Newbie in Dieting has questions ...

evajessee
evajessee Posts: 51
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am 35 years old and a new momma of a little one who'll be 6 months old the end of this month. I have a 14, 12 and 10 yr old and now this new one. I've never ever had a weight issue until the last 2 yrs. I have 0 experience in dieting but have flooded myself with magazines, the internet, tv stuff in an effort to educate myself on how to drop the weight in a healthy way and successfully too.

I have dropped all soda from my diet (which I think was the culprit in the weight since I don't eat much). I just stopped breastfeeding too this past week. I went to the dr for an annual exam and to get him involved in my dieting plans. My tests results all came back fine and he advocated I should do nothing more than take a multivitamin and control my diet. He mentioned I should start with a 2,000 calorie diet and 30 minutes of exercise a day for 6 days a week. I have chose to drop down to a 1200 calorie diet since I feel like I'm eating plenty. It has snowed 24/7 here last week and this past week I have been ill with an upper respiratory. So needless to say I am not getting much exercise other than housework, some painting indoors, and I am going to start some pilates in the morning.

My question is this .... is this really going to work to drop the weight? I guess since I've never dieted before I am amazed that just changing my diet to healthier food and smaller portions and removing pop and all that junk will drop my size?!?!!? Does this really work? I know I am expecting some immediate results and am trying SUPER hard to not set the bar to high for myself in the event the weight doesn't come off as soon as I'd hope. But I read somewhere that diet alone even without the exercising. Now ... by NO means I am saying I'm lazy and don't want to exercise. That's certainly not my issue as I'm already running mad chasing 4 kids now. But is the diet helping any over the past 2 weeks since I haven't been able to do any exercising other than household stuff?

And ... I am thinking about trying Alli. I am SOOOOOOO nervous about taking medicines ... especially diet medications. Can anyone share experiences and the benefits of taking it and success stories on how its helped them? Is it worth taking it along with a balanced diet and moderate activity? Will it boost the weight loss more than what I'm doing?

I am SOOOOOOOO open to suggestions, comments and personal insight. I am such a diet virgin and truly am fumbling my way through this. ALL opinions, thoughts and insight is so very appreciated. I am just so anxious to get this fat off and so open to doing it in any healthy manner possible. Thanks in advance for the counsel! I appreciate it!

Replies

  • evajessee
    evajessee Posts: 51
    I am 35 years old and a new momma of a little one who'll be 6 months old the end of this month. I have a 14, 12 and 10 yr old and now this new one. I've never ever had a weight issue until the last 2 yrs. I have 0 experience in dieting but have flooded myself with magazines, the internet, tv stuff in an effort to educate myself on how to drop the weight in a healthy way and successfully too.

    I have dropped all soda from my diet (which I think was the culprit in the weight since I don't eat much). I just stopped breastfeeding too this past week. I went to the dr for an annual exam and to get him involved in my dieting plans. My tests results all came back fine and he advocated I should do nothing more than take a multivitamin and control my diet. He mentioned I should start with a 2,000 calorie diet and 30 minutes of exercise a day for 6 days a week. I have chose to drop down to a 1200 calorie diet since I feel like I'm eating plenty. It has snowed 24/7 here last week and this past week I have been ill with an upper respiratory. So needless to say I am not getting much exercise other than housework, some painting indoors, and I am going to start some pilates in the morning.

    My question is this .... is this really going to work to drop the weight? I guess since I've never dieted before I am amazed that just changing my diet to healthier food and smaller portions and removing pop and all that junk will drop my size?!?!!? Does this really work? I know I am expecting some immediate results and am trying SUPER hard to not set the bar to high for myself in the event the weight doesn't come off as soon as I'd hope. But I read somewhere that diet alone even without the exercising. Now ... by NO means I am saying I'm lazy and don't want to exercise. That's certainly not my issue as I'm already running mad chasing 4 kids now. But is the diet helping any over the past 2 weeks since I haven't been able to do any exercising other than household stuff?

    And ... I am thinking about trying Alli. I am SOOOOOOO nervous about taking medicines ... especially diet medications. Can anyone share experiences and the benefits of taking it and success stories on how its helped them? Is it worth taking it along with a balanced diet and moderate activity? Will it boost the weight loss more than what I'm doing?

    I am SOOOOOOOO open to suggestions, comments and personal insight. I am such a diet virgin and truly am fumbling my way through this. ALL opinions, thoughts and insight is so very appreciated. I am just so anxious to get this fat off and so open to doing it in any healthy manner possible. Thanks in advance for the counsel! I appreciate it!
  • sarabear
    sarabear Posts: 864
    Congrats on the babe! You need to find out your bmr on here, it'll tell you how many cals you can have, and you earn cals by exercise, Good Luck! It works, at first I'm like I'm not starving! How can I be losing???? Well here's the deal, our bodies are inclinded to hold on to fat when they aren't getting food because it think's there isn't any food, something that so nicely occured back in the caveman days when they had to wait for days for food. Thank you cavemen!
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    And ... I am thinking about trying Alli. I am SOOOOOOO nervous about taking medicines ...

