Trying to Lose Weight - Blissfield,MI

Count calories - no more than 1200 per day
(Don't go too low on your calorie intake or your metabolism will stall and go into famine mode)
Watch the salt and carbs
Lean proteins are your friends
drink plenty of water
Watch the fruit - it's like all natural candy and the calories can get away from you
Being active is good but I find moderate activity is fine as long as you stay on top of those calories.
Losing 2 - 3 lbs per week is a good steady sustainable pace.

One thing you can try is Plexus Slim. It's the "pink drink that makes you shrink." It is safe to take while nursing. It's different plant extracts and antioxidants. They work together to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. It will curve your appetite to a point where the sugary high carb foods won't seem appealing. Therefore, if you listen to your body you'll pick something healthier. It really works and is great stuff. If your unsure of anything however, I encourage you to talk to your doctor before trying anything. The website is plexusslim.com/andreaLduncan if you would like to read about it.

As someone else pointed out, fruit IS healthy, but can be loaded with natural sugars, which is still a carb.....

Check out the Reader's Digest Diet... it focuses on proteins, veggies, complex carbs, and dairy. When I was following it, I lost almost 20 lbs in just a few months... however, when I stopped following the 3rd step of it, and added the carbs back in, I did gain most of that back... I still am down about 8 lbs from my starting point, however, so I still see that diet as a positive.

There are a LOT of very yummy recipes on the diet that I still use... I just really need to cut out the processed carbs and I will do better.

As you pointed out, you do need extra calories for the breastmilk, but at 16 months, she is getting a lot of her calories from regular food.

As far as weaning... how often do you still bf her? Start by cutting out what seems to be the "least desired" bf time..... (that depends on how often/when you still bf her)... try to distract her with something else, and offer a sippy cup if she is thirsty.

Gradually cut out the different nursing times, and it will happen.

Hi,
I would recommend Nutrisystem to you but only after weening the baby. While breastfeeding, you really need lots of extra calories. I did the same like you while I was breastfeeding like reducing carbs and sweets but had lots of milk and fruits. I lost the weight but my milk supply was reduced like anything. After weening, try Nutrisystem. It is really effective and easy if you go with their instructions.
Hope it helps!!!
Gud luck!!

Try Weight Watchers. I lost over 60 pounds in a little less than a year. It is a life style change and not a diet. The main focus is portion control, more activity (even if it is just walking), changing your environment so you can be more successful, and eating healthier foods. You don't have to totally cut out anything. I know several people who have lost over 100 pounds and kept it off for significant amounts of time. They also show you how to modify your diet while nursing.

I lost all my pregnancy weight and a few more lbs by pretty much going on a low carb diet. Most of my carbs were from vegetables with lots of fiber. I'll admit, the low carb system works, but I did get a few headaches and cravings for bread. I also did a lot of exercise with weight. I freqently went to my local mall with my baby in the stroller...I did two laps in the morning and two laps in the evening (that's 4 miles).

I really think you need to focus on one of these issues instead of both at the same time. Give yourself a deadline and wean your child. After that, you can focus on weight loss. They are completely contradictory.

And as far as weight loss goes, start exercising and watch what you eat. Portion control, cutting out sweets and sodas, eating breakfast.... all those little things add up. Pay attention to the calories you are taking in. If you really want to get serious, I recommend Jillian Michaels's books. They have really helped me get in good shape. In particular "Making the Cut" helped me lose that last pesky 5 pounds.

Good luck!