postnatal weight loss

[Bo]

Any ideas how to safely shift all that post natal weight? 7 months on after having 2 very close together I am getting fed up with all my bulk, but I'm still breast feeding, so feel I need to be careful, especially as I am very low in iron (at least).

I know I could loose some weight when I stop breastfeeding, but that doesn't help me now! I hate cooking and preparing food, so I can't do anything too complicated. my husband had a fit when I even suggested something along the lines of slimfast. Any words of wisdom gratefully received. (Ireckon I need to shift about 15 Kilos)

Well done Lizzer, sounds like its going really well. I find a food diary works when you are struggling a bit, it helps the 'focus'!!

I will also add to this thread that I dont believe in diets either, I believe in healthy eating and exercise, that is where the weight loss comes from and from doing it this way it stays off and becomes a way of life.

Gah! I have the big weigh-in to report to you tomorrow. Feeling bad cos it was my birthday over the weekend and though I had a bad tummy bug which rendered me incapable of eating for 48 hours, I soon recovered and today am thinking "well, it WAS my birthday so therefore I'll pig out now because I couldn't then....!" Bad thoughts I know, but any excuse eh! Will try to not eat for rest of night now and redeem myself somewhat, hmmm....
Anyway I was wondering how you're doing Winnie, is it going alright? Also, I predict Bo will be back from her hols soon so can join in this thread - I'm probably boring you all to death with my ranting, but big thanks for your words of encouragement, I need them....

Lizzer, belated 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' - sorry you were ill but glad you are better!

In response to your question (and thanks for asking) it has been an interesting week! I've kept a food journal and it has been extremely enlightening. Bloss was definately right on one account; I think I eat one or two pieces of toast but actually eat three or four! I didn't think the dairy consumption would be the problem as we eat very little dairy food as a family. However, I have also noticed that I have a really bad habit of grabbing a handful of raisons or dried apricots. So, these seem to be my downfalls plus I am very bad at turningt o food when I am tired or stressed in the day time although never in the evening.

I've not had a good week - has anyone else found that following the birth of their baby they've developed PMT when they never had it before? I've found myself difficult to live with this week! Which meant that when my daughter baked flap jack on Saturday I ate 4 pieces almost without thinking!!!!! Ho hum, I am not weighing myself and was really simply trying to examine my eating habits throughout the last week but I do feel better about myself (despite the PMT making me feel so low) - I am not sure that I believe I can do it yet - but I am determined!

Talking to my partner about my weight (he is extremely active; football, gym, running etc.,) and he thinks that I have a metabolism problem as (despite the flapjack lapses) he can't believe how healthy my diet is and how I don't actually loose weight. Not that he is bothered one way or the other although he too is worried about the high blood pressure. I think what Bloss says about metabolism probably does apply to me and I simply need to up my exercise and start some kind of weight training! Urgh... I used to go to the gym but it was a women's only gym an we would go 3-4 times a week. A home work out might be a better idea for me. Maybe the fact that I have been extremely fit and have become unfit is part of the problem?

I've been trying to find a sourbread or rye bread recipe but they always seem so complex I might simply buy myself some rice cakes (although they never last long in this house every body loves them!).

Anway, Onwards and upwards. Look forward to hearing from you tomorrow Lizzer.

Winnie, yes to the strange PMT. I get a really sharp craving for chocolate, which I have never had before. I like chocolate, but am not in the habit of eating it much normally. Urgh.

Is it too late to join your gang, Lizzer?

I have been reading this thread with admiration for your confronting the weight issue so amusingly and honestly, and taking stock of all the helpful suggestions. Well, I have about 4 stone to lose and like Winnie I was a fit and whippy 8.5 stoner until I got pregnant. I also eat fairly healthily - yogurt for pud, lots of veg, fish & lean meat, stir-fries rather than deep-fries, no chips etc.
But I have to shift those kilos and I know I need to take exercise to do it. It's finding the time when you work f/t outside the home, only take a 45 minute lunch break to make up your hours and don't live that close to a local gym.
I am determined to lose a couple of stone by Christmas and the rest of it by next summer, as I look really horrible in photos and am feeling very down and ashamed of myself. My husband, bless him, is cool about the whole issue, but he can afford to be. He has lost a stone and a half since our son was born...without the slightest effort.

