STAM of Three Kids with a body that shows!

Hi everyone, My name is Sinfullysweet (can call me Sin for short) and I am a stay at home mother of three kids. A 15,12,and 8 year old. My husband is a long haul driver meaning he is gone all week so all responsibilities of maintaining a family fall to me, which I love!

The only downfall is that at 34 years old and with a 5'4 height, I should NOT be weighing 210 lbs. I am officially in the obese category with my BMI. This terrifies me. Every one of my family members has heart problems or diabetes. And to top it all off I smoke. (Not for lack of trying to quit, attempted to quit over 23 times, do good for a month or year then pick them back up when I get stressed) I suffer from severe depression, most of it is due to how I look. After having three kids, my body is wrecked. I look like a tiger on most of my body from stretch marks, I have had them ever since my first child at 19 years old. On my arms, all on my stomach, legs, you name it. Before having my baby, I was 125lbs and so proud of the way I looked.

I have tried every diet out there known to man. I wish I was joking but sadly I am not. After speaking to my doctor, we found out my body only processes a minute amount of sugar that intake, and the rest goes directly to storage around my organs. Meaning I can work out, cut out calories etc, but if I indulge in a candy bar or my tonic of choice (sweet tea) everything I have done for the day has been thrown out the window.

Plus I cannot do any extreme dieting due to the fact again I have three kids. Not only do I suffer with ADHD, unfortunately my genetics have passed down to them. And as anyone knows, ADHD medicine is a stimulant that causes appetite loss. So when I cook, I cook so that they do not lose weight but maintain weight for healthy growth with complex carbs and protein. I realize I am at an impasse. Cook for me to lose weight, or cook to maintain the weight of my kids. Or double the groceries and cook two meals. (Yeouch! Grocery prices are sky high as it is!)

And I will admit, I used to have a lazy side. For the longest time I was a big time gamer and would park this big ol rear end on the couch and play games after my morning chores. Probably why my tummy, butt and thighs are badonkadonk size. Gaming can be an addiction of it's own. I think I finally beat that one though. I uninstalled all my games, except for pogo.com, (I play solitare to wind down for the night)

Wow, this turned out to be a longer introduction letter than I originally thought. To summarize, my goals are such:

To be a healthy weight. I will never be skinny, I have too much muscle under all this padding.
To get a healthier heart.
To make a food lifestyle change that will not harm my kids growth.
To stop smoking.
To go from 210lbs to 180lbs. Once I reach that goal, then I will attempt to get to 160lbs.

My last and most important goal, is to hopefully influence my husband who is a truck driver to eat healthy as well. This year alone, they have lost 5 fellow drivers to heart attacks, stomach issues, strokes and the like. He has already had a stress heart attack when he was 33 years old. I don't want to lose him if I can inspire him instead.

So there you have it, my life story *laughs*. I will be more than happy to befriend you and hopefully we can both give each other that extra umph to keep proceeding!

Hugs,
Sinfullysweet

Replies

  • ColdFeetWarmHeart
    ColdFeetWarmHeart Posts: 18 Member
    Hi,

    I'm very much like you. Although at 26 I have only one baby, my stomach resembles that of a tigers. A very wobbly Tiger's!

    I really need to change my eating habits. Not just for me to lose weight, but also so that my daughter never picks up any bad habits, and falls into the same trap several generations of my family have. We are all big, but I don't think we can blame genes here. It's eating crappy food, and far too much of it!

    I'm sure you can find some healthy recipes that give your children all the nutrients and calories they need, but still helps you to lose weight. It might just be a case of you having a smaller portion of carbs than them? This is what I do with family mealtimes (well, my other half does the cooking most of the time, but I give instructions). My fiancee and I normally eat the same things for dinner, and try and choose healthier versions. So chilli con carne made with extra lean mince etc. And I normally have a smaller portion than him (and now some is put aside for baby)

    I'm over in UK so not exactly sure how your health system works; has your Dr ever referred you to a specialist to get to the bottom of your problem with sugar etc?
  • AquaFan
    AquaFan Posts: 309 Member
    Feel free to add me. I am a work outside the home mom to two boys, 13 and 10. I am trying to make healthier changes in my life so that I can be around to watch my kids have kids and be a positive role model for my family.

