Postpartum Weight Loss- October!

[Amandamanda]

So I can hardly believe it is already OCTOBER!
With Fall weather fast approaching, lets not fall off the wagon with comfort foods. Keep on track!

We've gotten a lot of new ladies this month, lets all help keep each other accountable as we reach our goals! We love to see progress pictures, so don't be afraid to share, this is a no judgment zone!


This is our official accountability thread!
If you want to be added to the roll, let me know your info and I will get you listed. And of course, let me know any changes you want made to your listing by posting in bold. We want to share your success with you!
If you have any links to tips, recipes or exercise you want to share, I will post that too.

Original Thread
Link to last month's thread.

Current Hot Mama's-
Amandamanda- Current Weight- 144lbs, Goal Weight- 140lbs, Total Lost- 76lbs!
Nola79- Current Weight- 135.4lbs, Goal Weight- 130lbs, Total Lost- 39lbs!
AnnieMac- Current Weight- 110.5lbs, Goal Weight- 100lbs, Total Lost- 31lbs!
Kitteh- Current Weight- 127lbs, Goal Weight- 116lbs, Total Lost- 27lbs!
Mandica- Current Weight- 145lbs, Goal Weight- 140lbs, Total Lost-58lbs!
Pacificbliss- Current Weight- 185lbs, Goal Weight- 175lbs, Total Lost- 9lbs!
Carley- Current Weight- 130lbs, Goal Weight- 130lbs, Total Lost- 26lbs!
Mamacatsbaby-Current Weight- 185lbs, Goal Weight- 140lbs, Total Lost- 10lbs!
SpuglyRoo- Current Weight- 142lbs, Goal Weight- 125lbs, Total Lost- 41lbs!
Tracymom1- Current Weight- 127lbs, Goal Weight- 115lbs, Total Lost- 23lbs!
Lovemore- Current Weight- 124lbs, Goal Weight- 115lbs, Total Lost-31lbs!
Decafmom-Current Weight- 122lbs, Goal Weight- 110lbs, Total Lost- 29.5lbs!
Loveneverfails-Current Weight- 169.8lbs, Goal Weight- 160lbs, Total Lost-2lbs!
Hannah32- Current Weight- 178lbs, Goal Weight- 150lbs, Total Lost- 27lbs!
Sosurreal09- Current Weight- 163.3lbs, Goal Weight- 140lbs, Total Lost- 75lbs!
Fruitful4him- Current Weight- 223lbs, Goal Weight- 160lbs, Total Lost- 24lbs!
P.J.- Current Weight- 155lbs, Goal Weight- 125lbs, Total Lost- 22lbs!
Sunsetdancer- Current Weight- 233lbs, Goal Weight- 153lbs, Total Lost-
JAntoinette- Current Weight- 145lbs, Goal Weight- 132lbs, Total Lost-
Theoldmommers- Current Weight- 135lbs, Goal Weight- 115lbs, Total Lost- 32lbs!
Ihugtrees- Current Weight- 165lbs, Goal Weight- 130lbs, Total Lost-
Gobecgo- Current Weight- 211lbs, Goal Weight- 175lbs, Total Lost- 20lbs!
Geigerin- Current Weight- 208lbs, Goal Weight- 140lbs, Total Lost-
Mammab21- Current Weight- 160lbs, Goal Weight- 130lbs, Total Lost-
MamitaM- Current Weight- 128lbs, Goal Weight- 125lbs, Total Lost- 32lbs!
Jess_paez- Current Weight- 184lbs, Goal Weight- 150lbs, Total Lost- 20lbs!
Maciascl- Current Weight- 170lbs, Goal Weight- 125lbs, Total Lost-

[Amandamanda]

So yeah, I am in major denial that it is October already, because really? when did that happen?

Check your stats, make sure I got them right. I deleted a few people who hadn't posted in awhile, so if you aren't here and want to be- let me know!

Originally Posted by Carley

130 at today's weigh-in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome Carley! I noticed you are at your "goal" weight on our first post, do you want me to update it with a new goal, or are you officially in maintenance? Either way, so thrilled for you. I dream of the day I will see 130, although I doubt that will ever happen haha!

