Hello! First time mom, recovering Mt. Dew addict...

Happy_Austinite
Happy_Austinite Posts: 10
in Introduce Yourself
Long story short:

My beautiful daughter was born ten months ago. I was always fit and energetic, and did not require much sleep. But I didn't realize that with a baby, when you do sleep you don't really sleep, because you have one ear open for her and you are aware of any noise (or lack of noise). I found myself drinking my husband's Mt Dews because they gave me a surge of energy that kept me sane throughout the lack of sleep. Ugh, big mistake. Add to that, I was occasionally eating "fun foods" like onions rings and cupcakes. I was so happy I didn't care. I was so focused on my little one that I wasn't thinking about my own body. I did not drink sodas before. Now I know how addictive they are!

Well, you can guess. Gained 18 pounds in just six months. I've always been the type who can lose a few extra pounds quickly enough, but not anymore. Not this many.

Changed my diet back to healthier. No more Dew, boohoo. :smile: But coffee, yes. Can't give that up yet. Keeping the calories around 1400, and I now have an awesome elliptical to help me burn and tone. When the weather is better I can jogger stroll my little one around the lake and on trails. For now, just trying to get back into fitness. I miss my old shape.

New to myfitnesspal. Discovered this site when researching the benefits of ellipticals. Glad I found you!

Replies

  • Lowestsalary
    Lowestsalary Posts: 30
    Hey and welcome. Glad you decided to make a change to a Healthier lifestyle. That Mountain Dew is the Devil!!!! Try to make sure you track your meals in your Diary. It really helps give you a visual of calories goin in. Just make sure to log everything. The good with the bad. Best of luck on your goals!!
  • Happy_Austinite
    Happy_Austinite Posts: 10
    Thanks for the welcome. Best of luck to you, too! :smile:
  • carolsteele45
    carolsteele45 Posts: 43 Member
    Hi and welcome to MFP. You will find it a great source of knowledge and encouragement. In addition to what LowestSalary said (and he was spot on) I found that my modest investment in some new kitchen scales (electronic ones weighing accurately down to a gram - with a clear readout) was a godsend. Measure, measure, measure and stop guessing amounts if you have been doing that previously. Cost was a mere £8
  • Happy_Austinite
    Happy_Austinite Posts: 10
    Thank you, caroluren. Yes, I'm realizing that guessing amounts is a big mistake if I want to lose the weight. I am logging everything, and it is surprising how quickly the little things add up. Thanks for the welcome. :smile:
  • christa279
    christa279 Posts: 222 Member
    Recovered Mt. Dew addict here. I had years of drinking the stuff under my belt and started really drinking it for the same reason as you, it was a quick and easy burst of energy after having my son 16 years ago (gah! how did that happen?) The funny thing is that now I can't really drink it, even if I try, because it makes me feel awful and just tastes so syrupy!

    I agree with the kitchen scale advice and logging everything! Welcome and good luck!
  • Happy_Austinite
    Happy_Austinite Posts: 10
    Hey christa. Thanks for the welcome!

    So you know how addictive that bubbly yellow sweet drink can be. Crazy, isn't it? I began realizing just how much we were consuming when I'd bring the recycling to the curb. Alllll those 2-liter bottles, and I'd think to myself "Man, this just isn't healthy. We're drinking way too much of this stuff." But it was hard to stop because I really liked the taste and the buzz. It wasn't until I couldn't fit into my jeans that I was scared enough to quit cold turkey. I hope to someday find it as undesirable as you do. It truly is syrupy now that you mention it.

    Congrats on your weight loss success. 43 lbs is impressive!

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