Weight - Cookeville,TN

www.sparkpeople.com this is an online support group with all the tools you need. OH, did I mention it is FREE.
Jen
jennip1 is my name at spark people if you want to add me as a friend.

Ditto for the previous poster's suggestion about the YMCA. I think that perhaps you're less likely to feel embarrassed in that setting, because my experience has been that the Y is full of all types and sizes of people, just trying to get healthy. It's a very welcoming, non-judgmental place.

A friend of mine joined a gym and got a personal trainer. She set up a routine and goes a few nights a week just as the kids are going to bed (hubby does that job). It is working wonders for her and she is not a gym person.

Dear K.,
YOU CAN DO IT! Put your stake in the ground and start.
I can say this because I did it...I have half way to go.

I was 50 pounds over weight too in April of this year.
I have had 5 babies in the past and as I got older the pounds just seemed to keep coming on and it was hard to lose the weight. I was sick and tired of it.
I could not join the Y...So I got creative.

I saw a woman I knew in April and she had lost 75 pounds...that gave me incentive.
I asked her what she did.

She stopped all food with flour and sugar.
Sounds hard maybe BUT I was READY to change my habits.
So I started that day.
Delicious meat patties, fish, eggs, cheese, steaks, salads, steamed veggies, baked chips,lowfat cottage cheese, air popped pop corn.
Not much fruit though. Anything that did not have flour and sugar.
I ate at least 6 times a day.And I journaled what I ate.
When I started to keep track I saw that I was WAY over on carbs. Carbs turn to sugar that turns to stored body fat.
I made sure to eat 100 grams of Protein a day and 10 glasses of water.

I read that if you walked 15 minutes a day with 3# weights in your hands you could lose 15 pounds in 7 weeks...that belly fat would melt away. So, I started walking with a 3# weight in each hand.I move them in a bunch of different ways as I walk. I would walk for 30 minutes and turn around and come back.
I lost 10 pounds my first week and then about 3 pounds a week after that.
I threw away my size 18 & 16 pants and I am still going.

I have a membership for a whole year that I paid only $29.00 for from a company that has inexpensive FAT burning bars and all kinds of weight management and health products. and an online program that is like Weight Watchers that I pay $6.00 a month for. I logged my food in everyday and it does all the calorie counting ETC for me.
I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE MORE WITH YOU ABOUT THAT SO CALL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED J....###-###-####
BLESSINGS, J.

Hi K.,

I never saw your initial request, but I saw your "update" and thought I'd chime in. I was really heavy after the birth of my 2 kids (I'm an almost-37 y.o. SAHM, my kids are 3-1/2 and 15 mos.), and in January of this year, my husband (who was also overweight) and I started on the South Beach Diet. I've lost 100 pounds as of yesterday, and my husband has lost 65 pounds. We're each now within 8 pounds or so of a healthy BMI, though I'm really hoping to lose about 20 pounds to get to the middle of the healthy BMI range.

I found South Beach to be the only diet I've ever tried (and I've tried MANY) where I haven't felt deprived or "crazy-hungry", as I call it--you might check out the book from your library and see what you think. Getting white flour and sugar out of my life has made dieting SO much easier and made me a happier, healthier woman!

We also added exercise to our lives--I started with dvds while the kids slept (I really like the ones with Chris Freytag from Prevention Fitness and the Leslie Sansone Walk-at-Home series), but now I mostly run or do a combo of walking followed by simple strength training exercises. I work out 6 days a week, for about 45 mins each time. I never joined a gym--we couldn't afford it.

I know it's helped me a lot to have my husband do this with me, so if your husband isn't willing to do it, you may need to try to find a diet buddy some other way.

Other things I've found helpful: Journaling--not really a food journal, though I do plan out my meals for the week ahead of time. www.prevention.com has some cool features (that are free), and I use the healthtracker feature to keep track of my progress and the blog feature, which I keep as a private journal to record weekly weigh-in stats and reflect on my feelings. I found a few weight-loss blogs that resonated with me, and I check them regularly for inspiration. My husband and I are also inspired by the Biggest Loser and we watch that every week. It's really helped me to surround myself with weight-loss messages and inspiring stories--reading or seeing something about it every day keeps me focused on my goals.

The Beck Diet Solution books were AMAZINGLY helpful for me in finding skills to deal with the emotional/behavioral aspects of being overweight. They also include a diet plan you can follow, but I stuck with South Beach.

