My new little girl is 8 weeks old today, and it's time for me to start with the diet and exercise again. I seem to be exactly the same weight that I was before I got pregnant. I'm glad that I didn't add any extra poundage, but I still would like to lose about 20 pounds.

I know it will take awhile to find a balance between work, family, exercise, and eating right. My first step today is going to the gym to renew my membership, they have a daycare there, so no excuses!

Will update tom with diet plan and official weigh-in.

Congratulations on your new baby girl! That's awesome...... I remember those days and miss them!

Just take it a day at a time and the weight you want to drop will definitely come off. You can incorporate taking your daughter on walks as exercise. I used to do that with my kids. Fresh air is good for them and you get the bonus of an aerobic work out!

Take care and good luck to you! It's nice to see you starting a journal and a new journey. We can and WILL make 2005 a great year for us all!

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl! :rose:
And welcome back! By the way, you sound very organized and I believe you will be able to take good care of yourself.

Hey Niki,

I posted on the old journal. Just came here to let you know that I found you.

Good luck at the gym. Do they take NB's? I don't know how much baby experience you have before Brynn Elise, so I'm going to put in my :2cents: here. Before you leave her there go and observe how they take care of the babies, but don't let them know that you are a Mom wanting to use the service.

Is the daycare clean? Do the caretakers wash their hands? Do they allow people to drop off babies with colds? Do they watch that older children don't hurt the younger ones? Things like that. You would be amazed at the things you have to watch out for.

The way I think of it before I leave the boys anywhere is that they can not speak yet so I have to be doubly careful until they can tell Momma what's going on.

Again, I am so happy for you!

Nand :rose:

Thanks for the welcome back, it's so nice to have all of this support.


Nandi - the center at the gym is right in the gym - I could probably see her the whole time she's in there. I'm not sure of the other specifics, but I'll be sure to check like you suggested. I need all the tips from experienced moms that you're willing to give.

Be back tom.

So glad your delivery went so nicely and WELCOME BACK!

Today is the first day that Brynn is at the babysitter's. I had to fight back tears this morning. I really didn't think I would be that way, but I surprised myself. I know she's being well taken care of but it's still hard. I can't wait to go pick her up. I haven't done much yet with my diet/exercise. I need to get to the grocery store tonight or tom, there is no food in the house.

I have an appointment at the gym on Weds morning, so I will post my official starting weight from that. I'm a little nervous to find out my body fat percentage, I know I've lost lots of muscle tone over the last few months.

Will check in again soon.

Today is the first day that Brynn is at the babysitter's. I had to fight back tears this morning. I really didn't think I would be that way, but I surprised myself.

Oh Niki, I'm so sorry, I suppose I could have warned you ... OOOPS! Yeppers, that day is the pits. Better late than never, it takes a few days to get over that, it did for me anyway.

I went back to work on a Mon and I was still crying on Wed I think. The sitter comes to me, so it got to the point that I would be late for work waiting for the boys to wake up so I could say, "Good Morning my Babies". Due to complications I was off work until November 04. So I had said that every day for almost a year. That first day back at the office I cried all the way to the office and into the bathroom where I tried to compose myself. It gets better though.

Hope you can get to the store tonight.

Have a wonderful day ... or try anyways.

Nandi :rose:

Went to the gym this morning for fit test. My weight was 143.4, which is actually better than I thought it would be. I would like to get down to 125 pounds by summer, so I have about 18.5 pounds to lose. My body fat percentage was 24, which also isn't too, too bad, I would like to get it down a bit to 20-22 %. I'm going to meet with the trainer again for an actual workout session, she seemed really nice and helpful. I have a pretty good feeling about this. I still need to get to the grocery store today, as long as the child is cooperative.

Went to Wal-Mart after the gym and bought Brynn a Baby Einstein DVD, she likes to watch the TV, so I thought I'd get her something kid-friendly to look at. I'm curious to see how she'll react. Things went pretty good with the babysitter yesterday. She's still deciding if she wants to commit to watching the baby or not, I hope that she does.

