Hi, my apologies to the "40s something" crowd, this is also posted here for a broader reach!

Hi, I need help figuring out which plan is right for me. Before I worked in this profession – before I had my (now 4 year old twins) - before I had a 1.5 -2 hour commute each way to work, I used to eat healthy and work out. What worked for me before becoming a mom – for very gradual weight loss, even on induction… was South Beach with LOTS of exercise– but I have absolutely NO, and I mean NO time to prepare meals or exercise.

I now have a very stressful, last minute crazy hours job. There usually is no time to exercise (or even take a bathroom break at work, seriously, no lunch breaks often) during the day, due to work, and my long commute. And honestly, even if I have any free time during the day, I would rather spend half an hour with my kids before they go to bed then hit the Gym and not see them at all during the week. I have no time to cook. I often have weekends free, but not usually – and by “free” I mean trying to spend some time with my kids while cleaning up a weeks worth of mess in the house and laundry.

So basically – my weight has crept up 40 pounds from my usual weight (50 pounds from goal weight) and I have no time, energy, or $ to spare.

Atkins did not work for me – I did not lose a single pound, even after 6 weeks on induction.

I am looking for suggestions of diets to try, that do not require: Any $, exercise, much (barely ANY, I mean not more than 5 minutes top) food preparation, time, or trying to figure out mathematical equations entering nutrients into a calculator. Preferably a plan that is low in processed carbs and high in protein, and does not require strict calorie counting (I am not completely opposed to calorie counting, but I CANNOT live off of less than 1200 calories a day!), and allows caffeine.

I often get ravenous from stress (which comes with the territory with my job) and whatever I chose I need to find lots of low-calorie, non-perishable food to stash for emergency snacks.

I have considered joining weight watchers, but cannot afford any $.;… AT ALL, and the calculators scare me.


I need high protein / lower carb options as I am also hypoglycemic.

So I am here, asking for what worked for you, and suggestions. Please, any suggestions at all would be very welcome! Thanks so much in advance!

What I have learnt is that not one diet is suitable to everyone. Your ideal diet might be 4 different diets mixed together. Like a shake to cut your calorie intake but then Atkins to curve your carnivores cravings. I have tried many diets and got discouraged when I either put weight on or plateaued so it was trial and error . And now I have a comfortable diet that suits me so I don't end up binge eating or craving anything.

It's all about trial and error. Sometimes I guess even our bodies react the same way anything else would. If we have something or do something too much we create an immunity to it, so it will stop having an effect.
We need to trick the body and have a variety.

As they say variety is the spice of life.

You can have coffee if you calorie count and you definitely do not have to restrict yourself to 1200 calories.

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

For exercise...why not combine 2 in 1. When you're spending time with the twins, do something that incorporates exercise. Walking is wonderful.

I have 3 young ones and KNOW how hard it is to find time. I have to exercise at 5-6 in the morning. Was crunched for time the other day, and I went to the gym with my kids after I picked them up from school and walked on the track. Even if you don't have a gym, head outside and try to do 2 things at once. A running scavenger hunt could be great

Welcome!

Look up the Curves Diet plan. I was on that several years ago due to lack of money, time, and etc. I had borrowed a book from my friend and utilized it to my advantage. I lost 30 pounds (then regained, yeah not in the plan, that was me, not the plan, and it will not happen again!) The lowest it goes is 1200 calories, but averages 1500. No calorie counting...just make sure to weigh your food.

Prepackaged grilled chicken in your friend....you can find sales and coupons on that...or do it on the weekends and freeze it up. I did that a lot...spend a few hours on the weekend (kids LOVE to help cook!) and made up my week's food items and froze them. Pop in your lunch box and tada! No cooking required during the week, cheap, and simple.