Juggling Adulting and Weight loss?

BetsyBidez1105
BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Over the span of a year it has come to my attention the struggle of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while trying to keep up with day to day life. This past year I got married and bought a house and also got a new job! My previous job caused me a lot of distress do to layoffs and also during that time my father-in-law had a major heart attack. Long story short this past year has been a very stressful year. Because I feel like I am now taking on the duties of a grown adult woman I have now put my once healthy lifestyle on the back burner. I work 40 hours a week I commute about 10 hours a week I come home and try to cook and clean everyday I have three dogs that I have to tend to it's hard to find time (and energy) at the end of the day to be active like I once was not long ago. And because of that I have gained 40 lb in the last 2 years. I'm currently being treated for a lower back injury so I can't do strenuous exercise or lifting, what would be a good activity for me to burn fat? I have been cutting back my calories every day and watching my food intake but that doesn't seem to do it. Also how can I make it a regimen for me? It was easy when I was living with my parents and when I was single but now I have responsibilities to take care of before anything else. Did anyone else have this problem and how did you overcome it?
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Replies

  • counting_kilojoules
    counting_kilojoules Posts: 170 Member
    Before doing any sort of exercise I'd ask the doctor treating your back if it's okay. That said, are you able to walk? It might be good for you and the dogs. You don't need exercise to lose weight but it would give you a few more calories to play with, walking is good for *some* back problems (not necessarily yours) and you might find any issues you're having with dog care easier if they're getting exercise.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    You don't need exercise to lose weight. Full stop. All you need is a calorie deficit - portion sizes.

    I have definitely cut back my portions, calories, even subbed for no sugar added/gluten-free/vegan meals. I try to eat between 1000-1400 calories daily.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    nic_27_grassisgreener wrote: »
    Yep, no exercise is needed for weight-loss, only a calorie deficit.

    Also, is your hubby helping out with the cleaning/cooking? In my experience us women need to insist our male counterparts pitch in their fair share. Just sounds like you might be overwhelmed by those aspects of life. It's something I need to work on too!

    I have definitely cut back my portions, calories, even subbed for low-sugar/gluten-free/vegan meals. I eat between 1000-1400 calories daily. I've been doing this for at least 3 months with no results. As for hubby, he works about 60+ hours a week and tries to help as much as possible, I finally breakdown the other day and told him how much stress I'm under and he did offer to help out more. He handles alot of other household responsibilities but manages stress way better than I do.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    Maxxitt wrote: »
    A full time job plus two hours of commuting daily is a challenge in itself & you have had a lot of significant life events in addition. It's not mandatory female adulting to assume primary responsibility for everything in the house. Maybe you and your partner can come to a different plan for sharing household tasks and dog care so that you aren't feeling so overwhelmed. To borrow from the airlines, affix your own oxygen mask before assisting others :) In any case, let the housekeeping be minimal during the week. Prep meals ahead of time (cook a bunch on the weekend; find slow-cooker recipes you like) & keep weeknight meals simple. Walk the dogs a half hour (before or after supper) to help manage stress. Once you get a daily routine going that doesn't feel like it's going to kill you, you can tweak it to allow for purposeful exercise. With regard to managing calories - go for a modest deficit & weigh solids and measure liquids.

    Great response, I love the way you put this! I will look into investing into a slow cooker and researching some healthy recipes. We have been taking the dogs on walks some evenings for about 30 minutes. We need to work on making it routine. I have the calorie deficit on check, I think my body is craving activity. Thank you for your response.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    counting_kilojoules wrote: »
    Before doing any sort of exercise I'd ask the doctor treating your back if it's okay. That said, are you able to walk? It might be good for you and the dogs. You don't need exercise to lose weight but it would give you a few more calories to play with, walking is good for *some* back problems (not necessarily yours) and you might find any issues you're having with dog care easier if they're getting exercise.

    Thanks for asking. Dr has me doing some physical therapy. He says walking is good and I can do it 1-2 hours daily. I can't lift anything and squat. I'd like to burn calories quickly without straining my lower back.
  • Sp1tfire
    Sp1tfire Posts: 1,120 Member
    My first suggestion would be to see if your partner can help you with some of those chores. Then, I'd ask your doctor if low impact cardio like elliptical would be okay for you with your lower back injury. But, that being said, you don't need to exercise to lose weight. As long as you eat a deficit you'll see results!
    I hope your year slows down and you get some much needed time to rejuvenate mentally and physically!
  • brittneyalley
    brittneyalley Posts: 274 Member
    edited December 2017
    I eat 1000-1300/day (normally 1100), and I've lost almost 35 pounds in the past ~4 months. Are you weighing your food or just guessing?

    ETA: I think I've been to the gym less than 5 times in that time frame as well.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    counting_kilojoules wrote: »
    Before doing any sort of exercise I'd ask the doctor treating your back if it's okay. That said, are you able to walk? It might be good for you and the dogs. You don't need exercise to lose weight but it would give you a few more calories to play with, walking is good for *some* back problems (not necessarily yours) and you might find any issues you're having with dog care easier if they're getting exercise.

    Another vote for walking, which can indeed be good for some back problems.

    I often have to force myself to exercise in the evening (well at lunchtime too) but am always glad I did.

    Speaking of lunchtime, if I don't get in some activity at lunch, frequently a walk, I have less energy through the afternoon and evening, and am also more prone to the munchies.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    rheddmobile wrote: »
    How are you logging your food? If you have been eating 1100 - 1400 calories for three months with no loss, either you are a miracle of nature, or you are eating far more calories than you realize. Weigh and log everything.

