Advice

Ashley2733
Ashley2733 Posts: 56 Member
edited December 3 in Health and Weight Loss
Is it possible to lose weight if you aren't very active at work, like I babysit but honestly I'm not that active while I'm at work because I'm limited as to what I can do cause the baby's ages, yes I'm up moving with them but not alot. When they nap I'll clean, but for the most part I'm not very active and I'm starting to wonder if I can even lose the weight. I've gained 24 lbs in 2 maybe 3 months but I'm also very stressed and going thru some stuff and unfortunately I'm the type that turns to food when upset or stressed out. I don't know, I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that you can have a "sedentary " type job and still lose weight. I want to get down to 125ish. I'm currently 165

Replies

  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    ^^^ That.
  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    edited September 2016
    I sit - all day - every day. I have an office job and I literally * do not move * for 8 hours a day.
    I managed to lose around 30lbs. I ate less and exercised.

    Having said that, after relaxing on the eating, I've gained 12 pounds very easily. That's the downside to having an inactive job, in my opinion. It is quite easy to 'find' the weight again once routine's are relaxed. But there is no reason whatsoever why you can't reach your goals and stick to them :)
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    Take them out for a walk in the stroller or a wagon. Play at the park with them. Childcare isn't really sedentary.
  • Ashley2733
    Ashley2733 Posts: 56 Member
    I appreciate all the feedback. I guess I just wanted someone who has a desk job or sedentary job to give some input so thank you all!
  • Ashley2733
    Ashley2733 Posts: 56 Member
    mitch16 wrote: »
    Take them out for a walk in the stroller or a wagon. Play at the park with them. Childcare isn't really sedentary.

    I would agree with that, but I work for a family that lives in the country, I have their 3 kids and my daughter. All under 2, so a walk isn't an option and no Parks around as I don't have enough space in my car to travel with all of them. So that's why I was giving my situation, I know not all child care is the same.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    anicole1118 wrote: »
    I appreciate all the feedback. I guess I just wanted someone who has a desk job or sedentary job to give some input so thank you all!

    I work at a desk job. I make a point of doing things during my day (parking far away from the building and walking, choosing a restroom that's furthest from my desk) just to be a little more active. When I'm not at work I make time to get a workout in. My son is a teenager now so it's different, but we still play lacrosse or soccer in the yard and go skateboarding, etc. When he has a soccer game or lacrosse game (that would preclude me from getting my normal workout in) I make a point of doing a few laps on the track while they are doing warmups or whatever.
  • adamyovanovich
    adamyovanovich Posts: 163 Member
    I watch cameras all day for 8 hours, sit on the bus home for 40 minutes each way to work. I have lost 43 pounds in 105 days by using the sedentary goal. I try to drink my 32 oz bottle every 2 hours and go walk to get more ice tea to try and get steps in, but i can't be gone for long periods.

    You can do it!
  • medic2038
    medic2038 Posts: 434 Member
    Most jobs today are more sedentary than not (and even a lot of people overestimate how much they're active at work). Even if you're not moving much per se, you can be fidgety and move around more (without moving if that makes sense).

    You'll lose weight by making a calorie deficit. The ways to create a deficit are to eat less, or move more. Any combo works; you don't have to exercise at all if your diet is right, or diet at all if you're THAT active. For most of us though, there's a compromise (eating a little less, and moving a little more).
  • Bearbo27
    Bearbo27 Posts: 339 Member
    edited September 2016
    I haven't really exercised yet and I've lost 31 lbs since July 2nd. I am not very active in my job or home life either. All you need is a calorie deficit to lose weight.

    Of course I would recommend eventually adding in some exercise after a while if you can. When you are not working, try and fit something in. I'm getting ready to start adding in some exercise with weights so that so can tighten up as I lose lbs.
  • RoseTheWarrior
    RoseTheWarrior Posts: 2,035 Member
    All you need for weight loss is a calorie deficit. You can do it!
  • sllm1
    sllm1 Posts: 2,130 Member
    Can you work in some activity outside of work hours?
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    Four kids all under the age of 2?! That makes me tired just reading it. I'm guessing you're more active then you think.

    What concerns me is your 24 lb weight gain in 2 - 3 months. Barring any odd health conditions I'd say you've started overeating. Input your stats here and see what calorie goal it gives you. Then start learning how to accurately weigh, measure and log your food. If you're honest and consistent you'll lose weight.
  • CasperNaegle
    CasperNaegle Posts: 936 Member
    I sit in a desk job as well.. it's not about your activity nearly as much as what you eat. Weight loss is 90% kitchen.
  • MommyMeggo
    MommyMeggo Posts: 1,222 Member
    anicole1118 wrote: »
    I appreciate all the feedback. I guess I just wanted someone who has a desk job or sedentary job to give some input so thank you all!