Hi Everyone - Well I've lost 2 pounds again this week so am chuffed to bits, obviously my binging was counteracted by my illness, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, would rather be 100 stone than go through that stomach bug again (and why doesn't anyone tell you how awful it is to be ill when you're a parent, no moping under the duvet all day feeling sorry for yourself is there?!)
Marina of course you can join us, the more the merrier - I hope that this thread can just act as a way of encouraging people because for me that's really what is needed, and it helps a lot!
Winnie, well done for keeping a diary - I haven't started mine yet, but I reckon it would be a help too. I don't think you need to weigh yourself at all (I'm only doing it because I know exactly where I want to get to, to be content) you could use a pair of trousers that you'd like to get into again, or just judge it on how you feel, which is ultimately the best indicator. I'm feeling better than ever and I know a lot of it will just be pyschological at this stage, but hey, it works for me! About your metabolism Winnie, you could try getting your thyroid checked, I had mine done when I wasn't feeling so great and it came back fine. But the doctor told me while I was there that the most common time for thyroid changes are when you are post-natal. So it may be worth a check.

2 lbs, excellent work Lizzer. Well done. When you post your weekly weight loss, make sure you also tell us your total weight loss so far, otherwise we'll all be going up and down this thread adding it up, the rate you're going!! Plus adding it together makes you feel EVEN better. And dont worry, if some weeks if nothing has happened even though you've been really good, sometimes your body is just 'reshuffling', you may find you fit into something that hasnt fitted for ages although you are the same weight. Also just before periods/period time this sometimes adds. So dont get disheartened. Thought I'd warn you, as I didnt know the two above things when I started! And I've definitely noticed the period pattern.

Well done Lizzer! And a belated happy birthday!

This was posted on another board I visit, but I thought it was just what we all need!!

People are always on the lookout for a new diet. The trouble with most diets
is that you dont get enough to eat,(the starvation diet)you dont get enough
variation(the liquid diet) or youre broke (the organic diet).
Well now there's the new Toddler miracle diet.Over the years you may have
noticed that most toddlers are trim.Now the formula to their succes is
available to all in this new diet.
You may wish to consult your doctor before embarking on this diet, otherwise
you may be seeing him afterwards.
GOOD LUCK!!
DAY ONE
BREAKFAST:.....one scrambled egg, one peice of toast with jam. Eat two bites
of egg using your fingers, dump the rest on the floor.Take one bite of toast,
then smear the jam all over your face and clothes.
LUNCH......Four crayons (any colour), a handful of crisps, and a glass of
milk (three sips only), then spill the rest.
DINNER....A dry stick, two pennies and a fifty pence piece, four sips of flat
lemonade.
BEDTIME SNACK.....Throw a peice of toast on the kitchen floor.

DAY TWO
BREAKFAST....Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it.Drink half a
bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye.
LUNCH....half a tube of 'pulsating pink' lipstick and a handful of pedigree
chum (any flavour)
AFTERNOON SNACK....Lick a lolly until sticky,take outside, drop in
dirt.retrieve, then continue licking until clean again.Then bring inside and
drop on rug.
DINNER....A rock or uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left
nostril. Pour squash all over mashed potato, then eat with spoon.

DAY THREE
BREAKFAST......Two pancakes with plenty of syrup,eat one with fingers, rub in
hair.Glass of milk, drink half, then stuff other pancake in glas.After
breakfast, pick up yesterdays lolly from rug, lick off fuzz, put it on the
cushion of best chair.
LUNCH...Three matches,peanut butter and jelly sandwhich.Spit several bites
onto the floor.Pour glass of milk onto the table and slurp up.
Dinner....Dish of icecream, handful of chips, some red ketchup. Try to laugh
some ketchup through your nose if possible.
FINAL DAY
BREAKFAST.....A quarter tube of toothpaste, (any flavour)bit of soap and an
olive. Pour glass of milk over bowl of cornflakes, add half a cup od sugar,
once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed cereal to dog.
LUNCH....Eat bread crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that
lolly and finish eating it.
DINNER.Drop peices of spaghetti onto back of dog, insert meatball into
ear.Dump pudding into cola and suck up with a strw.
REPEAT AS NECESSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crunchie, that is fantastic - thank you. I was laughing out loud at my desk reading it.

More problems posting, but finally it seems to be working!