I think breaking the big goal into smaller goals is tremendously helpful, and taking a very long-term view--that this is a project for a year, not something you're going to fix in a couple of months--was also helpful. I could go on and on, and you've gotten lots of good advice, so I'll stop now, but I do want to say that you can do this! If I can do this, anyone can--I've been overweight almost my whole life, and now I'm thinner than I was in high school and feel better than I ever have. It's mostly a mind-game, I think. You need to find a plan that works for you, and then commit with all your heart to making it happen. It's difficult, but so worth it. Good luck to you, K.!

I didn't see your original request, but thought I would mention www.livestrong.com

I have lost 63 pounds since January by tracking my food, participating in the Dare to Lose Weight message board and excercising. Livestrong is a wonderful support tool, and it is free.

There are two things I have found that have really helped. I avoided the diet part for a long time because I can't stand fads, and every time I heard about it at first, I dismissed it as just another fad diet. However, when my husband, who is only 35, got blood work done last year that showed cholesterol through the roof and other diet related/controlled issues, I decided to give the South Beach Diet a try for his sake. It was designed by a doctor who deals with a lot of heart and diabetic patients, and it seemed like a good fit for my husband's needs. We were both shocked when we lost about ten pounds in the first month of the diet, especially since that was not our motivation. It is a very doable diet, in my opinion, because you eat all the time. That's something that led to my weight gain, so it's great for me to have a diet encouraging me to eat throughout the day. You are also encouraged to have a dessert (and they aren't bad) each day; you can even eat a little bit of chocolate after the first two weeks. It's not a speed weight loss program, but it will help you control how much fat and sugar you take in each day. Plus the first two weeks, if you can get through them, will pretty much eliminate any cravings you might have for "bad" food. I could go on for awhile about, but this is one of those things that you really have to investigate for yourself and see if it's for you.

The second thing that has helped lose weight was a simple weight lifting program that I have done at home with hand weights. There are lots of good guides for weight lifting out there, but the one I've used is a book called "Strong Women Stay Slim". I can't remember the name of the author off the top of my head, but it's a very easy, very doable program, even if you haven't been into exercise before (which I wasn't at all when I started). It's also inexpensive, quick, and you don't have to show up at a gym. You will want to add aerobic exercise after the initial period of lifting weights.

These two things not only will help you lose weight, but you will feel better (less tired, more happy and confident). It's not a miracle pill, but it is effective if you determine to do it. If you can get your husband on board food-wise, it will also help you stick with it better. I wish you the best of luck finding a solution that fits your life!

Hello K.,

I'm responding to your update. I'm so glad you're motivated now to make some changes in your lifestyle!

I thought I would throw something pretty controversial into the dialog!

I've been reading a book that my local public library just acquired: Dr. Gundry's Diet Evolution by Dr. Steven Gundry. It's got some mind-boggling ideas. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the info!
I'm about 30 pounds overweight, but it hides well - I don't really look THAT bad, but I know the truth about myself! - I'm a short apple shape! And, while I haven't felt bad enough about my appearance to do anything, I got a wake up call from my doctor at my last physical - I have high cholesterol now! She told me to exercise, lose weight and get the cholesterol down.
Enter stage right: Dr. Gundry's book. I picked it up for the weight losing aspect and once I started reading it it started turning my ideas about health upside down. This book addressed more than how to lose weight. It talked about why we humans tend to gain weight and why our bodies tend to get sick and die. And that really caught my attention because I have unexplained chronic pain issues that seem to come and go willy nilly.
This doctor thinks he has the answer for some of that stuff. And he doesn't recommend just exercising and cutting down on what you're eating. Yes, that helps you lose weight, and helps you feel better and healthier. However, even healthy feeling and looking people die of heart attacks and get cancer. Dr. Gundry (and others, I'm sure) says our modern diet is killing us. Even when we look healthy!

Mind-boggling - and I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the info he's provided in this book. I don't know if I want to make the drastic changes he suggests. Quite thought-provoking!

But I do need to lose the 30 pounds and get my cholesterol down!

Hope you can find a way to get motivated and lose the weight!

A.

Anyway, if you want to have your concepts about healthy eating zapped then read this book!

A.

