New mamma looking for support to shed some lbs : )

ramsx1991

Hey everybody = )
I'm a 21 year old mother of a beautiful 5 month old baby girl. I gained some weight a few years ago because of a bad relationship that left me depressed. After having my daughter, I have gained a bit more and this is the largest I have ever been. It's taking a toll on my self confidence and I'm getting pretty insecure about it. I hate how I look in everything and I really want to create a more positive and healthy role model for my baby girl.

I tried one month ago to work out at least 4 days a week, that lasted for one week lol. My daughter is extremely attached to me, leaving me no time to go to a gym... I am planning on running on my treadmill and some Zumba in home! Maybe some jogging outdoor while pushing her in her stroller.

Pretty much, I just really need support to stay motivated! I eat generally healthy, but am big on chocolate. I look forward to talk to new people to help stay motivated.

BevBasil

Remember, dark chocolate is the best!

wifeymou1112

Hi,

Well done! I have a 6 month old tiny man and am working off a lot of built-up-over-the-years excess weight! I do Jillian Michael's DVDs at home while he's napping :-) I have another 30lbs to go! I'll be happy to help motivate. I'm lucky enough to have my husband to motivate me because I've got 26 years of lazy habits that are hard to shake off! He gives me the kick up the @$$ that I need :-)

:-D

Holly

jumblejups

Best of luck to you! I have found so many helpful tips on here and a lot of motivation so I hope it's the same for you. I have a 6 month old and had put on weight pre-pregnancy due to thyroid issues, so there's even more to shift now! I'm also about to start on Zumba at home and will also be trying 30 Day Shred in due course (after green light from physio). I know how it feels to be so insecure but there are so many people here who are or have been in the same boat and you'll feel so much more confident with the changes to your way of eating and exercise even before you see the results in lost pounds and inches.

Some advice that has helped me that I found on here (paraphrased!):
- learn all about BMR and TDEE [there are stickies/featured threads covering this if you haven't seen them]
- something is going to be much better than nothing! Don't worry about heavy workouts 5x a week and then do none because you can't manage it; even 20mins a week is better than 0!
- don't starve; look at what you're eating if you're still hungry after your calorie allowances, make good choices to make the most of your food - try not to just go for diet/light labels, fill up on fruit & veg, drink lots of water.
- don't feel bad for having treats; this should be a way of life, not a grueling routine.

There are also often exercise groups for new mums. It varies wherever you are, but I know people who go to a gym where there is a really good creche, others who attend groups in the park where they actually do exercises that incorporate the stroller so that they can have their child with them at all times, plenty who do at-home workouts... I'm in the UK, so if you're elsewhere it might be different, but there are children's centres all around here (facilities for parents of young children, classes, playgroups etc) and they do new mum exercise sessions that the babies can attend and also be looked after by the staff.

Finally my most recent NSV (cos you mentioned how much you like chocolate): I am a huge chocolate fan. I can inhale the stuff. I have been tracking on MFP for nearly 3wks (so not that long) and there has already been a massive difference in my taste. The other day I felt like having a treat and got out a small section of chocolate (about 30g). I barely got to 10g when I felt totally full and not wanting anymore :noway: Couldn't believe it at first, but I have found that my cravings have gone down massively. However when you do want a chocolate fill, I find hot chocolate (ahem, not full of cream and whatnot!) and especially chocolate frozen yoghurt are great. As someone else mentioned, dark chocolate also works too. It's better for you, usually fills a chocolate need and I find that I can't eat too much of it in one sitting so it controls itself nicely.

Angi828

I feel ya girl! I gained in nursing school for (18 months of stress eating and sitting still studying) then I got pregnant right after I graduated and gained more! I have a 2 month old with 'must be with Mama or the world ends' issues. I strap on a sling, put her in it and GO. You can walk and I do The Firm Cardio Party with her on me, I have to modify some of the things on occasion but generally I can still do it. My big issues seem to be portion and just getting up and doing it. I am just trying to do 2 days of cardio (30 min) and 1 day of strength to start, then build up from there. Good luck with your weight loss journey-- We Mama's have to have each others backs!

ramsx1991

I feel ya girl! I gained in nursing school for (18 months of stress eating and sitting still studying) then I got pregnant right after I graduated and gained more! I have a 2 month old with 'must be with Mama or the world ends' issues. I strap on a sling, put her in it and GO. You can walk and I do The Firm Cardio Party with her on me, I have to modify some of the things on occasion but generally I can still do it. My big issues seem to be portion and just getting up and doing it. I am just trying to do 2 days of cardio (30 min) and 1 day of strength to start, then build up from there. Good luck with your weight loss journey-- We Mama's have to have each others backs!

I will have to look into the firm cardio party! I babywear also and was looking for something I can wear her with! There hasn't been much I've found

And thanks everybody for the awesome tips! And wifeymou@ you are so lucky my DH just gives me so much food and sweets and tells me to eat it ! He does heavy lifting work all day, so of course it doesn't do anything to his figure! Must be nice :P

ashleyr0718

Hi! I am also a 21 yr old mommy to the sweetest little boy. Anyone is welcome to add me, the more the merrier! Having other mommies with the same weight loss goals is great!

kliermann

Welcome! Congrats! and feel free to add me! I will support ya the best i can