Juggling work/family and weightloss...... - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

O2Bayummymummy · 07-11-2011, 06:59 AM

Hey there. I am a working mum of one who is an early career scientist - a job that frequently requires long days..... Sometimes I find it hard to fit in the exercise that I should. I am looking for anyone else out there who is juggling their life and fitting in their weightloss too

I am trying the Dukan Diet, and am in my 7th week (or 6th week of cruise for fellow Dukaneers). I have managed to lose 6 1/2 kg (~14 pounds) so far which is great, but I still have a ways to go.

I have been taking the stairs, not the elevators and trying to walk every day - although it is usually most days, not all days. I find it hard to fit all these things in and spend time with hubby and my 2 year old daughter. We had a nice family walk/bike to the park on the weekend which was great, and I would like to do a bit more of that if I can.
Does anyone else struggle with these things (there has to be someone) and does anyone have any tips about fitting things in??

Look forward to hearing some of the inspiring stories I have been reading on this website so far

SCraver · 07-11-2011, 08:51 AM

I like to joke that work/life balance is a myth like unicorns and dragons! Lol!

The important thing to remember is that what you eat is going to effect your weight loss far more than exercise. So if you don't get to exercise one day - it's not as big of a deal. I work out during my lunch break. I sometimes take my 2 yr old out in his jogging stroller. I cook big meals and divide left overs into single serving containers to grab for quick/easy dinners/lunches on other days.

Yesterday, for the first time ever, I had a woman come and help me clean my house. She was worth every penny. I plan to have her come about an hour each week to help me catch up on things I just can't get to.

Lovely · 07-11-2011, 11:21 AM

Welcome to 3FC!

I actually applaud you for adding in activity where you can... taking the stairs, taking short strolls. It all adds up! Definitely make active plans with your family when you can. Taking walks with them, going to parks and playing. Anything that gets everyone moving!

Glad to have you join us =)

April Snow · 07-11-2011, 11:37 AM

Hey O2Bay!!

The good thing about Dukan is that the exercise requirement is relatively low - not that you can't do more when you have the time, but the plan calls for just the 30 minutes of walking.

I'm a single mom of a 7 year old, so I have a lot of constraints too - I can't go take a walk outside at 6 am (when it's cool and pleasant) because I can't leave my son alone in the house even when he's sleeping. So I try to break up the 30 minutes and find the time as I can - even if it's just 5 minutes here and there, I'm hitting 30 minutes most of the time. This includes "walking" at home in my living room with my Wii (doing some of the step aerobics programs and similar ones). I don't always have a full 30 minutes where I can do it in once stretch, but I can make up for whatever time I haven't been able to accumulate the rest of the day. You don't need a Wii - even running in place will work.

and definitely include your family when possible - my son is VERY active, so he really inspires me to keep physically active esp on weekends when we've got more time.

ShannieG · 07-11-2011, 01:14 PM

Hi O2Bay,

Congrats on losing 14 pounds with the Dukan diet. I have heard lots of great things about the diet.

Like you I am trying to balance, career, family and weightloss .I do not have any children so it makes it a bit easier.

But I try to get up every morning as early as I can around 5:30am and do a small workout it may only be 10-15 minutes but I will do squats, free weights or a quick jog to get my day started. It has actually motivated me to stay on track and keep going. I have heard the exercise is only 10% of weight loss and eating is 90% it sounds like you are doing great don't stress yourself out too much about not exercising enough. I would take it 1 day at a time.

duckling · 07-12-2011, 12:45 AM

Hi!

I am familiar with your struggle, O2Bay. I have 2 daughters at home and work full time. I work in a large medical facility, so I use a lot of the tricks that you do- take the stairs and such.

At home, I try to take the girls out for a bike ride or walk once a day. We also spend a lot of time in the backyard playing frisbee or soccer. On the weekends we like to go hiking.

For the last few months I have been running at night on my treadmill after I get my daughters to bed.

O2Bayummymummy · 07-12-2011, 03:56 AM

Thanks everyone for your helpful pointers. I get up at 5am at the moment, and climb back into bed around 10:30 - 11pm.....so like you are suggesting, maybe if I break it into smaller bits it will help. 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there - it's gonna add up eventually......
I was not aware about the 90% of weightloss is through the eating habits, so that is interesting for me: )
April snow, I find my daughters energy inspiring (and sometimes tiring) too. I want to be able to do things with her, so am hoping I can find the balance between it all. I thought the park bike/walk was quite a success, although we had to carry her and her bike home - she had never ridden so far in her life and had a sore bottom!!!! Cute : )