As far as finding someone to lose weight with, you could try a local mum's group, or something like that, maybe? You could even post a note saying that you would like to find another mum to walk with regularly? For me, it's about motivation - I need someone to make me accountable. I'm not short on ways to exercise (heck, I could even run up and down the stairs 100 times, if I wanted to find a way to exercise. ) It's getting someone to MAKE ME DO IT! You could even make an arrangement over the phone - you and friend x agree to call each other every Saturday morning and report your weight, or something like that? When you know someone is going to check on you, you'll be more likely to stick with it.
There might even be some ladies here on BB who would be able to work with you on that. A weekly weigh in, and daily encouragements/exercise reports???
About the whole diet/weight loss thing - take it on in a reasonable way. Don't commit to something you can't/won't do, or attempt a diet you'll never keep. Change your life gradually. Maybe start with drinking the water. You might find that constantly going to that pitcher on the counter, or even seeing it there reminds you not to snack. There's a big step. Then maybe, you'll see a little success on the scale, and that will make you feel great, and you'll be ready for the next step - maybe going for one 20 minute walk with the kids a couple times a week. You don't have to commit to an hour every day to see results. Then add the exercise DVD for a couple of days a week too, or something like that.
All the best!
Thankyou so much for all the encouragement. Yes my biggest problem at the moment is definitely motivation too. I mean, im sitting here on the computer when I know I have a perfectly good exercise dvd sitting in the cupboard getting dusty or even a 10 acre property that needs maintaining and cleaning up!!. I feel sooo lazy.
I also stopped breastfeeding my 13 month old 2 weeks ago also, and I have felt the weight really pile on since then too...
I guess you are right Cricket in starting slowly and building up. It is about a lifestyle change and I have known that myself for so long. I also have a weakness in bread eating. Its so much easier to grab a peanut butter sandwich than to make a salad or a smoothie.
I cant stand white bread, especially the cheaper ones, so I might have to buy those from now on while I get used to not having bread (sorry kids!).
I could also write a list of healthy alternatives and keep chopped up veges in the fridge with dip....
Ugh, no don't make your kids eat white bread. It's bad for them too. Bleh.
One of my favourite lunches right now is a huge handful of baby spinach greens (pre-washed and ready to eat) and a bit of tuna on top. If I have time, I throw on more veggies to make a proper salad, but if I'm in a rush, this is just as fast as a sandwich. I usually put some low-fat dressing on it, but you could definitely eat it plain too.
dont forget you can make wraps which are lower in carbs, but then you don't miss out on a bit of bread if you want it. The mountain warps come in all sorts (rye, wholemeal etc) and you can pack them with salad and a piece of meat if you want. I find that avocado is good with salad and you often dont need meat.
As u know im a shocker when it comes to losing weight. I yo yo diet all the time. Over the last couple of months i have finally come to the realisation that this doest work. i have started going back to the gym again & eating properly(which was main problem). I find if u are going to diet, go for the low GI one. Its a lifestyle change not a diet. Plus the whole family can go on it. If google low GI diet or recipes etc... u will get lists of low gi foods & recipes. Im with cricket, u need to get into it slowly. Water is a huge thing. Luckily, iv never drank tea or coffee & even things like cordial or soft drinks. I really like water, so thats easy for me.
U should start gardning since u now have heaps of space. I used to hate it,but recently have started doing it & i work up a godd sweat from it. Plus the kids get outside & play & i can keep an eye on them.
Somebody(sorry cant remember who) said about getting dinner ready then leaving DH to feed the hungry mob. This is an excellent idea! Plus it gives u a bit of time out from the kiddies
Motivation is hard. Dont set goals that are to big, otherwise i find with me, i get really depressed when i dont meet them & lose all motivation for a while.
My goal was to shed a few kg by my birthday, which is pretty soon. I have lost a few kg, which im happy with.
Just time spent outside is good
ANyhoo, good luck with it all matey, havent talked to in agessssss. My computer is on the verge of blowing up(it smells like its burning when i turn it on) so i cant use messenger(leon wont let me put it on his work laptop).
Do your kids do extra-curricular activities? I know they're young, but kiddie karate starts at 3 years old. I don't know how many times a week it is (two I'd imagine) but perhaps your 5 y.o and 3 y.o could do that while you take your 12 m.o. for a walk?
BTW, are you working? If not perhaps you could hire a babysitter just for the hour so you can go do something? I know it's a bit of expense but it might be worth it. Perhaps you can team up with another mum and share babysitting duties so you both get a chance to exercise.
edit: I know this isn't an exercise type, but I really think eating raw foods will help you (anyone) lose weight. I lost something like 4kgs when I did it for 3 weeks. I ate only raw vegan products (now only eat vegan food). Surprisingly, you don't feel hungry.
Last edited by Neenee Jellybeanie; November 9th, 2008 at 02:13 AM.
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