K.,

I totally understand! I have 3 kiddos, and my youngest is 5, I still have no lost the weight and now I have gained an extra 20 pounds....I did start a weight loss challenge with some family members and that helps me to have others to motivate. Spark is a good website, they have a food and exercise journal you can use and it is very helpful. My personal problems is that I'm prior military and now a nurse...I have no excuses!!! I know how to work out, I know how to eat healthy, it's a matter of choosing to do it. Please don't feel embarrassed about going to a fitness club...that's what they are there for! I know several people walk around barely dressed and flirt with any muscle they can find, but use them as a motivation...I did that after my second child, had to wear military PTs so it didn't matter what I wore! Watching the male soldiers and the few very in shape spouses really helped me. I kept telling myself when I wanted to stop the treadmill that I could look just like them, just another mile....positive mental talk will get you everywhere! I went for a bike ride on Monday, after almost passing out in 1 mile with my kids, and rode for 11 miles!!!! Every hill I came to I would look at the ground right in front of me and say, little hill, little hill, it works! I used this same method after my second child to run again and get back into shape for the military. I know it's alot of ranting, but it's helping me to want to hit my treadmill!!! So thank you! Find someone you can relate to and can meet with at the club. I had a co-worker who needed it more than me, but it helped motivate me by thinking I was helping her and that she wouldn't work out if I didn't show up....Helping others is the best motivation for any program. As for the junk food junkie....is he overweight??? Maybe you could talk to him about going to the club with you? Try this....tell him you need to talk. When he says what about, say I want us to write a will and decide who will raise the kids when we both die of heart attacks...may upset him esp if y'all are younger, but it could also wake him up. I love the fear factor and use it with my patients often. When my kids want Mc Donalds, I chose a cup of ice water and a parfait. Yes it's hard not to want that big mac! But picture the burger, and all the grease sliding down your throat and into your arteries, clogging them up....visualize it! You'll easily chose that parfait I promise!! Best of luck and if you want to join the challenge you're more than welcome! Give me a buzz and we'll add you to the email list. Have to keep each other built up and positive! You can do this!! My email is ____@____.com love ya sister and let's do it!!!

I am a mom of 3 as well. I gained lots of weight with them. I turned 40 in December of last year and decided I needed to do something quick because I know the longer you wait the harder it is to lose. I couldn't understand why I was so heavy because I really didn't eat that much, even my sister told me that. So I decided it must be what I eat. I've tried lots of things as well and the only thing that seems to work for me is a high protein, low carb diet. I have lost 32 pounds since the end of April. I have another 30 or 40 to lose, but the 32 that I've lost has given me the hope that I can do the rest. I feel so much better both physically and mentally. I was having awful PMS and very depressed. Didn't feel much like exercising, but now I think I might enjoy walking if I could just find the time now. Look at South Beach stuff or Atkins. They are not as unhealthy as you might think. I sort of did a combo of the two. I will tell you that the first week is very hard, because your body is detoxing from sugar and all the bad carbs, but if you just push through it, you can do it. If I did it anyone can. I was a bread and pasta lover to the max!! I've also found pasta that I can eat now and then. It has a low glycemic index and it doesn't taste any different. I wish you well!!!
Blessings, Susan L.

Hi K., I recognize it can be challenging to lose weight after 3 pregnancies & living with a husband that prefers fast food.

I experienced the gains, the losses, the up & downs. It was not until I focused on going to deeper causes, emotional & mental, that I was able to be successful in keeping the weight off!

I am a registered nurse specializing in women's health & a professional health coach. I put together a supportive program to help women like you heal the inner struggles & finally lose the pounds of fear, pain & hurt, to blossom into your enthusiastic, energized, happy self.

To members of Mamasource, I offer a complimentary FREE 30 minute private coaching session. No obligation.

I invite you (& anyone else reading this) to check out my website:
www.inner2outerweightloss.com

Contact me if interested & we'll set up a mutually beneficial time for the FREE session.

Whatever path you take to lose the weight, I wish you the best! When my 3 kids were younger, I felt like I had 10 kids! As much joy as there is being a mom, no greater job in the world, it can be stressful.

I wish you peace & great health.
A.

About 8 years ago I lost 55 pounds on Weight Watchers. I loved the program and did not feel self conscious. ONe of the men in my group was on his 180something pound lost when I joined.
Also I have heard that Curves is good. I have friends who love it. And they are heavy girls trying to get into shape. I wish I knew where one was around me.
Start journaling what you eat. Sometimes we think we are going along with the "diet " and we are actually stuffing our face with cookies or crackers as we walk through the kitchen. THat's me.
Don't think of the new eating choices as a diet. THis will subconsciously allow you to revert back to your old habits when you hit your goal weight. This is a new lifestyle choice.
Good luck.