Hi nikic!
Good job with the gym and the weight loss!
I am not familiar with the Baby DVD you are talking about, but it sounds like something to make a baby open their eyes big, lol.
Hope your new babysitter decides to stay.

Back at work today. Trying to get myself together. I've decided that diet right now we'll be trying to get in three square meals a day and only fruits and veggies for snacks. Also drinking only water and my decaf green tea. My goal is to get to the gym this weekend, and also to dust off my pilates DVD and start toning up.

Baby is good, took her to the dr for her two month appt yesterday. She's 11 pounds already -- 2 whole pounds gained in one month!!

Hi Niki,

Just dropping in to say that I hope you made it to the gym this weekend.

Also, do you have Costco in your area? They had a wonderful BE set of DVD's here in CA. It was 7 DVD's for $69.95. Can't remember the titles. I didn't get it for the boys because up until about a week ago they were only interested in TV when People's Court came on. Go figure.

Let me know how the pilates are going. I'm thinking about taking up beginners yoga. I hear it would be good for my hips.

Glad the baby's check up went well. Mommy warning: The shots break your heart!

Nandi :rose:

Yes Nandi, I'm a proud Costco member, I'll have to check-out their DVD's.

I've decided to delay Brynn's vaccinations until she's at least 2 years old. There have been some pretty severe adverse reactions in my family -- so we're holding off for the time being.

That's funny that your'e boys like to watch people's court. Maybe they are destined to be lawyers.

I love yoga, did it thru my pregnancy up until the end. Were you planning on going to a class or doing a tape/DVD? If you can go to just one class, I highly recommend it--there is something about the group breathing and having the instructor there in-person that you just can't get from the TV. If you are shopping for a video or DVD, I would look for something with Rodney Yi, he is a great instructor, very easy to follow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My diet has still not been the greatest, but it's getting better. On Saturday night my mom took Brynn overnight so DH and I got a break. It was great. We had dinner together, went in the hot tub and watched a movie. On Sunday morning I got to go to the gym. It felt so good. My arms are a little sore today. Maybe I can do that pilates workout while Brynn is napping this afternoon.

Hey Niki,

Have a baby? You must have a Costco membership! You don't want to know what our baby bills were for the first year :c( However, I can't imagine what it would have been without it.

Unfortunately we were unable to get diapers at Costco until the boys got to size 3. We used the Pamper Swaddlers and Costco doesn't carry those here. I gotta tell you, the Pamper Swaddlers and Cruisers are the best thing since sliced bread. I changed an awful lot of clothes and sheets behind Huggies. They might be good for a girl, but they are the worst ever for boys. We were doing 3-5 baby loads a day for the first month cause I had to use up the Huggies that I bought in advance. Wow, I had almost forgotten how miserable I was with all that extra work.

What the pediatrician say about delaying the vaccinations? Do they think there is any risk involved? What kind of reactions did your family have to the shots?

Thanks so much for the tips on the Yoga. I figure it is something that I can do at home even if I can't get to the gym. I will try to find a class though so I can be shown the proper positioning.

How wonderful that you were able to get a break, just you and your honey. Don't I wish. The closet thing I ever got to a break so far was when the boys were in the hospital for surgery in May. They both had surgery in the same week. So I had one baby at home and my DH stayed in the hospital overnight with the other. To be honest, it was no break. I really didn't know what to do with myself, I was so used to having 2 babies that I was lost with all the time I had on my hands.

How many hours a night is Brynn sleeping now? Are you getting any rest yet?

OK, gotta get some sleep while I can. Morning comes way too early these days.

Nandi :rose:

Brynn is a good little sleeper, she sleeps about 8 hours straight at night. I miss her so much right now. I hate being at work and having to leave her. :c(

Got to the gym on Saturday and Monday. Eating is still not as good as it should/could be.

Went to the gym on Saturday. It was good. I wish I could get there more often. I want to start doing pilates again. That's my next goal.

