New Here...

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-13-2006
New Here...
14
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 11:54am

Hi! I'm Jessica and I'm starting my heathly eating all over again after having my first child, a son, six months ago. He's my pride and joy but I've put myself on the back burning and my family first after he was born. I'm ashamed to admit after only gaining 14lbs during my pregnancy, losing all of that after I had him, I've dreadfully gained it all back. I was 300ish when I got pregnant now I'm 314 -- AHHHH!!! I'm only 22 and I need to get this in control! I was exercising and dieting before I got pregnantt with my son and realized dieting wasn't for me, it was best for me to eat healthier then to diet. So I've decided to jump back on the healthy lifestyle wagon and get this big old butt of mine moving! I'm so glad to find a board were I know I won't be judged and it's for people who need to lose alot of weight like me, not a couple pounds.

I look foward to meeting all you wonderful ladies and being with you on our wonderful weight loss journey.

Question, what is everyone doing food and exercise wise to lose weight? I will be watching what I eat, eating more veggies and fruit and lots of protein (since I'm anemic after having my son) with portion control (eventhough I don't have problems with that thankfully).

Thanks ladies!!

Jessica
315/314/170

Jessica


Light of her life, Mckinley Jr. -- 03/2006


Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2004
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 12:26pm

Welcome to the board and congratulations on the your new little one from another new mommy! I had my DD 4 months ago and have been back on the healthy eating bandwagon for 3 months :). I think it's great that youv'e decided to take that approach because it is healthy (duh!) and you will be teaching your son wonderful new habits. My diet program sounds a lot like what you are planning, but I would definitely make sure you are getting plenty of calcium from dairy, also. Our bodies need it, and studies have shown it can help us lose belly fat faster, which is always a plus in my book. Feel free to check out the journals below, a lot of us log our foods eaten and exercise daily, so maybe it'll giv you some ideas. Generally I eat 6 mini meals, aim for 10 servings fruits/veggies, lean proteins, at least 4 servings of dairy (mostly low fat but some full fat cheeses, too) and whole grains for the most part. I do allow myself treats of whatever I want daily, if I really want it, or will go out to eat once a week and splurge on a really good meal. Portion control really is key :). As for exercise, I am a big fan of walking. It's free to do and you can start at your own pace and work your way up. When I started walking, I was walking about 3/4 mile an hour slower than I go now but I've built my strength and stamina and can really book it now! Welcome and good luck!

Staci


 


Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 12:34pm

Welcome Jessica and congratulations on your little boy! There's no shame in putting so much emphasis on your family, but think how much more energy you'll have once you kick yourself into gear and do a little something for yourself. By doing more for you you'll be doing more for your family both directly and indirectly. (My kids are 5 and 7 and trust me a more active Mama is a happier Mama.)

I'm with you on the whole dieting thing. It has not been effective for me beyond the short term in the past so this time I'm working on an overall healthy lifestyle. I've been at this since late June and have focused on keeping my calories down to between 1300 and 1500 daily. I've been trying to keep fat and sugar lower so that I can use those calories to both fill me up and to keep me fueled with the most nutritious options. The real key for me is exercise though. I try to shoot for 5 - 7 days per week with no more than a day break and minimally 30 minutes a day. (I try to pack on some extras when/if time permits.) It's about 2 1/2 months for me now and honestly, I miss exercise if I have an off day.

It's a long road for all of us and I know you'll find many understanding people here with lots of great ideas and encouragement. Hope you'll stick around! Annie 252/232.5/156

A
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-13-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 3:14pm

Thank you so much ladies! I apperciate the kind words.

Where are the journals, I'd love to see your food logs and such. When I was a member of AOL which I joined a weight loss group we use to do that everyday. I'm going to start one myself. So far today I've had no sweets (woohoo, my weakness big time lol) so I'm happy so far.

Jessica


Light of her life, Mckinley Jr. -- 03/2006


iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 4:57pm

Hi Jessica! I'm new to the board too. Like you, I've put myself and my needs on the back burner for a long time. Its hard not to do when you're always looking out for little ones.

I'm following the Weight Watchers Flex Plan. Of all the eating plans I've tried, it is the only one that doesn't leave me feeling like I'm starving to death. I hate to admit it but the exercise part is a struggle right now. I pushed myself to exercise today. I did 20 minutes on my recumbant bike. Its not much, but for me its a major step. I tend to avoid exercise at all costs. I'm trying real hard to stop that.

I'm glad you joined in. This board is extremely supportive.

Hugs,

Kaelynn :o)

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 5:48pm

Welcome to the board.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2005
In reply to: jcota04
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 9:35pm
Welcome!
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 7:19am

Hello Jessica and welcome to the board.. Congratulations on your little one! You must have your hands full right now!


I'm not on a 'diet' either.. like you I'm just trying to eat healthier. I do watch my overall calories intake, but I focus on having the calories from fruits, veggies, dairy, and lean protein together with a bit of complex carbs (I'm not restricting carbs per se, but I found that I do better when

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-13-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 9:36am

Thank you so much ladies!
Yes my little one has mine and hubby's hands full. He's been breaking teeth the last three days and we are waiting for them to show. All he does is eat, sleep, cry and poop! LOL.

I'm waiting on the exercising as I signed up to do a study at the local college on the affects of endurance exercising in white and african american women. I thought it'd get my butt moving to exercise, it would have great benefits (I'd lose weight in the mean time) plus I get paid for it! LOL. I should hear something today!! I'm highly quailifed (according to the lady) so I should get it. She just told me not to start exercising just yet but I can start watching my diet as it won't affect the study!

Jessica


Light of her life, Mckinley Jr. -- 03/2006


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: jcota04
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 9:44am
OOH that sounds like a neat study. Mind if I ask where you live? Annie
A
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2006
In reply to: jcota04
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 1:32pm

Hi Jessica - Welcome to our board...you've come to the right place. As far as my eating plan goes, I eat six times a day. Usually like at 8AM, 11AM, 1 PM, 3PM, 6 PM and 8 PM. I know it sounds like a lot of food, but it's like mini-meals. I cut out all white flour (like white pasta, white rice, etc...) Instead i eat whole wheat products like whole wheat pasta, brown rice, whole wheat bread you get the picture. I try to eat lean protein, more veggies and more fruit. And I try to avoid fast food at all costs. That is a HUGE trigger for me. I love french fries. Check out my journal and you'll get a better idea of how I eat. As far as exercise goes, I try to walk 60 min on the treadmill, do strength training (I alternate days between arms and legs) for about 4-5 times a week. I also do an ab workout 2-3 days a week. All this has allowed me to lose 83 lbs with about 135 lbs more to go.

Good luck and come back often. The ladies around here are great for support.
Take Care, Jena
395-312-175

Pages