artbyrachelh Member

I agree with above advise to see a PT. And chiming in with my own experience: I had 1-2 finger gap after my latest and had one session with PT, and in months following did recommended exercises (pretty sporadically). Side planks, side crunches; basically focus on your lats. Good luck!

Hi, Jess! Congratulations! I'm no expert by any means, but I'm pretty sure you can set your calories at "maintenance". Do you have an idea how many calories you eat to maintain weight? You could just pull a number out of the air, try for a week and reevaluate based on how you felt. Maybe some other moms could chime in. I'm…

The uplifting comments here are inspiring! I can't really add to it except Facebook depresses me, too. Can you spend less time on social media? I took all social media off my phone (except MFP app), and it has been so liberating for me. I hope you get the help you need, I wish you peace and joy!

This might sound crazy, but I bet you could bike that distance without significant training! I'm not a biker at all, and on a trip to Miami with my husband, we rented bikes and biked down to a couple keys and back without a problem! 43 miles round trip. It was glorious, and that was on crappy rental bikes. Enjoy your…

I think belly fat eventually decreases as rest of fat does throughout weight loss. For glutes, do squats! It totally works. Keep at it, you'll get there! (Unless you're like me, and you just get pregnant again! Lol!)

Thanks for your insights!!!

That's wonderful! Congrats!

I agree with above posters about the sad truth that you can't "spot reduce". But what about foods that reduce that "bloated" feeling? Any suggestions for foods to avoid to not feel bloated? I often drink La Croix type drink (sparkling water), because it's calorie free but someone told me recently that it can bloat you! I…

Someone may have already suggested this, but evenings that I crave sugary treats, often a hot cup of herbal tea helps me forget my craving.

Nice thread! Awesome suggestions!

What about cranberry relish? 1 bag of raw cranberries, 1 orange, 1/2 c honey; chop in food processor. It's got a sour punch to it (like grapefruit) and so fresh and satisfying! Good luck! (My daughter is on coumadin so I know what it's like to not be able to mix certain foods with medicines).

I can totally relate! It's very normal. It can be stressful, but hopefully you'll be able to stay active, and after all, you'll lose it all after you have your baby!

Great question, OP! I think the kind of exercise you're describing can trigger weight loss, in that you feel better, you've got a bigger caloric deficit, and can lead to better choices. But from my own personal experience, I walked briskly/jogged for YEARS without weight loss which was so frustrating for me. It wasn't…

Good job on maintaining your weight, @parthus02! My main symptom is tiredness. That, and discomfort nursing my 14 month old. I'm struggling with decision to wean him... I know it's time, but I'm not ready!

I can't really give you any tips on aversion to veggies. I can totally relate. I would say just try to at least take a daily multivitamin?

Ladies-- good news! @Parthus02 started a group for pregnant moms. It's called "Fit and Preggers -- 2018 Due Dates" . Search and join! See you there!

I have 6! My oldest just turned 16 three days ago. The struggles with fatigue is real. Do you nap? 20 minute naps can help. P.S. My maiden name was Durbin!

No, not underweight. My youngest is 14 months. I've been losing, but 15 lbs shy of my goal weight. I'm 5'4" and weighed 151 at time of conception. So.. I guess I was hoping to just stay around this weight as long as I can, within reason! This is my first calorie-counting pregnancy. I've never used "moderation" with my…

Hi ladies! I'm only 5 weeks and I just weighed myself and I gained 5 pounds already! I feel like crying because I know I haven't been super strict, but definitely trying at maintenance, and hungry ALL THE TIME. I don't own a scale so I only weigh myself every other week, at the gym. I think my goal this week is to add a…

Me too! @Parthus02 did you end up creating group? Do you want me to? I was thinking, check in once a week, share how many weeks we all are, ups and downs, etc. I love your idea! Add me please!

Pregnant moms add me! I've always totally eaten whatever I've wanted in previous pregnancies; this will be my first calorie-counting pregnancy. Are you interested in a group? Maybe check in once a week to share your progress, how many weeks we all are, ups and downs?

To all the above suggestions I add, to keep calories same, but eat less sugar, eat a bigger sandwich, or two, rather than biscuits and cakes. Try adding spicy ingredients to your sandwich or salad. Love the hummus and baba ganoush suggestion.

Yay, this is what I need! Add me for an encouraging friend!

I'm not sure how you can get it if you have never gotten it. Mine is sent both to my email address, plus it pops up as a notification in my newsfeed. Maybe through your settings?

Can you join a class? I am like you: I hate exercise and sports. Hate them! But I found a class at the Y with an instructor I adore and the people in the class have become my friends. Going to the Y is social and healthy! Good luck!

Hi ladies! I just searched "women only" and found this thread. I'm turning 40 this year and trying to lose 10 pounds by then. (As a mini goal). I'm looking to add encouraging friends. I hope you don't mind if I add you?

Hi! I just searched "women only" and found this thread! I'm also looking to add encouraging friends. I'm turning 40 in May and am hoping to lose ten pounds by then. I've been married for 17 years and just had my 6th baby in January 2017. I hope you all don't mind if I add you...

A cup of hot tea helps me sometimes.

Slow and steady!

If it's unseasoned, you could do the smell test before eating. By the way, I heard Lynne Rossetto Kasper (from the splendid table) say that if you store your cooked chicken in its juices (i.e., pan drippings, or broth) it keeps better in fridge.