January 30, 2010
Help me get started
I really need to start exercising regularly for so many reasons.
* I have so much excess skin from my two pregnancies and I would like to have a tummy tuck at some point. I need to be at an optimal weight to do that.
* I have tons of great clothes (nice things from back when I actually spent some money on myself) just waiting for me to lose weight.
* I am at a higher risk for diabetes after having gestational diabetes.
* And the biggest reason apart from my health is that I will FEEL better about myself. I have some real self-image issues. I hardly post pictures of myself anymore because I look at them and think I look fat. Well, I do. I need to drop a good 35 pounds. I want to feel sexy again. I haven't put on lingerie since I had kids and I used to like doing that for James. But now I'm flabby. Yuck.
Where do I start? It's overwhelming. I don't sleep well because of Liam and I don't think I'll ever be able to wake up before the kids to exercise because I'm so tired. Should I use videos? Get a treadmill? Take walks? We don't have much money for me to join a gym since we're on one income and I don't think Liam would stay in a nursery there. James works so much and I'm seldom without the kids, so how can I find a way to exercise with the kids around and without losing even more sleep? Something's gotta give, I guess.
Here is me last month. I'm going to suck it up and post a picture. It's the only full body shot I have. I wouldn't say I'm FAT. You may have a different opinion, but keep it to yourself or you'll break my heart. :-)
I'm in the same situation you are Hannah, as far as self image goes. But they say we're our own worst critics. I'm in the same boat too, as far as exercising, or should I say, mustering up motivation for it. I have a treadmill and an ab lounge exercising machine & now that Kendall's in Pre-K, I need to get off my bootie & put them to good use.
I think you look great Hannah. Like I said above, we're our own worst critics. I hope you're able to find a happy medium & accomplish what you want to accomplish. Good luck :)
Posted by: connie at January 30, 2010 11:34 PMYou know, us chesty women always look larger than we really are.
I have the severe excess skin from two pregnancies too. My friend has NONE of that and she's had 3 kids. Not fair. Maybe one day we can trade skin pictures! haha.
Posted by: alfredsmom at January 31, 2010 9:39 AMMy advice would be that you can't do everything at once. Trying to start a diet plan and exercise plan at the same time is overwhelming. I would suggest starting with weight watchers. I have used it before and it really works. You don't feel like you are restricted with it. You can still eat normal foods just in a modified way. And because your time is limited, they offer an online program. It's a small investment that gives big results. Maybe go for walks when you can with the kids as it warms up. Then once you start seeing results and your weight starts to plateau (because it will, it always does, you can only get so far with just dieting) you can start incorporating more exercise by joining a place like the Y that offers child care. Sure it may be tough on the kids at first but trust me they'll get used to it. They'll only cry as long as they can still see you and once you are out of their sight and off in your Body Pump class, they'll be having fun and playing with other kids. I hope this helps and if you ever want to go to the park and walk sometime give me a call...I'll go and help out with the kids!
Posted by: Jennifer at February 2, 2010 9:45 AMhi hannah :) It's been a while since I've been to your blog, but I've had a 10 month old since, and I know exactly what you mean! I have a lot of nice clothes in the closet as well, waiting for me to get back into a size that'll fit into them again. And at the end of the day, I look at the treadmill and sigh in exhaustion just looking at it :) I think you look wonderful in the photo and I know that it may take time, but we'll be back in those clothes and being even sexier mommas than ever :)
Posted by: letti at February 3, 2010 9:12 AM