If you have been reading my blog for a while then you know that I have been struggling with my weight for a long time now… I have always been overweight and I have always felt insecure with the way I look.
Now, is not different.
About ten years ago I was at my highest weight and decided that I would lose it. I went to Weight Watchers and over the course of about 6 months lost 50 lbs. I was feeling great and feeling more confidant and more healthy…
I still had weight to lose but I was on the right track. Of course, life got in the way and I got pregnant, something that I really wanted but of course was not the best for my weight loss. Then came Colin, then Khéna and again I lost a bit of weight but was still about 20 lbs from where I had been before my first pregnancy. I was swimming, I was feeling great bit the summer hit, I went on vacation and fell out of the routine and the weight crept up again.
Now, 3 months after having Wilhelmina, I step on the scale and feel like weeping. I am right back were I started all those years ago.
The more you weigh the less energy you have and the harder it is to get up and get going, and with 4 kids, including a small nursing baby, the timing never seems right.
I need to do it though. I need to do it for myself. I need to do it for my family…
Wilhelmina is most likely our last baby. This time, I am saying to myself that when I lose weight, there will no longer be a pregnancy to throw me off.
So, I making the vow to myself and here publicly. I am going to be using a food journal again… though I won’t go back to weight watchers, the journal I did when I was on it, helped me a lot. It was also what I did last time I lost weight. I am also going to start walking more and go back to swimming again. Hopefully doing those things will help me get back on track and feeling better.
I’m in a very similar boat. I’ve been overweight most of my adult life. My first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage and that just made me completely unmotivated to do anything to take care of myself. I just wanted to sleep and weep. I gained about 20lbs after that. Then I lost 10lbs but quickly gained back 30lbs and the yo-yo affect began and has been a part of my life for about 5 years. I really want a pregnancy that sticks so I’m trying to eat a very whole foods diet and get out and hike and swim and walk. Hopefully the pounds will just melt away.
Good luck! I’ll be following along and doing it too!
Never forget that you are a beautiful woman, no matter what you weigh. I’ve been reading you blog for a while and that is what shows–your beauty, strengh, and of course you’re a wonderful mom.
Have you ever heard of Primal Blueprint? Considering that you avoid preservatives as much as you can, I think you would find it very interesting. For me, I have found that it stabilized my blood sugar so much, I’m the mellow mom I’m meant to be 🙂 And the extra muscle I’ve developed is nothing to sneeze at either. Its close to WAPF. Anyway, good luck, I know how discouraging it is to try to lose weight and have it creep back on.
You are a fantastic, inspiring and resourceful person! That`s why I`ve been observing your blog for a while now. I fully agree with Fiona! Keeping my fingers crossed for you in your struggle. 🙂
Hey babe, I wish I could hug you! I think the food journal is a fantastic idea. After the kids were born what got to me to shed the pounds was walking…I walked like and hour and a half a day. I don’t know if that would be feasible for you (with Simon home) but it also helps clear the mind! I know you really like swimming but maybe there’s too much set up or organization involved in order to get to the pool and get swimming? Walking was easy for me because I just put the kids in the stroller and off we went. (I must mention it also helped keep me sane 😛 ) Anyway, I think you’re gorgeous (recent pics on Flicker prove that), but I know that may not be enough to convince you you look great. Big subconscious hugs 🙂
I second Primal Blueprint or other paleo diet nutrition practices. People would find it hard to believe looking at me now, but I was overweight throughout my teen years. I know all about the frustration of dieting and exercise. Ever since I changed my diet to primarily paleo, I no longer put much effort into fitness. I eat as much as I want of paleo foods and don’t exercise on purpose, just regular daily activity.
I, too have done the weight thing for many years. While Weight Watchers was the most successful for me, I believe it was the accountability to myself through journaling that really helped (and posting your goals really helps you feel accountable I’m sure!) And when they introduced the “Core” plan, which was just SUPER SMART EATING… I loved it and try to eat the same foods now.
May you be happy and love yourself throughout this journey!
Try and wear the baby (or tandem wear Khena and his baby sister) to burn 3 times the calories when you’re out and about. Weight-bearing activities mean burning more calories. Good luck!
I’ve gone palaeo as well and for the first time in my adult life I’m loosing weight. I’m reading Primal Blueprint, and Mark’s Daily Apple to keep me on track, but I’ve found that I need little encouragement. I know that this is right for my body and that the weight will fall away, slowly, over time. I know how discouraging the weight and body image issues can be. ((hug))
Good for you! I’ve always been overweight but having back to back pregnancies and me being an emotional eater, I gained a lot of weight. The lack of energy and patience is what bothers me the most. For me, meal planning for all my meals helps, I do great at planned meals but when I’m hungry and don’t know what I’m going to eat, I snack (and snack and snack). Also walking has been the best for me, the children are happy, I’m less anxious and stresses and even though I often have to force myself out of the house I’m always thankful I did once I get going! Good luck finding what works for you!
Thanks everyone, though I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I am glad to feel like I am not alone.
I will look into the book suggestion…
Morgan, WW is a great program for making calorie counting easier but I found that all of the suggestions and food ideas were dependent on artificial sweeteners and overly processed foods.
Kim, meal planning is a great thing. I have been planning my meals for the week for years now and love that we only need to go shopping once a week and that we also save money by planning ahead and only buying what we need.
All that being said, I got out yesterday and went for a walk in the morning and then a swim in the afternoon… It felt great!