    I am on here every day and always willing to lend support and encouragement.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    I added you.

    I think you have to work with what you have. Nothing wrong with that. We're all limited to some degree.
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Hi,

    I'm very much like you. Although at 26 I have only one baby, my stomach resembles that of a tigers. A very wobbly Tiger's!

    I really need to change my eating habits. Not just for me to lose weight, but also so that my daughter never picks up any bad habits, and falls into the same trap several generations of my family have. We are all big, but I don't think we can blame genes here. It's eating crappy food, and far too much of it!

    I'm sure you can find some healthy recipes that give your children all the nutrients and calories they need, but still helps you to lose weight. It might just be a case of you having a smaller portion of carbs than them? This is what I do with family mealtimes (well, my other half does the cooking most of the time, but I give instructions). My fiancee and I normally eat the same things for dinner, and try and choose healthier versions. So chilli con carne made with extra lean mince etc. And I normally have a smaller portion than him (and now some is put aside for baby)

    I'm over in UK so not exactly sure how your health system works; has your Dr ever referred you to a specialist to get to the bottom of your problem with sugar etc?

    The doctor actually has put me back on adipex (removed me from adderall so that I am not overstimulated) so that I can get motivated. Mostly what we eat around the house is simple, if I try odd recipes sadly the kids buck at the thought. I will say that I can get lucky and they will try new stuff and actually like it.

    The doctors did do a round of bloodwork on me thinking perhaps my Thyroid levels were off, but they came back normal. Tested for diabetes, nothing abnormal from that bloodwork either. I will say that I did go on Accutane for about six months and that ROYALLY messed me up cholesterol wise. Still waiting on last weeks results, but this was last years results.

    Ordered Date: 02/09/2012
    Assessments: Hyperlipidemia
    Lab: L-Lipid Panel- no ratio
    Name Value Reference Range
    Cholesterol, Total 198 100-199 mg/dL
    Triglycerides 100 0-149 mg/dL
    HDL Cholesterol 38 >39 mg/dL
    VLDL Cholesterol Cal 20 5-40 mg/dL
    LDL Cholesterol Calc 140 0-99 mg/dL

    Ordered Date: 02/09/2012
    Assessments: LONG-TERM USE MEDS NEC
    Lab: L-Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
    Name Value Reference Range
    Glucose, Serum 85 65-99 mg/dL
    BUN 15 6-20 mg/dL
    Creatinine, Serum 0.71 0.57-1.00 mg/dL
    eGFR If NonAfricn Am 112 >59 mL/min/1.73
    eGFR If Africn Am 129 >59 mL/min/1.73
    BUN/Creatinine Ratio 21 8-20
    Sodium, Serum 139 134-144 mmol/L
    Potassium, Serum 4.1 3.5-5.2 mmol/L
    Chloride, Serum 102 97-108 mmol/L
    Carbon Dioxide, Total 24 20-32 mmol/L
    Calcium, Serum 9.2 8.7-10.2 mg/dL
    Protein, Total, Serum 7.0 6.0-8.5 g/dL
    Albumin, Serum 4.4 3.5-5.5 g/dL
    Globulin, Total 2.6 1.5-4.5 g/dL
    A/G Ratio 1.7 1.1-2.5
    Bilirubin, Total 0.3 0.0-1.2 mg/dL
    Alkaline Phosphatase, S 66 25-150 IU/L
    AST (SGOT) 14 0-40 IU/L
    ALT (SGPT) 8 0-40 IU/L

    Half the numbers I have no idea what they mean. But that was the latest tests. (Still waiting on the last lipid test they did on my last week, and BOY did that hurt! They missed the veins on both sides, still have a blood bruise on my right arm lol.)
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Feel free to add me. I am a work outside the home mom to two boys, 13 and 10. I am trying to make healthier changes in my life so that I can be around to watch my kids have kids and be a positive role model for my family.

    I am on here every day and always willing to lend support and encouragement.

    Thank you dear! Any support and positivity would be awesome. I did forget to add, that big women tend to be on my fathers side and fight with weight issues. Don't want to be like that any longer.
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    I added you.

    I think you have to work with what you have. Nothing wrong with that. We're all limited to some degree.

