Hi!!
Well I'm new on here and in need of some serious help! I'm 23 5'3" and 195lbs I have two children Mason is 4years and Kiana is 2months! I really would like to get down to 145 or a size 7 which ever happens first. Right now I'm a size 14 or 12 depending on the brand. My husband was recently told by the dr that he has to lose at least 40lbs he's 6' and 302lbs. So I thought the best way to motivate him would be to lead by example. I haven't weighed less then 160lbs in years and I really don't over eat I guess I hardly eat and the main problem I have is starches and chocolate around a certain time of month!!
I need diet ideas and exercise ideas for me at home with the kids! Any input would be greatly appreciated, any questions just ask!!
angie

You've found a great place to get support and advice. I'm in a similar situation as a stay-home mom, even though my kids are older. Here's my plan, but remember that not everything will work for everyone.

Calorie counting/cycling- averaging about 1600 cal per day. I stick to whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies, organic granola bars, 100cal packs of popcorn for snacks. The calorie counting has worked best for me so that I can feed the rest of the family what we have always liked, but now I make the recipes healthier. I use olive oil instead of tons of other oils to 'fry' things. I steer clear of anything with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, bad fats, and very much sugar or salt. I eat 6 times each day, as well, so I don't let myself get too hungry and end up bingeing!

As far as exercise, I've started walking with the boys and we moved the weight bench to the living room (probably not the best idea with little ones though). We also just got a stability ball and everyone is enjoying practicing with it! I have to stay by the couch, though, or I fall over

Hope some of this helps! The best thing I can say is to visit here often. There are so many smart, helpful people to talk to and learn from. I know I wouldn't be succeeding now if I hadn't found 3FC and joined. and best wishes!

Hi! I'm new today, too!
Good luck, I really hope we can find a good support group here!

Carly

Thanx for the ideas, we live in South Dakota and it's already getting so cold so I really don't want to take the kids out my son has immune system problems and my daughter is still so tiny but the ball sounds great. I'm trying to talk my husband into a treadmill or elliptical which is best? Since I'm not as active how low do you think I could go with the calories? Like I said I really don't eat much already and I'm switching to salads and nuts mostly vegetarian really I don't care for meat too much!! THANK YOU AGAIN!!

Hey Angie!

Believe it or not, NOT eating can be worse for your body and weight than eating healthy foods in moderation. If you starve your body, it'll hold onto weight like nobody's business. So eating really is the way to lose.

Have you looked at what a typical day worth of food is for you? It can be useful to look at your calories, fat, protein, carbs for the day, etc to see where you and your husband are right now. Once you've done that, areas for improvement will start popping up...increasing or decreasing calorie levels, getting more vegetables, whatever it is.

Look around here - we have a wonderful 20-somethings forum, as well as forums by eating plan.

Can't wait to get to know you better!