    I'm no stranger to measuring and counting, oven doing it for 3 years! I went from being extremely active before marriage to super sedentary after. And even cutting back on my daily calories wasn't enough to get results.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    lockedloaded2017 wrote: »
    Wow. I can't believe people are actually saying no exercise. Your body needs exercise. It needs to move and it can only help.

    I know my body needs exercise it felt so good when it did it often. I just need a good routine and method. It's frustrating I can't go full throttle because of my back injury and dieting isn't helping.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    counting_kilojoules wrote: »
    Before doing any sort of exercise I'd ask the doctor treating your back if it's okay. That said, are you able to walk? It might be good for you and the dogs. You don't need exercise to lose weight but it would give you a few more calories to play with, walking is good for *some* back problems (not necessarily yours) and you might find any issues you're having with dog care easier if they're getting exercise.

    Another vote for walking, which can indeed be good for some back problems.

    I often have to force myself to exercise in the evening (well at lunchtime too) but am always glad I did.

    Speaking of lunchtime, if I don't get in some activity at lunch, frequently a walk, I have less energy through the afternoon and evening, and am also more prone to the munchies.

    Great advice! I might sneak in a 30 min walk after lunch, maybe a 30 min walk before dinner?
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    katadx wrote: »
    My first suggestion would be to see if your partner can help you with some of those chores. Then, I'd ask your doctor if low impact cardio like elliptical would be okay for you with your lower back injury. But, that being said, you don't need to exercise to lose weight. As long as you eat a deficit you'll see results!
    I hope your year slows down and you get some much needed time to rejuvenate mentally and physically!

    Thanks for your advice and support! I love the elliptical when I go to the gym. We currently don't have a membership bc we're trying to cut back on expenses. But hopefully some walking would be a good start.
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    naomi8888 wrote: »
    BetsyBidez1105 wrote: »
    brittneyalley wrote: »
    I eat 1000-1300/day (normally 1100), and I've lost almost 35 pounds in the past ~4 months. Are you weighing your food or just guessing?

    ETA: I think I've been to the gym less than 5 times in that time frame as well.

    Oh no, I don't guess. I've been reading all my labels, measuring and counting my calories. At my old job I used to walk to my car at least 40 min a day and take at least 10 flights of stairs. I had a hospital job where I was constantly walking or speed walking all day long. Now I have a desk job, and I commute 2 hours a day. My activity level and endurance is a joke now. My body isn't dropping weight just with cutting calories.

    It seems very strange that you wouldn't be losing when you're consuming around 1000 - 1400 calories a day regardless of activity.

    Anyway back to your original post, I think a 40 hour week and travel time is pretty standard for adults (at least you don't have kids to look after too!). It sounds like you've had a stressful year but once you prioritise weight loss you will find the time and energy and will to get in shape. I read a book called "...Then Just Stay Fat". Check it out if you need a kick in the backside to get moving.

    I will look into that book, thanks for the advice!
  • BetsyBidez1105
    BetsyBidez1105 Posts: 15 Member
    edited December 2017
    Any suggestions on how to create a good exercise routine in between a busy schedule? We are trying to cut back in expense so we don't have a gym membership.
  • DebLaBounty
    DebLaBounty Posts: 1,169 Member
    Did you ever enjoy going to a gym? I stopped buying lattes every day and used the money I saved to join a cheap gym. My friend found a gym on her route to work, uses the machines and takes a shower, then drives to work. She says it's a good start to her day. Maybe if you had a short elliptical workout in the morning three days a week, and a walk with your dogs in the evening, you'd feel better.
  • ZoneFive
    ZoneFive Posts: 570 Member
    I understand that you want to cut back expenses. But right now, and maybe for the next three months or so, you need help to heal your body and lose some of the stress. Look into a cleaning service for your house and maybe a dog-walker, to take a few responsibilities away for a short time. You'll get a lot more out of walking -- or any gentle exercise -- when you're not feeling you have to hurry home with the dogs and clean the bathroom and make dinner.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,740 Member
    Walk the dogs before and after work and before bed. Several short walks are better than none. If you can get your husband to go with you, it's great bonding time for you as a couple, since you can talk about anything and everything. On weekends, do active things like bike rides, hiking, skiing, etc. As much as you can, cook simple meals or meals that will last for several days in order to avoid fast food/takeaway.
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  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    JerSchmare wrote: »
    Thing is, you have to prioritize yourself first. I went through all what you’re going through. But, health is the main thing. If you don’t have that, you can’t take care of anyone or anything else. So, prioritize you first, then everything else after. What will happen, over a period of many years is that you will have to make decisions...like, 3 dogs, or maybe just 1? Long commute, or maybe move close to work or find work close to home. Like, you start saying, “I don’t have time for all this commuting and dog stuff. I need to fix this.” But, that won’t happen until you first make time for you. You come first, other stuff follows. It will be really hard in the beginning. But, if you dedicate yourself to it, you’ll figure it out.

    Yes, I used to work in a glamorous mansion in South Beach...but between the hour commute each way and my ****** boss, the toll on my quality of life just wasn't worth it. I've whittled down my commute until now I work from home. Yes, I could make more money if I were willing to work in a nearby city, but I'm just not ever going to put myself through commute hell again.
  • ms_maruska
    ms_maruska Posts: 119 Member
    Talk to your husband about how you feel, see what he thinks and how he feels about it all since you say he also works a lot, plan what you can ahead (for yourself), plan together the things you can do together or how you can split the tasks. Because you are together in all of this, you should do the organizational aspect together. It's ok if it's bumpy at first :smile:

    Most importantly, give yourself time to adjust to all the changes and they are big changes. Adulting doesn't need to be perfect in all areas of life, reprioritize, your house doesn't need to be immaculate all the time, your health is more important.

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