In search of encouragement!

hannahpistolas

Hello all,

I'm a 22-year-old mother to a handsome four-month-old son.

I used to be an anorexic, and I stayed around 110 pounds. After treatment, I went to about 120, which was good for me.

And then I got pregnant-- so, naturally, I ate like a wild animal while because I had an excuse. I went wild and that 120 double to 224 (which is what I weighed the day I went into labor).

Now I'm about 190-- which means I still have about fifty or sixty to go until I feel like ME again. And I want to do it the right way-- no starvation, just good ol' fashioned diet and exercise, because my son deserves more than a mother who's too weak to play with him.

But it's hard. I'm sure all of you understand what it's like to become a completely different person when you look into the mirror. And it's hard to go from eating plates the same size as your boyfriend's (who loves butter and of course could eat nothing but Crisco and never gain a pound) to smaller portions. Cutting back on chocolate. Cutting back on EVERYTHING.

So encouragement, support, tips for quick meals and a (trying to become) toned tummy, and everything else is MEGA appreciated. And, of course, assurance that it's one day at a time-- and it WILL happen one day. I like instant gratification, so patience is something I need to learn.

Thanks guys!

edz_02

Hi hannah!

I am a 23-year-old mom to a two month old son.

I have the same problem. I just gave birth last February 14, 2013 and need to get back to work after almost 2 months. At first, I find it hard to adjust with my body because whenever I look in front of the mirror, I feel like I am not the same person anymore! bloated tummy caused by pregnancy, dark eye circles due to sleep deprivation, some strange marks on the sides of my thigh and increased weight. I feel so unattractive!

Thanks to my husband because he always tell me that I still look great and it will never change but I am still worried..:(

What I do now is to slowly cope up with a healthy diet and starting to be conscious with the amount of calories, fats, sugar etc.. and I think it is working because whenever I feel the urge to eat too much, I feel a little guilty so I often switch to greens and I decrease the amount of rice, pork, beef etc.. that I take. I also joined myfitnesspal.com so I can easily monitor my food intake.

Now, I am on my first week of cleansing and I find it really difficult. Actually, I cheated on my diet last night and suddenly felt so guilty that I thought of not eating today.. I also tried to do this exercises (http://www.parentsconnect.com/pregnancy/postpartum/postpartum-exercise/postpartum-back-arm-and-chest-exercises.html) this morning and planned to make it a habit since I need to look after my baby in the morning.

I wish that I could discipline myself totally. Good luck to us! ^_^

Sjenny5891

Ladies, You can do this!

It isn't a diet. It's a lifestyle change.
#1 If you are breastfeeding, Make sure you are getting at least 1800 calories a day. You can set your goal like normal- it'll probably tell you 1200- and add 500 calories a day to that. If you pump, it is 20 calories an ounce. I added mine as an exercise.

#2 I did most of my weight loss without exrta exercise. i work the graveyard shift and have 6 kids. In the begining, I wasn't getting enough sleep- then It was too hot- then it was winter and it was too cold. So it can be done, Don't fret if you can't get out....... start slow. Get a pedomoter. set your goal to 1,000 steps a day.... increase it a little each week. They recommend 10,000 steps a day. (comes out to 5.6 miles for me)

You don't have to change everything overnight. You will end up miserable and quit. Week #1 I gave up my Cinnamon Rolls... #2 I cut back on my Dew and added water..... #3 I added more fruit..... #4 more vetebales.... #5 I worked on the sodium....etc

hannahpistolas

This is GREAT advice. Thank you!!!