Got tons of snow over the weekend. The roads are still bad, and the gym was closed on Sunday.

Eating is still so/so I need to put more time into healthy meal planning instead of eating whatever is around and easy.

Brynn is at her daycare today, I still miss her, but she's being well taken care of so I'm sure she's fine.

Hi Nikic!

Congratulations on your baby girl! How is everything? BTW - love the name, had tried talking DH into choosing that name if James had been a girl!

It's good to see you back. I had taken a hiatus at the end of the year, but am back to finally lose this weight. I don't want spring and summer to come and feel miserable about the way I look. I will definitely drop by your journal and will be posting in mine again.

I'm sure your enjoying the little one! Can't wait to hear more about her!

Hi Whisper, I'm glad you're back.

I'm on a some-what regular schedule now. Working 3 days per week, and Brynn goes to a babysitter. I miss her during the day, but I think it's a good thing for both of us. I know she's getting lots of interaction during the day, I think she was getting a little bored just staring at me all the time :laugh:

I really need to work on my diet, it's terrible and I think it's starting to effect my milk supply. I don't make an effort to get meals in. I know I'm not getting a sufficient amount of calories in, and what I do eat isn't very nutritious. I also have to drink way, way more water than I have been. I'm going to try to get it together this weekend, Prepare more for the week, etc.

I feel like I'm finally able to get more stuff done while I'm home with Brynn. I got some cleaning done around the house this week. It always makes me feel better if the house is not filthy.

Well, my house is filthy again!! Oh well, had a nice lazy weekend. My mom babysat last night and dh and I went out on a date. I've been kind of stressed lately, especially with milk pumping issues I've been having lately. I've had to tap my freezer stash of breastmilk for the past couple of days, so I'm working on building up my supply again. It seems like I'm pumping all of the time. I hope they don't get angry at me at work, but it just has to be done right now, hopefully things will get better soon.

I got to the gym on Saturday. Other than that, not much exercise. I still haven't done any pilates. Eating has been so so, I've been making an effort to get in more water.

Hello Nikic!
Nice to hear you had a date with your dh. Good luck with pumping your milk! Good idea to drink a lot of water, it will be good for your milk supply too. I wouldn't worry too much about the house right now. You are doing great!

Yes, the last thing you need to worry about is the house! But I understand how it makes you feel better when things are in order. I can't believe the state of my living room after the day is over - and this is just ds toys!

You'll get the eating and water thing under control. Take one day at a time! In this day and age, the job place should understand the new mommy!

Pumping at work is still going, so/so. I am still needing to dip into my freezer supply, and once that is done I may have to supplement with formula. But I think I could probably make it another month before doing that.

My mom is taking Brynn for the day on Saturday so that I can get some things done. We're having people over for the Super Bowl, so I want the house to at least be presenatable.

I'm doing a little bit better with my water, but it still needs some improvement.

No gym this weekend, but my house is pretty clean, even after our Super Bowl party last night. I'm tired today. Eating is not great, I am so unmotivated. At least the weather has been warm and sunny lately (for February). Not sure what exercise is going to be like this week. Maybe dh will watch dd tonight so I can do my pilates.

This time of a year is such a bummer - I can totally relate to the lack of motivation. This weather has been such a tease, but I used it well going for a walk both Monday and Tuesday at the park. I suppose the thought of spring/summer approaching should be motivating as that means less clothes/no hiding under sweaters, but....what is it?

Finding time to exercise is difficult. I hope you got to do your pilates! :o

DD had a dr appt yesterday. She's only gained 14 oz since last month, she is still in the normal weight range for her age, but dr is concerned that she's not getting enough to eat -- they are looking for a 2 pound gain each month. He suggested giving her some formula after feedings. I don't know, I think she's getting plenty to eat, she doesn't act hungry, has plenty of dirty diapers, and sleeps really well at night ?????? I bought some mothers milk tea and fenugreek to try and up my milk supply. I'm also making a much stronger effort to drink more water, just seems to make me pee more :D

I know I need to have a healthier diet too, I'm working on it, it's a process.