    I do not know what Alli is but if it is a diet drug it is not medicene it is junk...do not take it without aq Doctor telling you and then fire that Doctor and hire another.

    I had many of your questions and they are ok...but some hints I needed...
    forget the word "diet" this is a lifestyle change

    unless a Doctor is telling you to drop alot of weight fast, do not expect fast results....this can be fun...easqe into it and learn from these folks, have fun...leqarn to love to sweat and eat fresh clean food...i LOVE IT

    good luck
    Dave:smile:
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Ok, lets reiterate what you have said.

    Your doctor told you to eat 2000 cals and get exercise each day ( I personally think that is a LOT of cals, I can't eat that much without cheeseburgers and french fries!! :laugh: )

    You have 52 pounds to lose ( Is this a realistic goal, or are you trying to get back into the bikini you wore at 18?)

    When I had 52 pounds to lose ( I am 5'2" and 47 yrs old) my daily intake for a safe 1-2 pound a week weight loss was 1450 cals. If your body doesnt get enough food, it will NOT let go of the weight. I dont have the medical reasons, I just know from trial and error.

    Eat healthy. Lean meats, fish, veggies, fruits and Whole grains .You already get exercise with the kids, so try to incorporate some weights to increase your strength.

    You should have seen a drop the 1st week or so. If not it may be your body adjusting to the new diet, and no longer breastfeeding your little one.

    Give it time. ALLI and drugs are NOT the answer in my humble opinion. Quick fixes FIX nothing, I promise.

    I have lost 28 pounds since June 08! I feel strong, healthy and energetic where I did not before.

    Good luck to you and dont be afraid to PM ppl for info!!

    Welcome!!:flowerforyou:
  • hdtoolgirl
    hdtoolgirl Posts: 93 Member
    The calorie management/workouts are working for me! Give it a try and have patience. Set yourself small goals first, 5 or 10lbs at a time.

    Here's the reasons I would not take Alli. I am a wuss about "possible" side effects.

    Side Effects of Alli
    The potentially uncomfortable, but not serious side effects which may occur with Alli have been well documented. They relate specifically to the drugs ability to supress the absorption of fatty acids into the body, and the disposal of unused dietary elements. Some users may experience some of the following side effects :-

    Oily stools. As the Alli weight loss pill reduces the production of an enzyme in the intestine, which converts fatty dietary elements into fatty acids, some fat from digested food may not be processed. As a result the body will find a way to release basic fat content from the body, usually excreted naturally. Due to the nature of the left over substances, stools can often appear oily and emit an unfortunate odour.

    Flatulence. Another means by which the body has been known to release unwanted waste is by flatulence. While this is a totally natural and harmless release, it can prove potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable as the customer may not have full control of their bowels at all times.

    Vitamin deficiency. Even though Alli is specifically structured to take out the fatty content of dietary intake, some vitamins may consist of fatty content, which may not be absorbed into the body. It is therefore recommended that while using taking Alli, the user also takes a daily dose of vitamin tablets.

    While the oily stools and flatulence are slightly unfortunate side effects, they can be controlled by reducing the dietary fat content to somewhere in the region of 15 grams per meal.
  • evajessee
    evajessee Posts: 51
    Currently I am 5' 5" and weighed 187 at my dr appt. My goal is to get down to 135. I thought 2,000 calories a day was a ton too! I'd have to stuff to do that. When I found thi\s site 1,200 was its recommendation so I'm trying it. I'm eating super healthy now (whole wheat, chicken, fruits & veggies). I guess I'm just looking for conformation that the weight will come off based on what I'm doing and my calories and activity.
  • msujdak
    msujdak Posts: 141
    The problem with diet aids is that once you stop taking them, your body regains the weight if you haven't changed your eating/lifestyle habits. Plus they can really mess with your metabolism and make it difficult in the long run. There is no quick fix! You have to eat healthy, clean food and exercise. Keep a faithful food log for a month and you will notice a difference.
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Currently I am 5' 5" and weighed 187 at my dr appt. My goal is to get down to 135. I thought 2,000 calories a day was a ton too! I'd have to stuff to do that. When I found thi\s site 1,200 was its recommendation so I'm trying it. I'm eating super healthy now (whole wheat, chicken, fruits & veggies). I guess I'm just looking for conformation that the weight will come off based on what I'm doing and my calories and activity.

    Girl, if I can lose weight, any one can!!

    Give your body time, it will adjust! At some point you will want to add exercise. Cardio is different than the running around we do as moms. It is straight up keeping your heartrate at 60-80 for 30-60 minutes and strengthens the heart, which is a muscle!