K.,

I think it's great that you want to make a change for yourself. Just a couple of comments, go easy on yourself, you need to set some clear goals and writing those down and posting them on the frig or on the mirror in your bathroom where you see them every day helps to keep us focused on what those goals are. I joined a Stroller Strides class since it was hard for me to find time between work and 'life' to get away to exercise so I include my child in that time and it's 'we' time so I accomplish 2 goals at once. Also, consider keeping track of the inches you lose instead of just pounds. As we lose fat and gain muscle our weight loss slows. I suggest measuring different parts of your body - upper arms, waist, thighs, etc and writing it down. Then throw that in a drawer and re-measure in a week. Sometimes it's easier to track that way vs. just losing weight. Good luck!!

You might try assuming it's not your diet and excercise and look for other causes. Some common causes:

antidepressants
antihistamines
hormones like birth control
subclinical insulin resistance
anemia
Vitamin D deficiency
PCOS
hypothyroidism

Don't beat yourself up but I would avoid eating fast food for which you are unaware of the calorie content. When I was anemic and vitamin deficient I would eat hoping for an energy boost. I was dependent on tea and cokes to keep going. I went of my medication, started taking better vitamins, had surgery for PCOS and have stopped gaining weight. To fight my insulin resistance I do yoga every morning to activate my muscles to use glucose. Since I made these changes I've already lost 6 pounds out of my 15 pound goal.

I hadn't seen this post in the regular emails (must have been one I didn't get time to read), but saw it when they posted your update! Glad to hear you are getting on track. I noticed that several people mentioned Weight Watchers, which is great (worked well for my mom) but costs quite a bit of money (at least with my income). I recommend sparkpeople.com. It is FREE! They have support groups if you want them, but they also have calorie trackers and goals for you to meet. You can enter all the ingredients for a recipe, how many servings it makes, and it will tell you the nutrition info including calories! If there is a food you use that isn't included in their list of foods, you can enter all the stats yourself from the nutrition label! It worked really well for me when I was trying to lose weight! Now, my husband and I are separated, and so I've lost 20 lbs w/out trying! I don't recommend that method though! Good luck, and great job so far!

K.,

I can't imagine having three and what it does to your body. But I have one and had to get my baby weight off a year later for a wedding. I tried everything. The book "Flat Belly Diet" and working out did the trick. The weight just melted off. So give it a try. My mom lost weight with it as well. Best to you! You can do it.

S.

I am with ya sista!!! It is so much harder for women. Have you checked into Curves?? That is a great place to not feel intimidated, if you can fit their times. Walking is the best, if you can find a 2 mile walk, and do that at least 4 times a week, that will help you so much, mentally and physically. Get a dog to walk, safe and they go at your pace, plus they do not judge and love you unconditionally!! Avoid fried foods. Work with your metabolism.....the protien diet does work... the low-fat diet does work.... they all work, IF you work them. The best is Weight Watchers. Good luck to you and God Bless.

Blood Type Diet!!! [http://www.dadamo.com]

I've been on it for a bit over a month and have lost 15 pounds. And I haven't really been exercising too much more than I usually do (which isn't much -- I'm unfortunately rather sedentary -- however, the other day, I said, "I think I'll go for a run" -- and I did!). Plus, I feel great!

I've got another 20 lb. to lose to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight, and I'd like to lose another 20 lb at least beyond that.

Eating what's right for me seems to be working -- I'm not as hungry as usual (like yesterday, I skipped lunch without even realizing it, because I wasn't even hungry), and I think it's because the food I'm consuming is actual **nourishment** rather than just "food" -- empty calories at best, or just plain *wrong* for me at worst.

I feel your pain, K.. I struggled (and still do)with my weight my whole life! I hit rock bottom when I weighed 100+lbs more than I should. I was depressed about it and asked myself, 'how can I have it all together in so many other areas of my life and struggle with this ONE?'. (I also have a husband who is not the best of examples, so I understand that, too).

I joined Weight Watchers and it changed my life. It was NOT EASY, especially not in the beginning, but as I worked it, I noticed my eating habits changed and I HATED working out, but I started to enjoy it. In a little over a year, I lost over 55lbs. My husband never did WW, but he lost weight, too, b/c we were eating healthier.

I am not on WW now (I am pregnant), and I will admit that I am not as strict as I used to be, but I have developed (good) habits now that I NEVER had before and it is great feeling. I am sure I will used WW to take off the baby weight, and I am sure it will be a struggle at first, but the self-discipline will come.