    Thank you! I am trying to update everything that I eat and do, and working on my diary right now until it warms up a bit outside. So I welcome any suggestions as to what I am doing wrong or right. Plan on posting my garage (workout area) later. I was given a bunch of equipment by my father but I have NO idea what it is or what to do with it.
  • SassyMom23
    SassyMom23 Posts: 112 Member
    I am a mother of 3 (3, 8 & 9). My husband is away a lot with his job as well, he has just left until the New Year. Feel free to add me also, support and motivation from others in the same boat helps. :)
  • minakshihall
    minakshihall Posts: 20 Member
    Feel free to add me. Thank you
  • I'm a 24 yr old SAHM of a 5 yr old and 18 month old (both girls) my DH is in the military and gone for days/weeks at a time.

    While my oldest is at school I go to the local YMCA and take advantage of the 2 hour child care for my youngest while I work out.
    I do about an hour of weights and 35 mins of cardio (not this week hurt my ankle)

    Most days we take a second trip to the YMCA for my oldest daughter, she does a program with them called Yfit which is the staff pretty much working them out with fun games and running around. Most days I will do cardio again whle I put my youngest back in childwatch. I can't believe how social my 18 month old is and what a great listener she is as well from being at the Y. She has been going there since she was 6 weeks old. Now my oldest does swimming on Tuesday & Thursday for the month so if my husband is home he watches the youngest.

    Feel free to add me =)
  • bzmom
    bzmom Posts: 1,332 Member
    Hello my name is bzmom but you can call me bz im 33yrs old. I am a working mother of 3 (15, 12, and 3 years old) My middle child has adhd. He is on meds but he NEVER lost his appetite (that boy can eat! LOL!!) that was my concern at firs although he could use to lose a few lbs but thankfully he eats the same, sleeps the same and such it has thankfully not affected him. Sounds like its possible you may need to try and cut some of the sugar then if you are consuming alot or look for alternatives. Since I havent seen your diary I really cant comment much of my opinions. As for cooking two meals yeah that can get pretty expensive, however how about get extra veggies and fruits and possibly portion some of the cooked meal and finish it off with extra veggies or fruits? Either way it takes practice and patience but is doable. We also have a history of high blood pressure and diabetes in our family and I myself am trying my hardes to get into shape and fall in the same boat. GL! although I really dont feel I helped much here LOL!!
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    Thanks for all the support and understanding. Makes me tear up to know I am not alone =)

    I started up the fitness blog with a first post. It's public =)http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Sinfullysweet_

    I hope to be able to go outside in a few and update the blog with the equipment I have, and get some sort of idea of what it does. I have a gym membership but with gas prices and the fact it is 20 minutes away, (doesn't help I drive a silverado pick up that guzzles gas) I don't go to it often at all. It's one of the reasons why I have set up a workout area. Only thing I have used though is the treadmill so far.
  • Miche11e5
    Miche11e5 Posts: 114 Member
    I sent you a friend request too.

    I am a (almost 42 year old) mom to three girls - 20, 17 & 14. I stayed home 'till my baby went to kindergarten and now I work full time. In 2010 I decided enough was enough (weighed 210#) and realized that I needed to take better care of myself since my maternal relatives were all getting cancer. (My mom and grandmother both lost their lives to breast cancer at 45, my aunt was diagnosed with it in her early 50's, my uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer - smoker - in his early 50's.) I can't control my genes, but I could certainly take better care of myself.

    I started small, ordered some DVD's (Slim-in-6) which had me work out for about 30 minutes most days of the week to start, building up to 45 minutes later. While I was doing this I used MFP to track my food. It worked and I lost 20#. I had a friend at work convince me to do P90X, which I though was CRAZY, but I did it (twice!) and lost another 25#. These two things occured over about a year. I've since mixed up my workouts a bit, ran my first 5K last summer (am training for a half marathon in May) and have lost a total of 55#.

    My body will never look like it did before kids - but I'm ok with it. Your focus on your health should be the priority. I suggest that you start out simple - walking is great exercise! Try to get 30 minutes in at least 3 times a week and build from there. Do you like biking? That is another fun way to get some exercise in.