Originally Posted by Annie Mac

I haven't lost ANY weight this month (the pound I did lose has come back), and you know? I don't feel too badly about it. I like the way I look in the mirror (usually), and even though I can't get into my 90 pound clothes, who cares? That was too small anyway. I'm going to eat healthily -- must cut back those saturated fats -- and if I lose weight while doing, fantastic.

So, October weight in number is 113.5

Great attitude, and you have been doing so amazing, seriously!

Originally Posted by kitteh

I'm starting October at 129 and am hoping to make it down to 124 by november. Totally doable, if I stay focused.

Totally doable, Great job!! I need help staying focused too, lets help eachother.

Originally Posted by MamitaM

Hi Mamas! I'm not quite ready to do any exercising yet since I just had my little one 2 weeks ago via c-section.

When should I set my date to be at my goal weight though? What would be a safe amount of time to lose as much as I want to? I've never gone a diet or weight loss challenge before.

Welcome, and congrats on your baby! Don't focus on a specific date, because you will drive yourself crazy. Especially not now at least. You JUST had a baby, just start making healthier choices with food, and once you are feeling up to it, get more active. The weight took 9 months to put on, it is not fair to yourself to "expect" it to come off in a certain time frame. What I first did, was pictured a goal in my head and knew I wanted to be there by my sons first birthday. Luckily I was able to accomplish it sooner, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! They say 1-2lbs a week loss is the norm for true weight loss, and that if you lose faster than that you are more likely to gain it back, but I've had weeks where I've lost more than that, and weeks that I've lost less, so focus on the trend. But please take it easy for the first little bit.

Originally Posted by pacificbliss

Hello, I am mired in the end of quarter craziness at work but would like to update my weight to 185. Not really a big change but...baby steps. If I can lose approx 1 lb/week I will be 50 lb lighter in Hawaii!

1lb a week is great! I am so jealous of your Hawaii plans!

Originally Posted by SpuglyRoo

just have a second so I wanted to update my stats, 142 to start October! Let's hear it for a slimming fall!

Great job!!

Originally Posted by nola79

I am at 135.4, which is actually my goal weight. I am setting a new goal, though. I'd like to be 130.

Congrats on reaching a goal!! Doesn't it feel amazing! I can't wait till I reach your goal haha. If that ever happens. I am so proud of you!! Keep it up!



Now on to me.. I would like to start off October by very proudly introducing the newest number on the wii-fit scale

drumrollllll.....

tada!

I know, right?

[theoldmommers]

Welcome, MamitaM. Congrats on baby! Wow, at two weeks post delivery you can probably just keep posting your weight loss without doing anything! I agree w/PP - just eat as healthfully as you can. This will speed your recovery. Standing up straight is probably your big fitness goal right now! After my emergency c/s I was doing light yoga and swimming by 5w pp with my OB's consent. So there's a light at the end of the tunnel!

Amanda - I love seeing your Wiifit photo's. So inspiring!

Haven't been on the scale yet, but my eating is falling (very gradually) into a better pattern.

Green smoothie for breakfast,
1 cup of last night's vegan dinner (usually a soup or stew) plus half a turkey sandwich, a cup of soymilk and a piece of fruit
Afternoon snacking still a work in progress
Vegan dinner
Evening snacking also needs work.

I'm trying to develop habits without dieting, I don't know if this will work. I've been on and off so many diets, losing and gaining... I want to get to a point where the way I eat normally is ideal for reaching and maintaining an ideal weight...hmmm. Patience may be required.

[SpuglyRoo]

I have been getting frustrated with my exercising schedule. First I was trying to do it while the two kids were both taking their naps, but then the 2 month old decided to change up her schedule and nap time no longer overlapped. Then I was trying to set aside time to do it after the 2 yo was in bed for the night, since even if the baby was awake, DH would be able to take her for a little bit. That isn't working anymore either because she is fussing in the evenings and basically wants me the whole time.

Now I'm trying to get my butt out of bed before she wakes up in the morning, which is hard and so it is only working about a third of the time. It is really hard to stretch and exercise when your body is still asleep. I'm hoping it will get better. Or that as her schedule continues to change I'll be able to find a more pleasant time to do it.