The great thing I liked about WW is the flexibility to eat a variety of things. There were times when it is harder (you will notice how many places DO NOT serve vegetables, as an example!!!), but overall, it was not a diet, but a lifestyle.

Goodluck with you.

Hello K.: I can totally enter in to your dilemma of trying to lose weight....it's not easy being the Mom, looking after everyone else and LAST but not least....look after yourself. Then you are too tired, hungry and you just want OUT of the overweight place you are in.
I am pretty well known as the DIET QUEEN in my family. I have tried EVERY fad, diet and pill out there...ALL to NO avail. Lose some and gain it back PLUS more.
If you are interested, I can share my story with you, actually our family's story. We lost together 130lbs. and 135" in 4 months with nutritional cleansing and fat burning system. Easy, healthy and we have more energy now than we ever had before.

My cousin introduced me to it....I saw her results,...I knew if I didnt do something.....I would be overweight for the rest of my life. I started, the rest of my family joined in (4 in total)....We have NEVER looked back.

Let me know if you would like to know more. I will gladly inform you.

C. Hunter
Here's to your health and wellness

I am not sure if they have them here but Curves is a fitness center that is for women only. You have several machines to use for a given amount of time on each then go to the next one.

If you need accountability, join Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, etc so that you have a support system.

Try to find a gym with water aerobics, it is a great workout and can be very hard. Typically, you will find support from others in the class and build friendships that help you to keep going.

Keep track of your calories and don't lie to yourself. Look up the calories for the restaurants, measure out the food, read the labels and write it down. Go to the government's pyramid website, as I have heard they have an online tracking that you can do. I used just a notebook and pencil. ( : I lost over 50 lbs after my second sticking to a 1,500 calorie diet and exercising.

Finally, good luck!!!! You can do it and your family will benefit from the healthier lifestyle.

K.,
I completely understand the struggle of losing weight. After having my beautiful daughter 11 months ago, I too still have baby weight to get off. I am currently a member at the YMCA in Hendersonville. They have wonderful classes (which motivates me the most) and there are people of every size so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Prior to having my daughter and while I was pregnant was when I was the healthiest (eating right and exercising). I have tried the South Beach Diet in the past, which allows you to learn to eat correctly. I lost 35 pounds then and I am going back on it again so hopefully i will have some of my baby weight off by next month. You can join South Beach online to get all the necessary information and support you may need.

I wish you the best. Good Luck!

S.

Hi K.,
I too am working at losing all of the weight (and then some) that I gained during my pregnancy two years ago. I had tried South Beach and a number of other methods without much success. I just started with Physician Assisted Weight Loss program in Durham and I am really excited. I began with them on September 1st and to date I have lost 11.6 pounds. The program is three fold, using medicine, diet and exercise. I have been more attentive to the foods that I eat. Just like you, my husband is a fast foodie! If you decide to take a look at the Physician Assisted Weight Loss tell them that Jeronica sent you.

Good luck!

I recommend Curves if you have one close to you. The all female atmosphere made me feel less self-conscious and there are women there of all ages and sizes.

If you can afford it, Weight Watchers is a GREAT tool. I went to WW several years ago and lost 20 lbs. It is not a diet but rather a guide, and a lifestyle change. They give you resources of what to eat when you go out to fast food restaurants. And you have support of others, which is what helped me the most. If you have a strong-will and can do it on your own, you can join a WW group and get the information for a coupl eof weeks then do it at home; becasue it can get expensive at $12.00 a week for meetings.
Good Luck!!

First of all, kudos to you for wanting to make a positive change! I felt the same way before I joined a gym but my husband (who is is super great shape and trains bodybuilders) kept reminding me that you have to start somewhere and that no one (no one who is serious about changing their body anyway) tries to look good in the gym-you go so that you look good out of the gym. I started going to the Y (before I was in the military) and I found that if I went during the hours that they had the child watch, there was mostly moms in there and I didn't feel so self conscious since they were in the same boat as me. This will be a lifestyle change so having the help/support from your husband will be crucial. Also, don't forget that while 30 minutes of cardio a day is crucial, weight training will help you get stronger and build muscle and the muscle will burn calories when you're not even moving. Plus, its good for your bones and women (especially who have had children) need bone strength. The hardest part is getting started! You can do it!

Wow - with all of these responses you can see that you are not alone!

Did you know that Muscle = Metabolism?

