I"m sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the emotional toll it can take. Hugs!
Here are some tips I used after I had my son to help with the weight loss (I gained over 50lbs when I was preggy and have since lost all of it):
* If I cannot eat breakfast, I drink a replacement meal shake (at least u will get the vitamins and minerals rather than nothing). I keep different ones in my fridge so they are in sight and a reminder to have breakfast.
* I try to eat what I feed baby.....I ensure he gets a healthy daily dose of fruit, veggies, grains, etc so I just eat what he eats in larger portions of course. He gets 3 meals a day with 2 snacks in between so I force myself to eat during these times too. (skipping regular eating causes me to binge and overeat at night and feel guilty).
* Every day I go outside with baby - the walk and the fresh air makes my step lighter and my waist thinner - brisk walking for at least 1/2 hour makes a diff with me....I pull him in the wagon or we go in the running stroller.
* In our back yard I take out all the balls we have in the house (beach ball, yoga ball, football, basketball) and we run around and yell and throw balls and I lift baby to jump on the yoga ball (hence working my arm muscles - in a controlled manner of course) and I bounce on the ball and we act silly at the same time I am exercising. I do crunches and pushups and he's running around and loves it!
*Inside, I jump jacks and baby mimics me and has fun, we march around the room and I lay down a blanket and we play a game of marching around the outside of the perimeter,,,then mommy jumps on the blanket and dances a silly step and then goes back to marching.....then it's baby's turn to jump on the blanket and silly dance....just alot of fun for baby but exercise for me. All the while I tuck in my belly and tighten my glutes - aware of exercising the whole time.
* I drink water all day long and ensure to not pick at food in between scheduled snacks and meals....I feel the urge to pick or eat munchies as I"m home all day long BUT it's crucial I do not do this. It makes a big difference! So, I input my food to fitday and I count my daily calorie intake. It does take a little work but WORTH IT. In the kitchen I have a little book on the counter that I write down EVERYTHING that I eat so when baby is in bed I log on to fitday and input all the food.
I bought an eliptical machine (inexpensive one at Walmart) and use it at least every 2nd day....even if it's for 15-20 minutes - worth it!
* I lay out my workout/gym clothes and socks and runners by my bed so every morning I get up, I automatically put it on and I get in the exercise mindset right from the very beginning. I also am in the habit of wearing a cool headwrap and pull my hair into a ponytail - simple and fun for me.
* I attach a pedometer to my waistband (inexpensive at Walmart) so I can monitor my walking...they don't always work so well BUT it keeps me mindful of moving as much as I can throughout the day).
*I come on here as often as I can and look at pictures and read success stories.
*One other thing that helps me stay motivated.....I try on my bathing suit and look at myself in the mirror...this gentle reminder that summer is approaching and I want to get back into the swimsuit and feel good is very motivating!
I have my days where I fall off the wagon (especially PMS time) but if I fall off, I just come to my senses and just start all over again.
Good luck and if you want a buddy feel free to email me at
sandradbaggio@yahoo.com
Sandy