I also just joined an online cooking group, they all bake the same thing once a month and cook the same thing once a month. I'm hoping that doesn't sabotage my efforts but I need to have an outlet. It is hard for me to get out much since being in the car aggravates my prolapse. I need some connections with people occasionally, even if it is online. I will just have to practice moderation.

[SpuglyRoo]

Originally Posted by theoldmommers

I'm trying to develop habits without dieting, I don't know if this will work. I've been on and off so many diets, losing and gaining... I want to get to a point where the way I eat normally is ideal for reaching and maintaining an ideal weight...hmmm. Patience may be required.

Yes! This is my goal too. I need to just be in the habit of making healthy choices most of the time. I know that if I try calorie or point counting or eliminating all of something I love (bread, chocolate, dairy, etc.) I will just fall off the wagon and start gaining again. I feel that if I am eating wisely most of the time, a slice of chocolate cake or fresh bread occasionally won't cripple my progress.

That and get off my butt and move every day I'm trying 15 minutes of vigorous movement every day (especially the days that I can't do my regular workout). I came across the flylady website (which discusses dealing with the clutter in our homes and getting organized) and she says to deal with things 15 minutes at a time. That can be applied whether it is house clutter or as she calls it-- body clutter.

[Annie Mac]

Hello Everyone! Welcome to October! Wow.

2 more weeks until the move, after which it's time to get myself organized. I've been trying to cut back on the sat. fats. There's really not a lot to cut back anyway. I made a big bought of refried beans last night, so that should help. And the sugar cravings, they have come on with a vengeance. However, I have not bought any chocolate chips (my usual downfall), although I did buy an 85% cocoa chocolate bar, which has taken me quite a while to eat. Anyway, October! Feels like a new year.

[theoldmommers]

SpuglyRoo - I've been a long time fan of Fly Lady. I have a daily routine firmly in place, but go off and on the big declutter/organization projects. It may be time to get back into it. I'm starting to see some beards on my ceiling fans - not good .

AnnieMac - was it Green and Blacks 85%? They are good. I usually use them to bake with. It would take some real commitment to eat more than a little at a time! Good for you, though. If you're going to eat it - go for the best you can afford and really enjoy it.

[Amandamanda]

142.9 today by some miracle! Even better because this makes it EXACTLY 50 lbs from when I did my very first weigh in on April 7th. I couldn't believe that I was seeing 192.9 lbs staring me right in the face. So to have 50lbs gone in 6 months feels really great!

[Annie Mac]

Originally Posted by theoldmommers

AnnieMac - was it Green and Blacks 85%? They are good. I usually use them to bake with. It would take some real commitment to eat more than a little at a time! Good for you, though. If you're going to eat it - go for the best you can afford and really enjoy it.

It was indeed G&B. With the 85%ers, you have to melt them slowly in your mouth to taste any of the sweetness, which is good. It's nothing like the Baker's red foil package of semi-sweet chips, which I can scarf down by the handful. Today, chicken stock and butternut squash soup. I have discovered that if I don't start cooking dinner in the morning, it doesn't happen on time -- at least the prep work.

I ate a *phenomenal* amount of food yesterday! I stopped eating at 5:30 and told my husband to stop me if I tried to stuff anything else in my mouth, because I was in NO danger of starvation -- for the next month! Anyway, am aiming for a little moderation today.

[pacificbliss]

Amanda that is amazing! I was thinking I would like to lose 50 lbs in a year but maybe I should step it up a bit.

theoldmommers that has been my strategy too. I do what I can, don't beat myself up about it, and hope it sticks. The scale has been moving slowly but surely.

This morning I saw 184.6. Will give it a few more days. I have a week of travel coming up and this is always a danger zone.

[GoBecGo]

Hey everyone, no time to chat so just an update....211.8lbs this morning. Less than a lb in a week! Ah well, i think i would be having my period this week if it weren't for the BFing (so no bleeding, but extra relaxin, cervix low and open, PMT-moods and skin...this happened 4 weeks ago too, so i assume that's what it is). It's a bit depressing to have lost less than a lb, but i guess eating well and exercising is kind of a given, even if weight doesn't melt away easily from it. So, onwards and downwards (on the scale) good luck to everyone else!

[Amandamanda]

ahh! it wasn't a fluke- 142.5 this morning, could it really be true?!