    Do some workout DVDs while they nap or play or whatever.
    Exercise/Walk after you get off.
    There are ways to keep moving.
    And more than anything else- eat less. :)
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    You can lose weight without any exercise at all. Just maintain a calorie deficit.
  • Trish1c
    Trish1c Posts: 549 Member
    MFP is designed to help you lose weight without working out. Go to the getting started page & read the directions about how to set the system up for yourself. Then eat within your calories & you will lose.

    While you are with the children, sneak in exercise / movement. I do squats at the counter while cooking. I do leg lifts when I brush my teeth. I park at the far end of lots so I have to walk further. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. March in place while watching TV. Lift canned goods (or weights if you have them) while watching TV; I used to do this with my elderly mom when she got out of various rehab facilities when she would fracture body parts at the end of her life.
  • rsnodgrass1128
    rsnodgrass1128 Posts: 16 Member
    Good morning! What does your schedule look like once you're done working? Eating foods that are good for your body are important but getting in at least 30 minutes of activity is just as important...good for your heart :)

    I am a receptionist, so I totally relate to your sedentary lifestyle. I wear a step tracker and find that it's difficult to be active throughout the day but the program I do has really helped me be more consistent in both areas. Let me know if you have any questions!
  • kendahlj
    kendahlj Posts: 243 Member
    You need to address the stress issues first imo. If you eat when you're stressed, that's the bigger issue than having a sedentary job. Maybe seek counseling or someone you trust to talk to. Figure out how to get rid of the stress...
  • Ashley2733
    Ashley2733 Posts: 56 Member
    Thanks everyone for your input and advice. Yeah I have a ton of stress right now and that's mainly what made me turn to eating, don't get me wrong I've always loved food but literally 3 months after having my daughter in November 2014 I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight, and then issues with my husband came up and here I am now. I'm dealing with alot not but I want to be in shape I want to feel good, I have zero energy, and I'll be 29 in 5 days, I don't feel like I should feel this way this young. I went to the dr yesterday and had blood work and everything done but the most alarming thing was when I stood on the scale I couldn't believe it. I'm so annoyed with my choices and food and lack of exercise. I can workout after work, I guess I just wanted to make sure that having a not so physical job wouldn't hinder me being about to lose weight. Again thanks for all the replies ! You guys are awesome !
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I lost the majority of my weight with zero exercise. I'm talking less than 3500 steps a day. Exercise isn't needed for weight loss, it comes in handy to create a bigger deficit, but it is not a necessity.
  • STEVE142142
    STEVE142142 Posts: 867 Member
    To put things in perspective January 1st 2016 my weight was 288 pounds. Currently I'm about 280 pounds. Out of those 80 pounds that I've lost maybe 10 at the most has been due to exercise.

    I am basically a desk jockey who gets up once in awhile. It doesn't matter what kind of activity level you have as far as weight loss. The main thing that's going to cause weight loss is eating less calories than your body burns on a daily basis. A lot of people think that exercise will burn enough calories but unless you're putting in a couple hours a day or you're world-class athlete you're not going to be able to burn enough calories to lose weight.

    As some of the other posters said exercise has many great and positive side benefits but it's not necessary to lose
  • Mini_Medic
    Mini_Medic Posts: 343 Member
    I was 165 and I'm 128 now! Yes it's possible. Try to choose filling foods and don't eat if your not hungry. It's easy to eat to fill an emotional void but after that 20-30 minutes of a meal you won't feel better you'll feel the same, so try to skip the middle man and eat for sustenance and not temporarily pleasure that is masking the real problem.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    STEVE142142 wrote: »
    To put things in perspective January 1st 2016 my weight was 288 pounds. Currently I'm about 280 pounds. Out of those 80 pounds that I've lost maybe 10 at the most has been due to exercise.

    I am basically a desk jockey who gets up once in awhile. It doesn't matter what kind of activity level you have as far as weight loss. The main thing that's going to cause weight loss is eating less calories than your body burns on a daily basis. A lot of people think that exercise will burn enough calories but unless you're putting in a couple hours a day or you're world-class athlete you're not going to be able to burn enough calories to lose weight.

    As some of the other posters said exercise has many great and positive side benefits but it's not necessary to lose

    Typo @STEVE142142 ?

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