I am starting with Shaklee's Cinch Inch Loss Program tomorrow. It is very healthy and you end up with more muscle and less fat, which means your metabolism stays higher which means no more Yo-yo dieting!

Here is info about it: www.cinchplan.com/K. and here is my new website if you decide to order: http://K..myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html

Good luck to you! You can do this and be healthier and have more energy for your family! :)

K.,
I know how you feel! I need to lose 50 lbs myself! After reading the other posts I didn't see anyone mention the "30 Day Shred" DVD. It's by Jillian Michaels from the show the Biggest Loser and it really is a good workout. It's only 20 min long and there are 3 workouts- start with level 1 and work your way to level 3. Because of my arthritis and health problems I haven't been working out consistantly. When I was working out to this DVD I could see results! My muscles were more toned and I just felt better. She also has "No More Trouble Zones" and "Banish Fat Boost Metabolism." I bought the 3 DVD's on Amazon for $19.99 I believe and it's worth the money. Seeing your post along with the others on here has inspired me to get moving and work through my pain. God Bless you and good luck!

Hi K., I know you've got a lot of good advice here, but just wanted to add something else. I also have 3 kids - 6, 3 and 3m and need to loose about 80 lbs. Tried different fad diets in between pregnancies and ended up gaining more then lost.
This time I've decided to do it the right way. I read Jillian Michaels' book - Master your Metabolism - it teaches you how to eat healthy, remove all chemicals, junk etc from your diet, what's good, what to stay away from. It helped me realize that I need to make some changes in my diet and the way I cook for my family to keep us all healthy. I also started working out every other day and have lost 12 lbs in 10 weeks.
Not as much as I would like to see, but I went to see a dietitian and she said that I'm doing it right this time and to keep it up, the weight will come off.
Good luck. You're not alone...
Yvette

I'm also having trouble lossing weight after giving birth to my first daughter. She's now 18 months and I still have about 60 pounds I would like to lose. I had previously heard conversations on here about birth controls (Specifically Mirena which I am on) causing weight gain and trouble losing it. I had a ob appointment so I asked my gynocologist about that and she said that birth control (Mirena specifically) does not cause trouble losing weight. She took a blood test to check my throid levels and found they were abnormal. I'm not sure if this could be a problem for you but you may consider asking your doctor to check just in case. Supposedly I'm going to be placed on some medicine for thyroid problems and with exercise and diet I should be able to lose this weight more easily. I still wish I could find someone my size to work out with though. I agree the gym is a little embarassing. I have a YMCA membership that I rarely use just because of anxiety! Well, I don't know if this will help, but at least you know there are other mom's struggling too!

It's easy to get overwhelmed when trying to get unwanted weight off. I gained 40 pounds with my kids. I have never been good with dieting, but have always worked out. I wasn't losing any weight, even working out 3 to 4 times a week. The one thing that has helped me lose the weight and keep it off is the Weight Watchers program. I only went to the first meeting and then have just kept up with it on their online program. It is an amazing program. It is not a diet, but it is life changing. I have learned so much about food, and how I was letting the food control me. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more info about the program I am on. If I can do it, anyone can. Good Luck :)

The only thing that has ever worked for me is to eat less and exercise more. The biggest key to it for me is not to buy anything that I can't eat and don't have it in the house to tempt me.

Hello,

I have a 3 yr old and me and my husband have been wanting to get back into exercising and get rid of some weight. We kept saying we are gonna exercise and we never did. We joined the local YMCA. They have a great gym and people who will work with you on a workout program. They also have exercise classes. We got 3 to 4 times a week. I will take my 3 year old swimming (he can learn to swim and I can get some exercise in the pool). When my husband gets off work he meets us. While me and my son are swimming he will go to the gym and exercise and when he is done he will take my son to play basketball and then I go to the gym to workout. You dont have to worry bout people looking at you wierd either. They also have childcare that is free while you workout.
We had to do something because my husband already has high cholestrol. So we made that step and joined a month ago and we both have lost weight. He has lost 5 pounds and I have lost 7 pounds. They YMCA is a very good place to get into. If you can't afford the membership they do have assistance.
Hope you have good luck. If you don't do something now, you may never. Think about your kids and tell you husband the same thing. Cut out junk food and replace it with something alittle healthier. Working out as a family makes it easier to.

Good Luck and I hope this helps!!
C.