So far I have lost 21lbs in 8 weeks with Slimming WOrld, and I am hoping to breakthrough into the 10st something category tomorrow. That leaves just the last stone to go. Overall when I finally get to 10st I will have lost 3 st 7lbs or 49lbs (WOW).

I have kept reading the posts and everyone sounds like they are doing great, but it is hard work. I find SW works cos I can eat losts of food. I was looking at another magazine and the portion sizes wouldn't have filled a mouse. However I do go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I do lots of aerobic exercise (at least 30 mins either running, rowing, stepping, or a combination) and do at least 2 lots of weights a week. This have started giving me real definition in my arms, less saggy, flappy upper arms. And my legs are really looking leaner. No I just have to get this cellulite under control, and a bit of a suntan and I will look great.

Oh and the food diary thing is soooooooo good. They encourage that at SW by giving you a sheet to fill in (if you want) and the one week I didn't fill it in 'cos I felt too guilty I had hardly lost anything. It is the major thing that has worked for me. I am now accountable for what I eat. Also if I write it down I do not feel guilty about eating it. I know that sounds weird, but our consultant says it is up to you what you eat, however the key to losing the weight you want to, and keeping it off, is to become accountable for what you eat, and therefore to lose the guilt. For me this means I make a desision whether to eat that chocolate or whatever, and once I have decided to eat it, I do, and enjoy it. This stops me craving 'bad' foods, as I eat them if I want. And it is slowly re-educating my mind out of the association of guilt and food. I have had bouts of bulimia and have used that to keep my weight down, or to lose a bit of weight before. ie - I know I can throw this up later so it doesn't matter if I eat the whole tub of ice-cream etc. I am saying it was not that bad, and I always knew what I was doing. But I often used to eat and eat until I felt really sick, and had to get rid of it.

This is the first time I have lost weight by eating plenty, doing exercise and actually changing the way I see food. So for me the classes are invaluable, not that I have mentioned any of this in class, but because I m finally learning to take control of my eating.

I'm not perfect and there are lapses, but the food diary has helped me there too. That other night I wasn't hungry, but I just wanted some food, so I had a huse bowl of museli (nothing much else in the house), and I felt really bad. But writing it down, and looking at what else I'd eaten that week made me not worry about it and actually to lose all that 'bad' feeling.

Sorry to ramble, but this board is a good place for that.

Good luck this week everyone.

Crunchie, cheers for both. One deeply silly, one inspiring. Well done you.

Message withdrawn

Crunchie, toddler diet is a classic. Have a harrassed mum version somewhere which will try and find and post. Re slimmers world, got weighed tonight and have finally hit the 2 and half stone mark. Joined last November, the first 2 stone came off really quickly but this last half has been a real battle. Think I got a bit blase about the whole thing - and didn't appreciate just what a difference stopping breastfeeding would have either. Hopefully I am back on the wagon now. Want to shift at least another stone before my tenth wedding anniversary in January as I can't stand the thought of looking a million times rougher than I did then! Got any good tips for quick meals for one anyone? (Hubby often works evenings and can't be arsed to spend hours cooking just for me).

Crunchie and Willow2 Well done, I'm completely jealous of you losing so much! I can't wait til I'm saying that I only have a little bit of the 2 stone left - but that said it's no longer 2 stone, it's 1 stone and 10lbs now, hurray! I love hearing success stories it keeps you really focused, I'm still really thinking about joining slimming world - I think I'll wait til I've used up all my own motivation and when (if) I start struggling I'll go then...I'm starting a food diary too, you all seem to recommend them so much.
Exercise wise, I agree with Crunchie that since I've been doing a little free weights work on my arms and back I have definitely got so much more definition, especially on the triceps, back of the arms - at last I feel confident enough to venture out in sleeveless tops (I managed to avoid them last summer), how typical that the nice weather has disappeared into thin air now!!

Ps Crunchie, v v funny toddler diet - but worryingly not that far removed from the truth!

You lot are making me feel really guilty. I wrote on here I was going to start my 'healthy eating plan' a few weeks ago and still havnt (got a nice plain chocolate bounty in my bag). I am going to start on Monday, after I have been shopping this weekend, and will let you know.

OK todays class and I am sooooooo pleased, 10stone 12lbs!!! Only 12lbs to go.