Got to the gym on Saturday and Sunday, it felt so good. I'm mad at myself because I forgot to bring my pump attachments with me, so I won't be able to pump at work today, I hope one day doesn't have too much of a negative effect on my milk supply. I had so much fun with dd this morning, she was really laughing, that's a new thing for her, such a great sound.

I would like to try and do pilates sometime tonight, even if it's after dd goes to bed, better late than not at all.

Ugh, I never get to do pilates!!!!!!! DD went to sleep about an hour later than she usually does, and I still had to do laundry and get her stuff ready for the babysitter's. I was so tired this morning, dd woke up at 6:30, so I brought her in to bed with me, then we both slept until after 7:30, so of course I ended up rushing around all crazy this morning trying to get to work on time. Brynn was really cooperative, she was being such a good girl this morning. I feel bad because we didn't get to have any playtime before I dropped her off, I 'll have to make up for that tonight. Diet has been a bit better. Not sure what I'm going to have for lunch yet, but I'm starting to get hungry.

I think gaining 14 oz is plenty and if you know that she eats and doesn't act hungry then the mother is probably right. We're the ones feeding our children, not the doctor. I've also learned that babies really do know when enough is enough. I would continue to listen to her cues and monitor weight gain as each month passes.

Great job on getting to the gym this past weekend. I really need a kick to the rear to get myself moving.

DD sounds so cute - those first giggles and smiles are the best!

Hey Niki,

Sorry I've been gone so long. I've been keepin' up though, just not a lot of time for posting. We had another sicky week here, UGHHH! First JC, CJ, DH, Me, SIL, and then to make matters worse SIL gave it to my Dad ... He doesn't live here. When JC got sick I took him to the Dr and she said that CJ was going to get it too so not to bring him to the Dr unless it was different than JC's. If I don't see another illness of any kind for 3 years it will still be too soon.

OK, I'm glad to see it's not just me. Do you think the morning is the best quality playtime too? I do. I envy SIL cause she is with the boys 4 mornings a week and I only get 3. They are so alert and playful in the morning, all ready to face the day. By the afternoon, they are just not the same.

I think Whispers right about the weight gain. All babies are different. Brynn's going to let you know if she is not getting enough to eat. Just watch to make sure that she is crying tears when she does cry and that she is wetting and pooping enough.

Don't feel too bad about the filthy house. The boys are already 14 mos and I don't have my house together yet. I swear every day that I'm going to get to it.

How much time do you need for the pilates? Any chance you could get up a little early in the morning and do it before work? Just a thought.

I gotta get ready for work. Just wanted to check in with you. Have a great day! :D

Nandi :rose:

Nandi, I'm so sorry that the "sicks" found you again. I'm sending some healthy vibes your way. I just love playtime in the morning w/dd, it seems to be her most giggly time.

I should get up and do pilates in the morning, I just love to sleeps so stinking much. I really need to get to bed earlier too, but late night is when I do all of my preparing for the next day. I also need to move Brynn out of our room into her own, I like having her sleep where I can see her, I just keep stretching out her bassinet time, keep putting off moving her to her crib.

Eating has been much better lately, not as much junk snacking, and I've gotten a good amount of water in today. I'm so excited because Friday I go to get my hair cut -- finally -- my first after-baby haircut. I'm hoping it will make me feel a little more pulled together.

Ahhh, the haircut. I did the same about 2 months after ds was born. It really makes a difference. I'm actually getting my haircut this Saturday, too! I'm hoping this will help me feel better and lose this weight for good!

Don't you just love that big smile in the morning! Wonder why babies are so happy in the morning - well rested I guess!

Great job with the water! Water is tough for me, too, but it is getting easier. I find that the more I drink each day, the thirstier I become and then drinking isn't so difficult.