Hey K.! Boy can I relate!! I too have about 60 pounds to lose. I worked out like a crazy person for about three weeks this summer and um GAINED 4 pounds!! So after consoling myself for about a month by eating whatever I wanted and not really working out..and gaining another few pounds I figured that it must be my eating that is the problem. So I joined Weight Watchers about a week and a half ago. I'm not usually one to sell something but seriously, it is working. I've already lost about 4 pounds in a week and a half. and the cool thing is, I'm still losing, AND I'm not killing myself at the gym. I walk on the treadmill for an hour three times a week...weight train twice a week, and then do other activity sporadically throughout the week. I keep to the plan (which is super easy) and the weight is falling off. I don't feel like I'm suffering at all. Right now they have a great offer of Two months for 39.95 with unlimited meetings and e-tools online. After the two months I can choose to keep going for 16.95 a month. And so far, it's totally worth the investment. And with the points system you can have the occasional fast food item with your junk food junkie hubby (btw, I have one of those at home too!)..as long as it fits into your points. And really if you can get out and walk or get into a YMCA for little money and get on the treadmill, that'll get you started. Anyway, I can completely understand where you're coming from...there is hope..and for me it was with Weight Watchers. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do! :)

I highly recommend you get personalized professional advice from a registered dietitian. Go to www.eatright.org, and click on "Find a Nutrition Expert" in the top right corner; this will bring you to a referral network. This nutrition expert can design a sustainable food plan that you will be able to live with for the rest of your life.

We all know that diets do NOT work; if diets did work, then everyone who has ever been on a diet would be thin. Not the case. You need to learn how to eat appropriately, and learn how to manage food, stress, exercise, kids, sleep... an RD can help you do that!
With best regards,
N. Clark MS RD
www.nancyclarkrd.com

First of all, CONGRATS for taking the first step! Once you are ready to change for YOU it is much easier. I think you might have success with Weight Watchers. I've lost 39 lbs with their program (and put back on 7 lbs this summer, but have lost 3 of that the past 2 weeks getting back on program!). I'm a lifetime member & look at it that way. My hubby is also a FF junkie & I STILL lost all my weight! I love WW b/c it TEACHES you how to make healthy choices, how much you really should eat (my portions were OOC!) But still allows you to enjoy your faves (mine is a good burger). The other great thing is they have great advice & support for those beginning exercise like I was. BTW- 9 months after starting WW, I completed my 1st half-marathon! I'm trying to become a runner but am settling for being a jogger for now! To have long term success, you have to change for a lifetime, plain & simple. WW does that w/o forcing your family into crazy eating habits. Beginning 10/11, they are offering a fall pass for $99- it goes until 12/31 so it's like $8 a week (normally it's $12). Once you meet your goal & become lifetime, you never have to pay again as long as you maintain it. Attending meetings are the key to MY success so I keep going. Plus a member once told me that I inspired her so I feel compelled but I still get inspiration at every meeting.. Not to mention new recipes & products to try. Oh & my hubby just joined WW online 2 weeks ago b/c of my success & how I've been able to maintain it for over 9 months now. I wish you all the best in your weight loss journey. You can read about mine at www.blogspot.com/littlemommafish -I found it better,emotionally, to document my journey. Please msg me if I can offer any more support or encouragement! Many blessings =)

if you want a quick fix ignore this reply. if you want a slow process that will make it stay off read on. I lost 35lbsin q year. I eat what i wanted but in proportion. if i wanted a candy bar i eat half put the rest for next day or later . if you ignore your cravings they will drive you batty wanting something you know you don't need but if you limit you portion you will lose weight and inches and more than likely keep it off. i have for 10years now. went from a size 14 to a 7.

Hi K.,

I am so like you in many ways! I was afraid to join a gym for the same reason as you. It took a lot to get me into 1 again even though I used to go all the time before I had my kids. Where do you live if you don't mind me asking? I would love to have someone to work out with and make me accountable. I live in Murfreesboro, TN and there is a gym here that is $15/month with free child care from 8-12 & 4-8, free tanning & 3 free personal training sessions & most important...it's CLEAN! I can personally say that it is a gym that is not a meat market and nobody pays any attention to you. Weight Watchers is definitely a good place to go too because it is a lifestyle change NOT a diet. They teach you how to eat right and nothing is off limits as long as you count your points! The support at the meetings helps motivate too & they don't judge which for me was nice. I had Thyroid Cancer which didn't help my weight issues, but have lost 53 lbs and have 30+ more to go so it can happen for you 2! You sound so like me and there are many of us out there. Hang in there. You can email me if you would like to talk more... ____@____.com

Hi K., please don't feel embarrased about joining a gym. The YMCA may be a good choice ... it doesn't seem to be about looking at eachother if you know what I mean! I am about to join the one in Raleigh myself. I have had trouble getting back to excersize with my little ones. I am evaluating the day care that they have there when you work out and am leaning heavily toward it. We are not ones to normally consider day care ... but I like that this one has plenty of counselors and large windows to view the kids right in the reception area. This is a critical factor for me in the ability to get some excersize in!

