OK...so I had a baby August 1, and now that I hit the 6 week mark, I can begin dieting and getting that baby weight off.

Me:
-Stats (26 yrs old, 5'2", 220, Body fat %---??)
-Diet (calorie counting...1200-1500 per day...whole grains, low fat, healthier choices, low/med carb intake, cut the sweets/sugars)
-Exercise routine in detail (so far just housework, baby care, and walking)

-Clear reason and question for the post -I want to know what I SHOULD be doing to lose 70 more lbs. My doc recommended I get back to my senior year of high school weight (~150 lbs) so that I don't develop diabetes later in life (I had gestational diabetes while pregnant. I managed it well with no complications, but don't want it to creep back). I also want to know what exercises I should fit in my day...something I can do in my home or with the baby (ex. no gym). I have a treadmill type thing in the basement that is currently collecting dust, as well as an exercise ball and the "Slim in 6" System...so incorporating those would be nice.

-Current and overall goal-My overall goal is mentioned above...to lose 70 lbs within a year to a year and a half (by next Christmas). I also want to tone up and get rid of hanging parts (flabby arms and baby belly).

-I've been doing my plan for almost a week (5 days so far) and lost 5 lbs as of this morning.

-No major medical problems...just a normal vaginal delivery with no complications 6 weeks ago. I have very mild asthma, usually triggered by allergies. Other than that, just chronic laziness lately...

Hope you can help!

Thanks!

Hey, congratulations on becoming a mom! That is so exciting!

I personally would go higher with the calories, maybe starting with 1800 per day and see if I was still losing at that level before going down any further. Are you nursing the baby? If so, you need a lot more calories.

How about some walking with the baby in a stroller? That was honestly about all I could handle after having the baby. I was walking so slowly and carrying the extra pounds was tiring me out.

Take it easy on yourself, and don't make the mistake of eating too little when you need a lot of energy right now to take care of the baby and to rebuild your strength. Pregnancy takes a lot out of you and some time to recover so try to keep that in mind as you go about losing weight.

good luck on your weight loss, You can do it

Congrats! I wish I had a baby of my own.

Good luck on reaching your goals.

Thanks. Well, DD is 7.5 months now and I still haven't lost the weight. I have no excuse...I just fell off the bandwagon. I did lose about 10 lbs and kept it off, but that's chump change to me. I could have done much better during the past 6 months.

Anyway, I'm back on the bandwagon again and am so disgusted with myself that I'm going to try harder.

Here's to yet another ride...

I hope you don't mind me jumping in here, but please don't be so hard on yourself. I had twins and I couldn't do anything for easily 6 months! When you first have a baby, personally, I think you have a handful and you don't get much rest taking care of them so to expect to launch into a new diet and exercise on top of that is asking a lot.

But you say now your baby is 7 months? PERFECT time to start! You have gotten a routine down and now you can organize things so you do have time to work out.

You know, there are a lot of good videos out there while baby is playing near by and within site (in the playpen, exersaucer, etc...). That is how I first started out. If you have a friend who is also committed to working out you could do it together.

When the weather was nice, I started taking the kids for 1 hour walks. They loved it! I would do my streching with the boys then go out walking. I would feed and change their diapers between eventually I started running.

You can do it, you just need to organize it around the needs of the kids. Once you get your routine down it will be easy!

Good luck and don't feel bad, it is a lot of work raising a child.....

take care,
Diane

Thanks so much for the encouragement! I agree though...I do have a pretty set routine and can easily schedule in time to walk and exercise. The weather is starting to get nicer outside, and the sun is out later, too. DH has a little extra in the middle and we plan to walk with the baby in her stroller after dinner and lose weight together.

Thanks for the advice, and congrats on your success.

You're welcome Good to hear your DH is going to go with you. That is a great benefit! I workout with my DH now too!

and just keep remembering you can do it!

take care,
Diane

I just wanted to add my two cents. Exercising will give you increased energy and there are many things you can do to incorporate a young child. Most of all remember that positive things happen to positive people. If you start making unhealthy choices in your eating or exercising habits, remember that you are setting an example, and you can make changes slowly and one day at a time.

Heather