[kitteh]

Awesome Amanda!! I'm so impressed.

I weighed myself at 127.2 this morning, which was a nice surprise since I only got in two workouts last week and I haven't been eating as clean as I ought to be. I know it could be just a fluke if I don't keep up the good habits, though, so I'm posting here to officially commit myself to a week of at least 4 workouts (preferably 5) and CLEAN EATING. I'm somewhat lax on that lately, so I need to remind myself that a few seconds of sweet-tooth indulgence can mean lots and lots of cardio to undo the damage. Usually if I just try to ignore the craving for a bit and drink some water or green tea it fades after 10 to 20 minutes, tops, and I'm much happier with myself when I resist. I'm trying to get back to satisfying my sweet tooth with fruit instead of refined sugars like cookies and chocolate cake.

SO! Here's to a good week!

[Annie Mac]

Originally Posted by kitteh

. I'm somewhat lax on that lately, so I need to remind myself that a few seconds of sweet-tooth indulgence can mean lots and lots of cardio to undo the damage. Usually if I just try to ignore the craving for a bit and drink some water or green tea it fades after 10 to 20 minutes, tops, and I'm much happier with myself when I resist. I'm trying to get back to satisfying my sweet tooth with fruit instead of refined sugars like cookies and chocolate cake.

SO! Here's to a good week!

This has been the most challenging aspect -- sugar. Specifically, chocolate. Last week, I decided to just not buy any chocolate, but I found I was scarfing down anything remotely sweet just to try and satisfy, unsuccessfully, the chocolate craving. I ate bowls and bowls of sweetened cereal, my husband's gummies (and I don't even like them), bananas with maple syrup, oranges. Tea. I haven't reached a balance yet. Yesterday I broke down and bought some chocolate because I figured 2 tbsp of chocolate chips has to have less sugar, fat and calories than everything else I tried to substitute for it. The trick would be to not sub anything, but I'm not there yet.

And life: there's got to be a better way to integrate exercise and healthy eating into everyday routine, even with unforeseen circumstances. Today I was planning on walking to our 6 month doctor appt, but the baby has decided that 4:30 a.m. is a great time to be chipper and wake up. So, come 10:30, will I have the energy for an hour walk to the doc's and an hour back again? I'll try. I guess you can't plan for everything. Roll with the punches, Anna!

Had a healthy dinner last night. Roast Veg. Woke up hungry, which I think is a good sign. I found a low fat samosa recipe, and will try making those tonight. I've never made mango chutney, but I have a bag of frozen ones, so I think I'll give that a shot as well.

Have a great day everyone!

[Amandamanda]

So, as I'm sure some of you are aware- I have a bit of a scale obsession. I weigh everyday. I need to stop. Its not healthy, and my husband finally told me the other day that he is worried that I am becoming too obsessed. He says 60% of what we talk about lately is my weight, or food, or diet, or exercise, or something like that. I personally wouldn't say it is NEARLY that much, but the fact that he felt like he had to say something to me was a real eye opener. I'm getting closer and closer to goal #2, and really goal #3 (135lbs) isn't too far off from that. I need to make some changes. I need to stop having losing weight be the priority in my life. All of a sudden my son is 7 months old, and it seems to have come out of nowhere. Have I been enjoying his babyhood, or focusing too much on losing the weight that I have missed the time passing? I know it is important to make being healthy a priority, but where does it cross the line? I count calories everyday, I work out everyday, I WEIGH everyday. And then talk to my husband about it the second he comes through the door. So starting today I am going to make a change. This might seem silly, and pointless and still obsessive, but I have to start somewhere. I am going to start weighing every other day. Eventually I hope to be able to get to the point where I can comfortably weigh myself only once a week and not be obsessing over it. I still think calorie counting is so important for where I am right now, but I ultimately hope in a few weeks or so to get to the point where I am able to just make smart choices and not need to tally up everything that goes into my mouth. I am going to shift my focus a bit, it may make my weight come off slower, but at least my marriage will be "healthier" haha. I couldn't resist.
I bought this book and I am hoping it can help me too.

So yeah. My name is Amanda, I have a scale obsession... and I AM NOT GOING TO WEIGH MYSELF TODAY.
..hopefully.