Also, you might want to consider an on-line weight managment program. I think that Weight Watchers has one. Also, I am a member of health and wellness company that has one too. I know that the on-line program is just $6 month. A friend of mine is on it and he lost 100 pounds in a year ... he has more to go yet, but is doing so well. I am very proud of him and his accomplishments.

How do you do it? By tracking your progress, recognizing improvements, rewarding yourself, and creating a support network (I am definitely there for my friend!). You also have a support network on-line with this program if you want to use it. These processes can help you stay motivated and continue your meal and exercise plans, which will bring you that much closer to reaching your wellness goals.

If you want to check out this particular program, just let me know and I will send you the link.

I wish you the best of luck!

D.

K.,I feel your pain. If you want,send me a picture of yourself and I will send you one back that hopefully will be an ispiration to you. Here's my address: ____@____.com
K.

Hi Karrissa,

I don't often check the bulletin but today I saw your question and thought I would share this with you. You are certainly not alone, judging by the number of responses you received. I see a lot of women in my practice and since my focus is on women's health I encounter this problem with many of my patients. After 18 years of practice I now recommend the Standard Process Purification program most of the time. Here is a link to it. It is a program that I have had the best results with for my patients and utilizes organic, whole food based supplements. Remember that only a healthy body will loose weight so weight loss has to be approached from the standpoint of getting the body healthy again. Have a look at the link below.

http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi

Hey K.-

Try my DVDs, they are all short workouts you can do with no equipment. You can see them on Oprah.com or my website fitpackdvd.com I want to help you get in great shape-J.

Hi K.,

I joined a group called Stroller Strides! A group of moms all trying to do the same thing... We meet 5 times a week. Our group meets at Balboa Park but there are others all over!
I also incorporated a system called Core 4. They are 4 products (all natural and/or organic)that work together to target the tummy area. I have finally dropped the rest of my baby weight!!! And I have a ton of energy which is nice to have back. One of my best friends tried the Core 4 and did amazing on it and turned me on to it. www.c4weightloss.com and they have a wonderful online community where you can do recipe exchanges and work out tips, etc. I've been loving it!!
Hope this helps and good luck!
Cheers
B. : )

Hi K.,
Walking is great but you also have to weight lift. Not heavy weights, women don't need to use heavy weights to get good results. I am a coach for TeamBeachBody on the internet. Have you seen the paid programs on P90X, HipHopAbs, Silm in 6 ect. Well you do these DVDs at home. And with 3 kids that might be the way to go. I love helping people and I am going to offer you half off on the Slim in six. It comes with every thing you need to keep it all going. This is a six week program and if you do it you will see great results. You can also check out my web page at www.milliondollarbody.com/coachanita.
You can also become a free member or a paid member $40.00 every three months and get all kinds of help. I have been doing this now for three years and I love it. Let me know if you want to do this. My email is ____@____.com

A. Harmon

I would suggest you mummy magic tea which is natural tea and caffeine free;)
God bless you!!

The iphone has a free application called "lose it!" It is a wonderful tool that will help you reach your goals. You basically enter your current weight, height, age and then enter your goal weight and it will calculate the time it will take you to achieve your goal. The great thing about it is that it calculates all your calories so you will see improvement within the first week. Me and my husband started using this application 2 weeks ago and we are both excited by the results we are having. Give it a try!

K.,
Where are you??? I would love a walking buddy and don't worry I am 4'11" so I most likely will have to keep up with you!!! Seriously!!!! We all need someone to hold us accountable!! email me lets see what we can work out!!

check out: http://www.naturalalternativemedicineofchicago.com/id15.html

I'm not sure where you live, but he's in Naperville, IL. If you aren't near him, I'm sure you can call him and see if he can recommend a doctor near you who has the same concept. I've lost 26 pounds and my husband has lost 40. We are finally at our target weight. It's hard, but you basically avoid all processed foods, sugars and artificial sugars too. The list goes on and on.