Encouragement /Motivation

Healthybaby03

Hello,

3 years ago I worked very hard and was super diligent to lose 70 pounds in 1.5 years (18 months). I recently had a baby and have been cleared to exercise. I'm breastfeeding and need super motivation to get myself going again to lose 55 pounds. Many people have been relying on me for their support, but I don't seem to have anyone in my corner to push me forward. I'm struggling just to log in everyday. It's hard to list all my food. I want to fit back into my wedding dress again in 9 months, like I did last year before becoming pregnant. Any help/encouragement would be appreciated!

Right now what is pushing me to move forward is that I hate having my thighs rub together and then stick together, YUCK! But it isn't enough to really get me motivated!

Thanks.

HisStrengthCounselor

Congratulations on the new baby. Has happy as having a child is, it's one of the most stressful times as well. You need support. Are there other family, friends you can ask to help you? Logging everyday can be challenging, that is why we have to plan ahead as much as possible. This has helped me tremendously. Sundays I plan and shop for what I'm going to eat for the week. Choose easy and convenient meals that don't take long to prepare. I cook what I can and freeze individual servings to use through the week. You can log days at a time if you already know what you plan to eat. Your new baby needs you to be the best you can be. It's not easy, but it's worth staying the course.

RWTBR

Hi,

Consistency is definitely hard. One thing you should keep in mind is that you have to be in it forever. Short-term focuses like fitting into this dress in 9 months sets you up to yo-yo. There is nothing more defeating than losing the weight and putting it back on. That may be part of the reason you feel discouraged now. So forget about these timelines, you have to make it a lifestyle.

jctackett

My first MFP post! :bigsmile:
The first time, you did it for yourself. Now, do it for your kid. By the time you're really back in the groove and living like you know that you should, your little one will be looking around more, wanting to see what Mommy does. It's never too early to teach them good habits. I'm learning that by failing that. Obese all my life, said "I'll never let that happen to my son!" 5 years old and 80 pounds. But YOU can do better!

calliao

Hi!

Something that could help motivate you is to think of your new child (congratulations btw)! Imagine how joyous and hubristic you'll feel when you can proudly tell your child that you've lost all this weight. Moreover, you want to stay healthy so that you can live a long fruitful life and watch your child grow up Imagine being able to chase him or her in the future without running out of breath! Good luck! Do this for you and your new family!

lollyhackett

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! Firstly, if you are breastfeeding and exercising you are going to be needing quite a few calories - so don't starve yourself! Yes, you might need to eat a little more — about an additional 400 to 500 calories a day — to keep up your energy. To get these extra calories, opt for nutrient-rich choices, such as a slice of whole-grain bread with a tablespoon (about 16 grams) of peanut butter, a banana or apple, and 8 ounces (about 227 grams) of fat-free yogurt. It might be worth working out your specific caloric intake before you start so you know how much you can have a day. If you are wanting to lose weight - then adjust your calorie intake accordingly.

It's important for breast-feeding mums to stay hydrated. Be sure to drink frequently, preferably before you feel thirsty, and to drink more if your urine appears dark yellow. Have a glass of water nearby when you breast-feed your baby — or aim to drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids a day. Be wary of juices and sugary drinks, however. Too much sugar can contribute to weight gain — or sabotage your efforts to lose pregnancy weight.

Logging your food diary is of utmost importance - it allows you to have a clear view of what you have consumed, where you are going wrong - what you are doing right and how you can improve! Every time I eat something, I have my i phone with me ready to log it in. The database is immense! Rarely is there a time when something isn't listed.

Plan your meals for the week that way you are focused when doing your supermarket shop, get in and out before you are tempted to buy anything other than what's on your list. You'll save so much money doing it that way too.

Good luck!
Lauren.