[theoldmommers]

Still working out like a little marine and unfortunately eating like a big one!

Anna and kitteh - I hear you on the sugar! I'm thinking of trying to cut it out completely, but I'll need to have a green smoothie standing by at all times (a bit of a commitment) since they really help with the cravings. I have some chromium I could add to my supplements too. That's what I'll focus on this week.

Amanda - I was a bit like you with the weight loss when I had my son (including cornering my husband the minute he walked in the door!). The thing is when you prioritize it like that it works! One thing I did was to keep it a priority, but compartmentalize it. I planned out all my food the night before, exercised and weighed during DS's first nap and then just followed the plan for the rest of the day without giving it any more attention. I'm just not organized enough yet to do that, but hope it's in the future. I only weigh once a week now, since the ups and downs tend to determine my whole day.

[nola79]

Amanda, I can totally relate. I was feeling that way for awhile. I don't own a home scale, and can only weigh myself at the gym. I actually went today and forgot to weigh! Imagine that!

[Geigerin]

I joined this thread last week to help motivate me. And it has! We've been walking 3 times a day. Went hiking twice last week.

Good news that's also bad news: I can finally eat dairy again. Maddy couldn't handle dairy in my diet for 6 months. Now that I can have it again, I've had ice cream 3 days in a row. :/

Haven't weighed yet this week, so know what the damage is. Lol

[ihugtrees]

Hi everyone! I need to buy a scale. I know last time I weighed (early September) I was 163, but no idea what I weigh now. I think I lost a little bit, but I'm not sure.

I'm doing pretty good, food wise...I'm usually eating great about 90% of the day, with a little cheat at some point. I'm working 2 days a week (8-5) then have class from 6-830, so I always end up eating something awful on the class break (stupid college cafe has so much junk!) I also usually end up cheating on the weekends. Overall, I'm happy with my diet & feel like I'm doing relatively well, though there is definite room for improvement. I don't WANT the bad stuff as often, so that's a plus.

Can I just whine and vent for a second? I'm scared, because this coming weekend I'm traveling to visit my family. My family eats like crap, and they really push it on me. I have such a junk food addiction, and being around it is so hard. Last fall, I was on such a health kick. For 3 months straight, I was eating almost ZERO junk and exercising 3-5 times a week...I stayed with them for 2 weeks at Christmas, and completely fell off the wagon. Ice cream every night, going out to eat, candy & chips & soda & wine, NO physical activity because nobody wanted to go for walks or anything...and to be honest, I haven't felt really, truly motivated to be healthy again since then, until recently (the last few weeks.) And now I'm going to go see them again.

Plus, I am so self conscious about my weight. Despite my family's eating habits, my brothers & my mom are very thin & so are all of my aunts and cousins. I have friends from high school that don't have kids, and I meet them to catch up, and I just feel like crap. I had purposefully planned to lose 30-35 lbs by January, when I planned to visit them, but I had a last minute cahnce to visit them now, which I am so looking forward to...except for how I look I just know what everyone is thinking, because I've heard them say it about others: "Her baby is x months old and she still hasn't lost the weight?" They aren't malicious, but it is the small town, gossip-y thing...

Sigh. I love my family and friends and can't wait to be in my hometown for an entire week to see them all! But I don't know how I'll enjoy being with the people I love, going to the beach, spending time in the sun, without being totally conscious of my body the entire time

[pacificbliss]

Amanda It sounds less obsessive to me and more just proud of what you have accomplished. Sounds like your husband just needs a break from it. I would say continue to weigh everyday but find other things to chat with DH about. With my DH I couch it in terms he gets. working out really affects my mood and, if I get regular exrcise it's good for our sex life, As in, there's a chance. LOL If that is true for you also maybe discuss it in those terms Also, is he in pretty good shape or overweight? My DH is a little overweight so I think he would get a bit self conscious if I lost a lot of weight. He's just going to have to join me or suck it up though.

Yay Geigerin!

ihugtrees I totally understand. When you get there buy some of your go to health foods and then don't beat yourself up. It's only a weekend. I am assuming you will have the baby with you? Maybe you can say I am going for a walk. I think DC needs some fresh air. I bet the family will follow the baby Good luck! I am staying with family this week while working out of town and it's tough.