Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and excited to get started on my weight loss journey! I'm 35 and never struggled with my weight until after I had my kids. I ate my face off during both pregnancies, gaining 60lbs each time, and had big kids (9+lbs each). I did manage to lose most of the weight while I was breastfeeding but then when I weaned I slowly put weight back on.

Then I got a stressful desk job and discovered a love of wine and lo and behold here I am today at 190lbs! I feel totally disgusting in my body right now and just want to get back to my old self. It is difficult because I love food and wine.

My new year's resolution this year was to give up wine and get in shape. I do better with some support so that's why I joined 3FC! So far no wine in 2016 but my diet and exercise still need a lot of work. It is very hard forming so many new habits at once but I would really really love to be in shape for my 10 year anniversary this spring and for bathing suit season this summer.

Phew, sorry this was so long!

Hi Darwin10,

Being in shape for your 10 year anniversary is a great incentive! Best of luck. You sound resolute which is great!

Have you set yourself an exercise goal? I signed up for a half marathon (as a totally overweight non-runner) and I found having a big target helped focus me when it came to exercise.

No I haven't yet but maybe I should. I can't afford a gym membership and right now it's really cold and icy outside. So far I've just been walking and doing some core exercises at home. I can't risk running on this ice but once it warms up in the spring I plan to run!

Hi Darwin! I'm in Canada too. I have an 18 month old and gained weight AFTER giving birth, so I'm trying to lose it while juggling parenting and working. I also can't afford a gym membership right now so I haven't figured out how to work out at home.

Right now I'm trying to eat protein and veggies at every meal. I'm not sure what to do beyond that yet. I'd love to hear what you're doing!

Good luck!

Hi upandaway! Looks like we have similar weight loss goals as well as being fellow Canucks! I'm from Vancouver. I have two kids, 8 and 6 years old. I know how hard it is to try and lose weight as a busy parent, that's for sure!

Right now I am focusing more on my eating habits than on exercise, although I have been walking quite a bit and doing a few crunches at home (like 20 lol). From what I've read weight loss is 80% eating habits and only 20% exercise.
I gave up alcohol which was a big one for me. So many empty calories. I miss my wine though! I drink lots of water and green tea and only eat multigrain stuff, no white bread. And lots of veggies and fruit and lean protein. At dinner I just try to eat less than usual and add a salad. So far 2 lbs down in 6 days so I'm happy!

Have you tried exercise videos? Even walking around the mall pushing your little one in the stroller for a while would help too, or outside if it's not too snowy?

Hi Darwin! I tried exercising last night. I have a 12kg kettle bell at home, so I did swings for 2 rounds of a tabata. I used to do this no problem, but it's been so long since I exercised so I was so beat after 8 minutes! I'll have to work on it. I've been thinking about trying Bikini Body Mommy videos on Youtube. They're 20 minutes long.

I'm trying not to worry too much about the exercise yet. I don't want to make too many changes all at once. I'm focusing on healthy balanced meals and limiting grains to 1/2 cup, and veggies as much as I want, and a palm sized portion of lean protein.

I miss my wine too! I loved drinking a glass at the end of the day once I put my son to sleep. But I'll have to find new rituals.

Yeay! Congrats on your two pound loss! 2 pounds in a week is a great pace!

Do you have a game plan for the weekend? The weekends throw me off...

Sounds like you're on the right track! I've never tried using a kettle ball. Used to do light weights but for the past 6 months or so I've had bursitis in my shoulder. It's finally getting better now but I don't want to aggravate it.

I agree weekends are the hardest time to stick to a diet. This weekend we're going to a party, but I've offered to be the designated driver so there won't be any temptation to drink. I also plan to eat a bunch of healthy stuff before we go so I won't be tempted by any of the unhealthy appies that I'm sure will be there.

Hopefully I'll find the time to go on a walk or two as well! Weather is supposed to be decent.

That sounds like a good plan Darwin. I've also heard of the trick of keeping something in your hands (a napkin in one hand and a non-alcoholic drink in the other) to keep yourself from eating appetizers!

I'm sure you'll do great! The weather is not so good here over the weekend. Since there might be freezing rain, I'll stay home and not be tempted to eat out! I also made some turkey chili last night, so I have some meals already made.