Sloppy mommy to fit mommy (with pics)!

Thanks for all the kind words! A couple people asked for tips/secrets. The big secret is that there is no big secret (sorry to burst the bubble). Working out helps but what you put in your mouth accounts for 80-90 percent of your success (you will read the same thing in almost every fitness magazine). Some people get discouraged because they are eating healthy and not losing weight. Assuming they don't have any health issues sabotaging their progress, they are probably just eating too much of the healthy foods (portions are too big). That being said, here are my "tips":

1. Count every calorie, log it and stick to the plan.
2. Don't cut out anything completely, you'll just crave it more. Try to incorporate the things you like within your calorie allocation.
3. Don't drink your calories. Save your calories for food so that you're not hungry and cranky all the time.
4. Eat food high in protein and/or fiber so you're not hungry and cranky all the time.
5. Bring your lunch to work instead of buying something and trying to guess what's in it.
6. Have a sensible dinner and limit snacking at night. You'll sleep better and wake up hungry.
7. EAT BREAKFAST! It starts the fire (your metabolism) going for the day.
8. Ease into exercice! Don't expect to run 5 miles on day one!
9. Set realistic expectations. Don't tell yourself you're going to go the gym every morning at 5am if you HATE waking up early!
10. Be patient.