    The smoking is tough - I quit when I got pregnant with my first daughter, smoked "socially" a bit after that but haven't smoked in years now. Have you tried any of the smoking cessation tools? Nicorette, smokeless cigarettes etc? Giving up that habit will require a combination of mental strength and physical changes - too very difficult things.

    I think you should pick ONE thing to do for a month. Walk, track your food, reduce your smoking and then build from there. Biteing off more than you can chew at one time is a set-up for failure.

    Good luck!
    Michelle
  • nekoface
    nekoface Posts: 149 Member
    I'm a 27 y/o housewife and have quit for about 6 months now, and am now working on losing some weight. Stopping smoking's really hard, no lie.. . I've tried and failed for the last 2-3 years but it is doable. I did it without nicotine patches etc. Do it and you'll feel so proud of yourself!

    For weight loss, I started slow and just started walking everywhere - it helps that we live at least a half hour's walk to the nearest decent supermarket/shops. Saves on transport money as well. Lost 6lbs with walking and logging food.

    Feel free to add me.
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    I sent you a friend request too.

    I am a (almost 42 year old) mom to three girls - 20, 17 & 14. I stayed home 'till my baby went to kindergarten and now I work full time. In 2010 I decided enough was enough (weighed 210#) and realized that I needed to take better care of myself since my maternal relatives were all getting cancer. (My mom and grandmother both lost their lives to breast cancer at 45, my aunt was diagnosed with it in her early 50's, my uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer - smoker - in his early 50's.) I can't control my genes, but I could certainly take better care of myself.

    I started small, ordered some DVD's (Slim-in-6) which had me work out for about 30 minutes most days of the week to start, building up to 45 minutes later. While I was doing this I used MFP to track my food. It worked and I lost 20#. I had a friend at work convince me to do P90X, which I though was CRAZY, but I did it (twice!) and lost another 25#. These two things occured over about a year. I've since mixed up my workouts a bit, ran my first 5K last summer (am training for a half marathon in May) and have lost a total of 55#.

    My body will never look like it did before kids - but I'm ok with it. Your focus on your health should be the priority. I suggest that you start out simple - walking is great exercise! Try to get 30 minutes in at least 3 times a week and build from there. Do you like biking? That is another fun way to get some exercise in.

    The smoking is tough - I quit when I got pregnant with my first daughter, smoked "socially" a bit after that but haven't smoked in years now. Have you tried any of the smoking cessation tools? Nicorette, smokeless cigarettes etc? Giving up that habit will require a combination of mental strength and physical changes - too very difficult things.

    I think you should pick ONE thing to do for a month. Walk, track your food, reduce your smoking and then build from there. Biteing off more than you can chew at one time is a set-up for failure.

    Good luck!
    Michelle

    OH WOW. You did P90x? I had a friend who did that, and I heard it is a brutal routine but if you can do it, it pays off!

    The smoking cessation, sadly I have tried everything. The gum, patches, smokeless cigarettes (they feel so funky!!), I even tried Chantix which made my night terrors and depression majorly out of control. Only way I seem to be able to quit for long periods of time is just going cold turkey. I have heard that acupuncture works but ....kinda terrified of needles lol.

    My genetics terrify me, my grandfather died after beating cancer 4 times. The fifth time got him. My maternal grandmother has had three open heart surgeries. My paternal grandfather has heart disease as well as my dad. So it is a wakeup call about my own health =)
  • Falyesai
    Falyesai Posts: 41
    I'm a 27 y/o housewife and have quit for about 6 months now, and am now working on losing some weight. Stopping smoking's really hard, no lie.. . I've tried and failed for the last 2-3 years but it is doable. I did it without nicotine patches etc. Do it and you'll feel so proud of yourself!

    For weight loss, I started slow and just started walking everywhere - it helps that we live at least a half hour's walk to the nearest decent supermarket/shops. Saves on transport money as well. Lost 6lbs with walking and logging food.

    Feel free to add me.

    Oh I agree! Stopping smoking has been the hardest. I get stressed, pick up that first cigarette after a year quit, then its all down hill again. Going to slowly quit my addictions one by one. My weight being first, and smoking will follow (can't do cardio without getting better lungs) then will give up my final addiction of diet coke. =)

    Nice on walking to the stores! I live out in the country so unfortunately walking isn't an option. (too many wild dogs that people dump out)