Well done Crunchie, I'm having bad day as I went to a conference and they MADE me eat a three course meal...honest!Also went to cinema last night and had huge box of popcorn, choc and pringles - boo hoo
I'll try and make up for it tomorrow without feeling too guilty as I may well start a 'I don't care' binge v soon and lose the plot entirely,I knew this would happen sooner or later,how do you remain focused? Arghh...help!!

Lizzer, so you had a bad day.... so what my love! Try to be perfect for ever and you will either die of boredom or, more likely, give up all together. Don't do either - just accept the fact that some days you are going to enjoy yourself as much as you want and then keep things moderate the rest of the time. That way you will lose weight slowly and it will be more likely to stay off. That's what is good about the Slimmers World plan (not that I am a zealot honest, I like my chocolate and red wine as much as the next harassed mother)as it builds in allowances for the things you like that aren't good for you and accepts the fact that if we all try to live on cottage cheese and ryvita we will all go bonkers. So chill out and don't fret. life is too short.

Just adding in my 10p's worth to this discussion -I lost 4 stone after being pregnant (without dieting) and am also a life coach specialising in helping people to become healthier and fitter.

Two points which might help you are

1. It takes the body 20 minutes to realise you're full, so the slower you eat the less likely you are to overeat. Doing stuff like not eating in front of the TV, not eating standing up, starting with a small amount but with the proviso that you can go back for seconds in 15 minutes if you really want it etc will help.
2. Your stomach's capacity is about the same as your hands cupped. Next time you've got a big meal in front of you, cup your hands and notice the difference.

IMHO diets rarely work and just leave you feeling deprived and a failure when you can't keep it up. What I did instead was concentrated on healthy eating (at least during the week - still had pizza, chocolate etc at the weekend), drank lots of water and exercised 3 times a week. My motivation was that I want to be the best mummy I can, and that includes being fit, healthy and having energy.

When I coach clients who want to lose weight we usually work on sorting out other aspects of their lives and raising their self esteem and confidence levels. So I have this question for you - if you woke up tomorrow and you'd lost all the weight you wanted to, what would you be doing differently? Would you travel, write a novel, get a job, run a marathon, make new friends? Now, what's the easiest step you can take which would move you closer to that goal? (I have a client who's just started the novel she's wanted to write for 30 years and is losing weight effortlessly) We often think that if we lose weight we'll be happier. I prefer to go straight to the being happy bit because that builds confidence and will help you become the person you want to be.

Good luck to everybody & come and visit me on my website www.joannemallon.com

Exercise is definitely the answer - but how do you manage that with young kiddies and no one to help to look after them?

You still have options. Here are some I've explored, I'm sure others can think of more

1. Exercise with your kids - power walk whilst pushing buggy, energetic running round the park etc. As long as it gets you a bit out of breath for about 20 minutes then it counts.

1. Exercise whilst they're asleep. Get an exercise video you can use during naptimes or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions who can teach you a routine you can do at home.

1. Find exercise facilities with childcare. Many gyms & leisure centres have creches.

1. Accept that if you want to exercise you'll have to arrange some sort of childcare. For me (with no available babysitters apart from partner)this meant offering him the chance for some special daddy time with his daughter at the weekends whilst I went and exercised. I also got him to commit to coming home by 8pm at least one night a week so I could go out running. If you haven't got a partner, is there another mum you could swap childcare with? If you don't know anyone now, what can you do to find someone?

I honestly believe that lack of childcare is a bit of a red herring, it's more a question of lack of energy. But if you make the effort to start some exercise, you'll find that it'll give you energy. If you want to discuss this further feel free to get in touch through my website www.joannemallon.com

Good morning everybody! (from that you can tell it's good news!) I have weighed in and can I just say that it's sooooo helpful having to do this every week, it means I'm aware of everything I eat each week and even if I've had a bad day (or a postponed breakfast brunch like on Sunday) I know that I can get back on track easy enough. I have lost another 2lbs -nothing if not consistent, eh?! - that makes it 6lbs in three weeks, yay!

So then Bo, Winnie, Crunchie, Marina and anyone else starting out, how's it going for you this week?

Yesterday I was really miserable and decided to cheer myself up with 3 mini lemon swiss rolls and a giant bag of maltesers - so i daren't look!

Well done Lizzer, you've nearly lost half a stone, thats brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!