Haircuts are good, why didn't I do this sooner???? I got 3 inches of hair chopped off, I feel so much lighter. Now I have big plans, I want to get some low-lights, and a manicure and pedicure too....I just need to find time to schedule it all in.

Diet has been so/so, not really much change, still getting in more water than before. It does seem that drinking more makes me more thirsty, I try to have water around all the time, especially in the car.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend, I usually am able to get some gym time in then. House could use a good scrubbing again. At least I'm caught up on the laundry for a couple of days. I will do pilates this weekend!!!!!!

Pilates is still evading me. :(

House is fairly clean though. Didn't get to the gym this weekend either. Just a couple of lazy days. DD was a crank yesterday, she wouldn't take a good sized nap, just a couple of small ones.

Eating has been pretty good lately, still getting that water in, and not too much junk.

Yesterday went ok, not too much junk, I could have made some healthier meal choices. I am taking Fenugreek tablets to help with my milk supply, and I think they are giving me a little more energy, not sure if that is one of the side effects or not, or maybe it's all in me head. Either way I'm not complaining. I would really like to get on some kind of exercise schedule, but I guess I have to accept that that is just not going to happen until dd is on more of a schedule.

Hiya Niki,

Just stopping in to say hello :wave:

I thought about getting my hair done too, but mine grows so slow that I'm scared to let anyone cut it. I had a really bad experience when I was younger. I went in for a trim (had shoulder length hair) and came out with a mushroom cut. Boy, was my Mom pis*^$!

You managed to get your house clean? I'm so envious! I'm still trying to carve out some time for that. I was off work yesterday so while the boys were down for their morning nap I managed to do a little work on the kitchen cabinets, but not nearly enough.

So no one has a cold this week, happy happy joy joy! Keep sending the healthy vibes to us.

I'm sure you already know this, but the best thing you can do for your milk supply is to drink plenty of fluids and eat your fruits and veggies. Have you noticed an increase yet? Are you drinking the Mother's Milk tea? It's an acquired taste, but it helps.

I hear the cuties on the monitor, I had better get their breakfast started.

Take care,

Nandi :rose:

I did pilates!!!!!! Twice!!!! I just do the 20 min workout, and Brynn lies on the floor and watches me. She's been pretty good about it. I got to the gym on Saturday and Sunday. Still struggling with some milk supply issues, but it seems to be getting a little better.

Hooray for pilates! And twice at that! As Brynn gets older you might find that you have more time to get lots of things done. That's cute that she watched you exercise. I try to keep ds entertained. He laughs each time I come up from an AB exercise. Of course I say, "Boo". He thinks I'm awfully funny!

Hope the milk supply is getting better. If you don't mind me asking how long do you plan to nurse?

I hope everything is well!

I haven't done much exercise lately, aside from gym time, I need to get more motivated at home. I was at the gym on Saturday, then on Monday after work. Eating has been better, still have some difficulty getting a good breakfast on the days I go to work, mornings are so hectic. Milk supply is alot better lately. I do plan on nursing until Brynn is 6 months old, maybe up until a year. 6 months is my goal, from there I'll just see how things are going.

I need to get my taxes done -- we should have some $$ coming back, I don't know why I keep putting it off.

Brynn was at the dr this morning for her 4 month appt, she's up to 13 lbs 8 oz, and 24 inches long. I can't believe how big she's getting! I got the go-ahead to start some solid foods. I would like to make at least some of her food, I guess I should start steaming and blending some fruits and veggies now to freeze. I'm not sure how I'm going to set up her eating schedule. I guess I'll ask the babysitter to try some cereal on the mornings she has her, then I'll give her some at night. I would like to give her both of her "meals", but she's just not awake enough in the am to take a bottle and cereal before I go to work.

Got to the gym on Saturday only. Had a pretty lazy weekend. Had to drive DH to the airport yesterday morning. DD slept in the car -- thank goodness. Had some junk yesterday, My mom and sister are staying at my house to keep me company. Am shooting to exercise at least three days this week.

Exercise, Ha! This week went by so quickly. I took dd to get her picture taken with the Easter Bunny. The pics came out pretty good.