    If you are eating that well, and drinking water each day, I promise the weight WILL come off. It does take patience though
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    If you really feel you need something, my dr recc taking Omega III. it is fish oil which is good for your system, and kind of 'oils' the wheels!!
  • hdtoolgirl
    hdtoolgirl Posts: 93 Member
    Just a similar body type.. I am 5'5 and started at 184. In three weeks, I have lost 12lbs. I loose 1 lbs every 3 days or so. I eat 1300-1350 calories a day, lots of fiber, fresh veggies, and the key... WATER!!! I drink about 80oz a day. I have made my world revolve around water! I made the mistake of drinking a bottle before a 45 minute drive today.. I was in trouble with 20min to go.. but made it! Ugg. Just give it time. I would personally try 1350-1400 calories a day to start. I also workout 3-4 days a week. I do 30 min cardio in an interval training mode, and 30 minutes of lifting each workout day. Just have faith, know you can do it, and everytime to see results, you'll know it's working!! If it's not, you will need to adjust until your body agrees. But my answer for everyone.. WATER, WATER, WATER!!!
  • evajessee
    evajessee Posts: 51
    Thank God! I feel SO much better thanks to everyone sharing! I am drinking at leat 6 or 7 bottles of water each day too. For added flavor, I'll add Crystal Light white grape drink mix (10 calories per bottle). I went from drinking 6 to 8 cans of Dr Pepper a day to this ... overnight! I am adamant about dropping the weight.

    I have dramatically changed our entire family's lifestyle by cutting out all the bad junk (pop, little debbie's, cookies, etc... ) and eating TONS of beef and potatoes to now we are eating tons of grilled chicken, whole wheat everything, lots of water, veggies and fruits. The first week was TOUGH but now that we're into week 2 everyone has done MUCH better with it and I can tell I have more energy and feel better and have so much passion to meet my goal and change my life for the better.

    I have not ever called this a "diet" to my family because I think there's a horrid stigma attached to it. I have called it a Healthy Lifestyle because this is a permanent change for our good that I hope will bring about a good attitude within us all to see that this is not a "punishment" for weight gain but a reward in the longterm in our overall health.

    It is just SO good to know that I am on track and doing exactly what I need to be doing to get this yuck off of me. With never doing this previously, I am so insecure and concerned that I may not be doing this right. It would help if I owned a scale so I could check myself too!!!!! LOL! I think that would be a super motivation for me to see if coming off week by week. I may pick up one tomorrow!

    Thanks for the comments. I look forward to getting to know everyone and being an exhorter for those going down this road with me!
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Thank God! I feel SO much better thanks to everyone sharing! I am drinking at leat 6 or 7 bottles of water each day too. For added flavor, I'll add Crystal Light white grape drink mix (10 calories per bottle). I went from drinking 6 to 8 cans of Dr Pepper a day to this ... overnight! I am adamant about dropping the weight.

    I have dramatically changed our entire family's lifestyle by cutting out all the bad junk (pop, little debbie's, cookies, etc... ) and eating TONS of beef and potatoes to now we are eating tons of grilled chicken, whole wheat everything, lots of water, veggies and fruits. The first week was TOUGH but now that we're into week 2 everyone has done MUCH better with it and I can tell I have more energy and feel better and have so much passion to meet my goal and change my life for the better.

    I have not ever called this a "diet" to my family because I think there's a horrid stigma attached to it. I have called it a Healthy Lifestyle because this is a permanent change for our good that I hope will bring about a good attitude within us all to see that this is not a "punishment" for weight gain but a reward in the longterm in our overall health.

    It is just SO good to know that I am on track and doing exactly what I need to be doing to get this yuck off of me. With never doing this previously, I am so insecure and concerned that I may not be doing this right. It would help if I owned a scale so I could check myself too!!!!! LOL! I think that would be a super motivation for me to see if coming off week by week. I may pick up one tomorrow!

    Thanks for the comments. I look forward to getting to know everyone and being an exhorter for those going down this road with me!

    YEAH!! I am so glad you are teaching the family good eating habit too! My husband dropped 16 pounds just from the food change! He even promised to start walking with me!
  • evajessee
    evajessee Posts: 51
    My husband is 33 and a type 1 diabetic. My 12 y/o daughter already is battling some belly budge and is not atheletic at all. I worry about her if she doesn't watch her intake and keep her energy levels up. I think by taking the helm as the one who cooks and buys the groceriess it has been easier to slip the good stuff in and introduce them to a new lifestyle. So far, they are feeling full and enjoying the new foods immensely. I still let them indulge a night or two a week with something they love ( a pop or some pepperoni pizza or something) so that they know they are not tied to a strict regime but are making good food choices so that at times they can indulge.

    So far, we are feeling great and full! Praise God it is this easy and it is going to work!
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