New Memeber- Help wanted

Hi, I am a 20 year old single mom. My son will be fifteen months old this month. I would like to lose around 70 lbs, I currently weigh more now than when I went I had my son. Since me and my boyfriend broke up I am feeling better about myself, and would like to start looking better as well! I would like to be back to my pre pregnancy weight. I have excess skin that hangs, and It does not look good at all. Any tips on how to get to my goal would be great! Thanks so much :)

Replies

  • kthenn
    kthenn Posts: 3 Member
    Hi. Just take each day, one day at a time. Watch what you eat, track carefully, exercise when you can, and do not beat yourself up if you flub it up a little once in a while. Any diet that says you can never have a certain type of food (e.g. chocolate , cookies, etc.) is NOT good. Anything in moderation is fine - and, if you allow yourself a treat once in awhile, you will be better able to stick to your diet. The cool thing about weight loss is - as soon as you lose just a few pounds, you start to feel better, thinner, and sexier! So, even though you may have a lot of weight to lose - you do not have to lose it all to feel great! It just makes you more motivated to keep going.

    Bottom line - good luck and be good to yourself as you go!
  • TrishaRN_74
    TrishaRN_74 Posts: 102 Member
    Jessica,
    The most important thing is to just start moving. I started my weight loss by walking a mile at least 3 or 4 days a week. I'm now working up to doing a 5K, walking and/or jogging 2 or 3 miles 3 or 4 days a week. The hardest part (being a mom) is finding the time. But remember, your health is more important than most everything because if you get sick, you can't care for your son. Feel free to add me as a friend, if you want. Another thing I have learned: don't get discouraged if you have bad days with food or exercise. Just start the next day new, and move on from there. One bad day is not a reason to derail your goals. :-)
  • cwaters120
    cwaters120 Posts: 354 Member
    Hi. Just take each day, one day at a time. Watch what you eat, track carefully, exercise when you can, and do not beat yourself up if you flub it up a little once in a while. Any diet that says you can never have a certain type of food (e.g. chocolate , cookies, etc.) is NOT good. Anything in moderation is fine - and, if you allow yourself a treat once in awhile, you will be better able to stick to your diet. The cool thing about weight loss is - as soon as you lose just a few pounds, you start to feel better, thinner, and sexier! So, even though you may have a lot of weight to lose - you do not have to lose it all to feel great! It just makes you more motivated to keep going.

    Bottom line - good luck and be good to yourself as you go!
    The most important thing is to just start moving. I started my weight loss by walking a mile at least 3 or 4 days a week. I'm now working up to doing a 5K, walking and/or jogging 2 or 3 miles 3 or 4 days a week. The hardest part (being a mom) is finding the time. But remember, your health is more important than most everything because if you get sick, you can't care for your son. Feel free to add me as a friend, if you want. Another thing I have learned: don't get discouraged if you have bad days with food or exercise. Just start the next day new, and move on from there. One bad day is not a reason to derail your goals. :-)

    THESE!! ^^^ Also, don't get discourage if you have a day or even week that are difficult or things don't go as "planned". THis is real life and a real lifestyle adjustment. THings happen, plans change, and you learn to adjust. Don't give up when/ if results seem slow - slow means you will be more successful at keeping the weight off forever. Take your time, make small changes at a time, and try your hardest each day. You are getting healthier for your son and setting a healthy example for him as he grows.
  • thezorb
    thezorb Posts: 67 Member
    Get out there and walk--take your son with you! That kills two birds with one stone--no worrying about who will babysit and if you're pushing a stroller, you're burning extra calories on top of the walking. Carrying him in a backpack on your front will burn even more. Start slowly ( around 15 min) and build up, just like Trisha said, and of course, log on everyday to MFP. :wink: We're rooting for you! Feel free to add me as a friend.
  • S0nsh1ne
    S0nsh1ne Posts: 218 Member
    It's fantastic that you are looking at this now as your child begins his own eating habits; you'll be able to be a great role model. Before you jump in too far I would learn more about processed foods and which good foods you can eat with lower calories so you don't eat high calorie foods and have limited choices for later in the day. I know you need the energy to keep up with your son. Good luck!
  • karenertl
    karenertl Posts: 271 Member
    It definitely is important to get moving. I try to get out and walk or ride my bike a couple times a week. Granted, I need to cut down on the sweets, but sugar is delicious.
  • Trina2490
    Trina2490 Posts: 2
    I too would like to lose about 70 pounds. I am new to this site and would love to know if anyone has given you any ideas!! :)
  • SueQuarles
    SueQuarles Posts: 7 Member
    For a minute I thought I was reading my own post :) I'm not 20, but I have a young son (well 2) and I have 60 - 70 pounds to lose and I have that skin from 2 c-sections that I can't stand.
  • Yes, we have an outing everyday that we can!