Eating has been so-so. I'm seriously considering doing the South Beach Diet again. I think it would be ok to do with Breastfeeding since it's not calorie-restrictive.

Eating :down: Exercise :down:
Just in kind of a rut lately.
DH is sick, I think DD has a little cold. Her nose is runny. She hasn't been interested in eating lately. Hope it is just a phase.

DD is still not eating very well, she gets distracted and just stops ?????

Today is my last day of work this week, thank goodness. It's rainy and yucky, I just want to crawl into bed and stay there.

I am planning on starting South Beach either Sunday or Monday depending on what our Easter plans are.

Hi Niki,

Sorry to hear about the feeding difficulties. You know she just might not be ready to eat yet. Don't worry though cause when she decides it's time you will certainly know it. Did you start with the rice cereal?

Nandi :rose:

Yep, I did start dd w/rice cereal, now she has either rice or oatmeal every morning between her first and second bottle. Only about a tablespoon, she seems to like it. I had been having a problem getting her to drink her bottles, but I guess it was just a phase, as she's gobbling them down now. It could have had something to do with her recent snottiness - I think she had a little cold.

My diet has been poor. I am going to do South Beach, just being extra careful to eat plenty of food. I keep pushing back the start date because I haven't had a chance to get to the grocery store yet. I probably won' t be able to begin until Thursday or Friday, but that's ok. I'll have some planning time.

Went to the Mall on Friday, tried to find some things to fit me properly, but nothing is right. Pants that fit around the waist are too big in the butt and thighs. Shirts that fit around the bust have too much room in the shoulders and upper arms. Very frustrating!! Maybe once I can get rid of this belly flab at least pants will fit again.

Nothing new, just planning for the SBD, I'll have to make it really easy for myself by being super-prepared or else I won't be able to stick to it. I'm going to make my shopping list today. There's not going to be much variety the first two weeks, lots of veggies and chicken, but it will be worth it.

Hi! Looks like things are going pretty well for you. Have you ever been on SBD before? I've been passing the book in the store and am always tempted to buy it to read more about it. I have gluttoned myself with sugar, candy the past two weeks and feel sick about it. I know I have to cut those things out to lose anything. I'm interested to see though what kinds of foods you can snack on in the SBD. Perhaps I should peruse the SBD forum for some ideas. I'm so tempted to do that plan, but worry about the elimination of carbs. Good luck with it though!

I have done SBD before, I like it because I think it's such a well-rounded plan, and there's no counting, points, calories, carbs....etc. I have the book and have read it several times. I love reading about diet/nutritional stuff, but the book really isn't necessary to do the diet, there's so much info available online.

I totally over-indulged yesterday because I knew the diet started today, maybe not the best idea, but in my opinion, it needed to be done. I weighed in this morning at home at 144 8-| So now begins the 2-week phase one of the SBD. I am following the diet exact, except I'll be having a cup of skim milk with two of my meals, as I am still breastfeeding, and want to be sure I have adequate calcium intake. I want to focus on drinking plenty of water for that same reason.

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DAY 1
Weight 144

Breakfast; 2 eggs scrambled w/lf cheese and organic salsa. Cup of decaf hot tea, 1 cup skim milk. I made two eggs, but only ended up eating about 1 of them, it was more filling than my usual cereal or oatmeal.

Snack ; reduced fat cheddar cheese and 15 raw almonds

Lunch; Salad w/ grilled chicken and lots of veggies -- with whatever dressing has the lowest carb/sugar count. Diet Rite cola.

Snack; reduced fat cheddar and low fat turkey deli meat

Dinner; Taco Salad made with ground turkey, seasonings, no-fat sour cream, salsa, reduced fat cheese and tons of lettuce. (DH will have taco w/shell for dinner, he does not want to be subjected to my dietting :laugh: )

Dessert; ??? Dr Agatston (creator of SBD) suggests having dessert so you don't feel compelled to pig out between dinner and bedtime. I'm going to look for some sugar free popsicles when I go to the store this afternoon.

