it's my job (it is - I am a SAHM and it is part of my work!) I recently read a book called The China Study, by Campbell (not at the library, so you do have to buy it ~$10 on Amazon). It is a summary of the largest nutritional study ever done. To sum it up, the study found that those with the lowest rates of cancer and almost every disease known to man were eating a plant-based diet. Apparently, eating animal-based foods "turn on" some genetics in your body to start the development of cancer and disease.

So, for the health of my family, we've transitioned away from dairy and meat. In doing this, an unexpected side-effect was that I lost weight. I was at a pretty normal-for-me weight to start, but dropped down to being thin so that clothes looked really good on me and I felt energetic and great. I seriously eat whatever quantities that I want, as long as it is good, all-natural, whole-grain, plant-based (I eat peanut butter every day!) I think this might go along with the advice in the book "Skinny Bit*%" (sorry about that - it's the title) - which tells ladies that if they stop putting garbage into their mouths, they can look and feel great.

So, no gimmicks or diet plans, just good wholesome food that is plant-based. And, an added benefit, is that it costs a lot less, so I am able to buy a lot more organic items for the same budget.

Let me know if you have any questions... best of luck!

Mom of six! Wow, you must be very proud. Now, you need to take time for yourself- even if it means letting go a little regarding housecleaning or other responsibilities. In the end, you will have more energy and be able to do more if you invest in yourself. I have heard good things about Spark people (not sure if it's free, but I think so) as an online support group. I also know Weight Watchers has an online group, but that one probably isn't free. I do know many people who have been successful with WW. Personally, I just try to watch what I eat everyday (no diets, more of a lifestyle) and I use my treadmill while my kids are napping or still sleeping in the morning. Hope this helps- good luck!!

My friend and neighbor is a personal trainer and a mom herself. She offers personal small group classes (in your home, area or hers or in a park nearby). If you and some moms got together and hired a couple of highschool kids to watch the kids at someones home for an hour and a half (one solid hour to excersize 1/2 hour for pick-up and drop off of kids/ transportation). Just getting together and working a couple of excersize vidios on a regular basis with one or two moms would be fun too. How 'bout just putting the kids in a stroller while you get a sitter for the others or work out a swap w/ other moms, and do this 3-4x a week, and walk for an hour or so--cheep!
Let me know if you want info about my neighbor, she really loves working with moms in this situation, and she's vary good! Good Luck!

hi L.,
eating food that's as close as possible to its natural state is a good way to start. the less processing that goes into it, the better. maybe give yourself one day a week when you eat only raw food. your system will thank you.
as far as working out, consider adding some weight lifting to your routine. building muscle is a great way to burn more calories. start with some small free weights and work your way up, and get some wrist and ankle weights to give your cardio work more oomph. the most important thing for me is to vary my routine. i get bored very easily, and in winter it's hard to get outside to walk or jog. do 30-60 minutes of cardio one day (mix up dancing, jumping jacks, walking and jogging in place, squats, lunges etc if you don't have an eliptical or treadmill.) the next day just do 10 minutes cardio warm-up, then do 20 minutes of weights interspersed with tummy crunches. keep incorporating new things to do with the weights (arm rows, lateral lunge/lifts, tricep curls etc) so you don't get bored. do 'em in series (ie 10 bicep curls, 10 pushups, 10 tricep curls, 10 chest-openers, 10 arm rows) then go through the whole thing again rather than doing 50 bicep curls at once. it will let your muscles rest inbetween and actually strengthen them more quickly than doing a gazillion reps at once. don't forget to stretch afterwards, drink plenty of water, and take a day off from working out every now and then. and 5 minutes of something is better than nothing.
good luck!
khairete
S.

I recommend Weight Watchers to anyone who asks about easy ways to lose weight. Unfortunately, it's not free because you're paying for the convenience of their Very useful and helpful. The WW system is great, because it teaches you to be aware of everything you put in your mouth. WW asks you to track everything you eat, and the website will automatically calcuate all of the points for you, so you really don't have to DO anything. You're not required to go to any meetings also. Just log on to the internet after your meals and write down what you eat. You can eat what you want, but you will be aware of HOW MUCH you eat, and the relative nutritional value of your diet.
I think it's around $16/month. which I found to be very reasonable expense to get my body back on track. It worked for me before pregnancy, and after my baby was born!
($16/month is much cheaper than a gym, childcare etc)
Good luck!

--Also, sparkpeople.com is similar to WeightWatchers, but it's free. I didn't try sparkpeople, but I have a friend who did. It's my opinion that the benefits of WW are worth paying for, but if you're in a tight spot financially, then sparkpeople is a close substitute.