According to various news channels (which I have been watching ALOT due to the case of the Black Plague that has claimed me and the rest of my family) the number one New Years Resolution that almost everyone makes is to lose weight, followed closely by quitting smoking. I am all for quitting smoking, although I know how hard it can be for most. I really have no recommendation on how to go about quitting, although for longtime users I think its wise to talk with your doctor so he/she can help you set up a quit plan that will be successful.
As for losing weight, well we have all been there at one point or another. I had 2 kids in 2 years and I went through the post baby weight loss drama. Guess what I learned? DIETING SUCKS. It sucks so bad, just thinking about it makes me want to run into the kitchen and eat a tablespoon of white, processed sugar. What I actually learned was that trying to lose weight is a stress inducing event unless, UNLESS, you go about it the right way - this is something I figured out after much trial and error. Obsessivley weighing and measuring yourself every day (or several times a day - yes I did it, shut up) is not the way to go. What does work is an exercise routine that you can live with and work in to your day to day schedule, eating healthy foods that you LIKE, and drinking about one bazillion gallons of water.
Too simple sounding for you? Well I really believe that if you keep things simple, they are more likely to work and your stress levels will obviously stay withing manageable, non-psychotic event inducing levels. Also, you wont find yourself locked in the laundry closet rocking back and forth and moaning while you stuff approximately 40 chocolate chip cookies in your mouth.
MOVING ON.....
This is what I did, mostly at home - to lose weight:
1) I went online, consulted with my OB/GYN and my doctor and read a million articles about healthy eating. I added a veritable CRAP load of whole grains into my daily diet, I drank the aforementioned bazillion gallons of water and I cut white rice and (sob) white bread out of my diet.
2) I first rented, then bought, a few workout DVD's - 30 Day Shred (which I still do), some post baby specific pilates videos and I started walking EVERYWHERE. After a few months I got a personal trainer at the gym I was a member of near my (then) job.
**A note on the gym costs involved: I went to the gym and negotiated a deal in which a personal trainer trained myself and a coworker together and only charged us for one. We split the cost of the training sessions. Lots of gyms will give you this deal since they are looking to make a buck in these cash strapped times. It's easier to have a workout buddy to keep you on track, too. Dont be shy, ask and ye shall receive. Also, check with your health insurance provider for any deals they have with gyms in your area, many times you will get a reduced membership fee or your insurance will pick up some of the costs involved with your membership. They want you to be healthy so they dont have to pay out for any future health complications you may have.
I lost my baby weight and then some, and while I have since lost my job and hence my gym membership, I still work out at home (just ask my kids who loooove to watch me exercise - and sometimes they join in) with my workout DVD's, I still go out for walks ( I drag the kids out, even when it is 30 degrees out) around the neighborhood, and when I walk the dog I take her an extra few blocks so we can both get some extra exercise. I turn off the TV and I turn on the radio (or the ipod) and I dance like a maniac with my kids. We eat more veggies and whole grains these days and now we will eat even healthier since my husband has decided to lose some weight too. This week we will be installing a chin up bar that hooks over a doorway and that will be yet another form of exercise here at home.
All these things are simple things anyone can do to lose weight and keep it off. Believe me, you will feel much better about yourself, you'll be stronger, happier and you WILL fit into those jeans by the summer. Do you have any weight loss strategies that you'd like to share? Leave a comment below! - Gina G.
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