to be depressed about my size?

[Moulesfrites]

My post baby body is really getting me down and I know I really have to do something about it - was wondering if any of you mnetters could help?

My ds is 23 weeks old and ebf. I am a size 16 having been a 14 before I was pg, and seem to be carrying loads of extra weight particularly around my upper arms and upper back. Bfing made me absolutely ravenous for the first few months and I only just feel that my appetite is settling down (by which I mean I don't crave chocolate 24/7 anymore!). However, I have just got back from 2 weeks in France where I had a few glasses of wine every night, something I never do at home, and yesterday I noticed my bra was givng me the 4 boob efect, so I seem to be putting on more weight rather than losing it. (I have no idea what I actually weigh - we don't even own any scales )

How do you recommend I address this? I have heard loads about the 30 day shred - is it worth a go - I am finding it pretty impossible to go to the gym with my 5mo as I feed him to sleep every night and he still wakes quite frequently and unpredictably. What about ww? Some people have told me it is impossible to lose weight while bf and I won't be able to do it until I stop, but having got this far I have decided I want to continue for at least up until a year. But the thought of being this size until then depresses me!
Any advice?

Just to say me too, OP. Was size 14 pre-baby, now still struggling to fit into a 16 ten months later!!

I have started walking quickly for 40 mins with pram each day, & drinking more water, but I still find finding motivation to eat healthily really difficult.

My main advice, which I need to heed myself, is to take it slow with realistic expectations. Don't attempt to lose 7lbs in 2 weeks, or 2 stone by a particular date, it probably won't work & you'll feel depressed if you fail. Losing 1-2 lbs a week is fab & achieveable whilst still giving in to the odd chocolate craving.

Good luck x

I am another advocate of Slimming World, I like you was a size 16 and unhappy with my sixe and shape. I joined SW and lost 2.5 stone in 13 weeks. I am now a size 12 (and pregnant!) and it feels great being able to buy size 12 clothes.

I had tried loads of things before hand, extra exercise, cutting down, etc but found nothing worked. SW means you can eat loads but you just make small changes to what you eat and how you cook it, and there is no point counting involved.

If you can't face the groups (they do get a bit dull after a while) I would recommend joining, getting the jist of it, buying as many recipe books as you can get your hands on, and then doing it on your own, it really is very easy.

I was convinced I was one of those people who couldn't lose weight while BFing. I joined WW a few weeks ago, and lo and behold I'm losing shedloads of weight. Figured I ought to start before DC weaned and I was stuck eating way too much!!

OP would suggest you keep a food diary [time permitting], it is very easy to eat hundreds of extra calories without even noticing.
I found the Rosemary Conley lowfat diet easy to follow after births [though wasn't breastfeeding]. I used to do the exercise video when the kids were in bed. I agree about buying a couple of new outfits to wear, also just taking a few minutes each day to do hair and makeup, or whatever makes you feel good.

I would definitely keep breastfeeding - apparently it burns 500-1000 calories a day so they weight wil fall off you as long as you don't use it as an excuse to eat more. I have several friends who are reluctant to give up breastfeeding as it keeps their weight down so successfully.

And I wouldn't use a baby as an excuse not to use the gym - if you start that then you'll soon be using a toddler as an excuse then a child etc. Many gyms have childcare -use it! They come and get you out of classes or put a call out for you if your child is upset and won't settle. My girls have been in gym childcare practically since birth and still love it.

Walking with the buggy is a good idea, as is buying clothes that fit you properly as you are now. You could also buy some clothes that you love and can't currently get into as inspiration.

myfitnesspal is awesome, makes life so much easier - though it's a little addictive (I'm now frightened to eat before logging just in case I'm overestimating the cals!)

And, no, YANBU to feel as you do. No, at size 16 you are probably not what most people would describe as fat at all but I totally understand feeling uncomfortable in your own skin and being bigger than you want to be. I fluctuate between a size 8 and 12 and still eel exactly the same way as you do - it's ridiculous but it's mental not logical.