My husband was deployed for over a year. I lost 50 lbs after I had our baby and before my husband returned home.
How I did it (3-09):
-had a baby
-exercised 5-6 times a day (for past year and a half) – I do both aerobics and weights
-ate less breads/carbs (whole wheat when I did eat it)
-drank slenderize fuze regularly (which I find on sale), I also enjoy the frozen lemonade concentrate
-drank lots of water and avoided sodas
-I ate a protein bar every other day before working out (zone bars). Other days I ate breakfast cookies or a low-fat granola bar.
-avoided desserts – having them occasionally
-didn’t eat late at night
-slept at least 8 hours every night
-nursed baby
-ate jell-o or yogurt for dessert
-avoided fast food and only went out to eat every few weeks
-compared nutrition labels at the store and always bought sugar-free and fat-free if available (except for milk – I just tried fat-free milk – nasty. We use 2%.)
-ate healthy snacks between meals to keep metabolism up
-weighed myself every day at the same time – (I do it when I get to the gym)
-weighing myself, writing down goals and keeping track of my progress help give me accountability, which motivates me
-I am not the best with veggies and fruit – but I do try to pick up fresh produce when I go shopping
-I have also found a container of “flax seed” at Costco – which is supposed to be really healthy. I mix it in with things when I remember and can’t taste it.
-One of my favorite things is an orange Julius: orange juice concentrate, milk or juice, ice, fruit. I also add spinach and flax seed to it and can’t even taste it. I usually don’t have time to make it, but it is pretty simple and healthy.
-I carry 40-50 lbs with me most places (Victoria, Hannah, car seat, diaper bag, and anything else I need).
***I have tried not to go on a “diet” but instead to just change my lifestyle. I have found these changes to be pretty simple and yet produce GREAT results. I do eat pizza, ice-cream, etc. – but only once in awhile. I get into big trouble if I start feeling like I deserve to eat things like sweets – since my husband is gone. Exercise has been the best anti-depressant for me with Tyler gone. I have more energy, a break from my kids (with daycare at the gym), and have felt satisfied in losing this weight.
***I have been tempted to take diet pills, metabolism pills, or detoxifying products, but haven’t been able to yet since I am still nursing.
More suggestions
-Protein drink after exercise – with milk, chocolate powder, flax seed, berries, and spinach
-I have found it better to eat a small portion of something that I really want then try to compensate it by eating other things as I then overcompensate – not feeling the satisfaction
-I try to develop simple habits and not focus on dieting too much, as the more I think about it and the more I keep a food journal – the more I think about eating
-Oprah just had a show: “Women, Food, and God” - overeating is often a way to feel better about ourselves, trials – but in the end leaves us feeling worse, like any addiction
-find exercise that you enjoy doing. I hate running.
Advice I gave at an enrichment night 5/10:
TRIALS - Exercise and a healthy diet have helped me get through the trials that I have been faced with and to stay away from depression.
DEPLOYMENT - My husband was deployed for over a year and I knew that I had a choice – I could get depressed and just get through it OR I could work hard and use the time to become a better person. Losing weight was one of my goals. I only gained 14 lbs my last pregnancy and lost 50 lbs afterwards before my husband returned 6 months later.
ADDICTION - I have learned that over-eating can be similar to any other addiction – trying to satisfy a void in our lives, but feeling even worse later. God is the only one who can fill that void and if we work that out with Him, then we can find a more balanced and healthier life.
LIFESTYLE - Diets and starving myself have not worked for me in the past. I have learned that it is a lifestyle change that takes time. Just like learning the gospel, we must work to be better line upon line – it isn’t a one day event. Our bodies have to adjust to the change.
LITTLE CHANGES - My success came through changing little habits that I can live with, like not eating at night that made big differences. I weigh myself every time I go to the gym to see the results and consequences of what I’ve eaten. I try to learn new ways to better myself all of the time and I set goals.
COMPARE - We often compare ourselves with others to try and feel better about ourselves. I have learned that everyone is given different body types and metabolism. Each person has to figure out what works for them and their bodies and schedules.
DON’T FOCUS ON IT - Some people keep food journals and try other methods, which makes me think about it more and want to eat more. It doesn’t work for me. I have had to change little things through time and not focus too much on the idea of losing weight.