I'm not focusing very much on exercise for these first two weeks, from my experience "on the beach" before I know that I'll probably be feeling a little sluggish as my body detoxes all the sugar, I'll probably have just enough energy to keep up with DD (I hope)!

SBD is going good, today is day 4. I made it thru the weekend, and am down to 138.5 pounds this morning. The first two days were the pitts, but now I'm feeling much better. I've been posting my menus in the SBD forum to keep myself accountable.

Scale said 138 this morning. I know I shouldn't be weighing everyday, but I just can't stop. Today I feel good, I don't even feel like I'm on a diet anymore, this is just the way I eat right now. I've been eating non-breakfast things for breakfast and that helps alot, I was getting sick of eggs every morning.

There are lots of treats here at work again, but I don't really want any of them, I made it this far, I don't want to mess it up.

Diet is going good. I had some cheats at dinner last night, but it was my birthday, I didn't go real crazy, the cheats were some potatoe wedges and a glass of red wine.

I finished a whole week of SBD. I am down 7 pounds!!!!!!! I am feeling pretty good too. I am hoping this next week goes just as well. I know that the loss will slow. I'm hoping for another 2 pounds. So my goal is to weigh 135 by next Friday.

Weather has been beautiful lately, that also has me in a better mood. I'll probably end-up taking some walks, but I won't really be focusing on exercise until next week, after phase 1 is over.

Today is day 11 of diet -- I've decided to move into phase II early, so I'll be adding back some fruits and whole grains. I want to lose another 10 pounds, and I'm ok with it coming off a bit slow, I'm more interested in making a life change than sticking to a strict diet. I still hope to drop 2 pounds this week and hit my 135 goal by Friday.

136 today, only 1 pound away from my Friday goal!!!

I've been a little more liberal with my diet. Still no sweets or junk. Yesterday I had some yogurt and a few strawberries. Today I had high protein/fiber cereal w/strawberries for breakfast. I plan on having an apple today and yogurt again. Leftover chile for lunch and buffalo grilled chicken salad for dinner.

Official Weekly Weigh-in is 137 ---again.

I did add lots back into my diet so at least I didn't gain, but I would have liked to see a loss. I'm going to make an effort to start exercising again, maybe that will make the pounds fall off a bit faster, or at least make the ones I have look a bit better.

This weekend I totally fell off the diet wagon. I have a cold, and I just didn't feel like making the extra effort. I am trying to be better today. My diet now is basically fruit, veggies, meats, cheeses and whole grains plus lots of water. Clean eating. I hope I didn't do too much damage, I'm looking forward to getting back on track. As soon as this head cold clears up I need to get serious about exercising.

Finally feeling better, but I know my weight is up. Will start exercise tom.

Weight has been holding steady. I'm not adhereing strictly to SBD any longer, I'm kind of using it as my guideline. I'm alot more thoughtful lately about what I put in my mouth.

Exercise is my next big challenge. I would like to haul my butt out of bed in the early am and do pilates. It's totally possible, I just need to get into the habit. DD is almost 6 months, so then she'll be able to go to the nursery at the gym while I work out. I haven't been to the gym in ages!

Just digging my journal out -- nothing much is new, no weight changs *sigh*

Blah day. I'm frustrated with my mother. Hope I don't sound like a brat, but I need to vent. She rented out a place in Virginia Beach for next week (time share), she wanted me to go, but at first I said no because we can't afford for me to miss work right now and it would be a good amount of time in the car with dd by myself. She really wanted me to come, so I worked out a schedule with work, and decided if I drove down at Brynn's bedtime she could just sleep in the car.

Today mother calls and says she doesn't think she's going to go because she's tired. **WTF??*** I was almost crying on the phone because I rearranged work and babysitter schedule and was now really looking forward to a little vacation. Once she realized that I was pretty upset she said she might end-up going anyway.....she does stuff like this alot, she is just not dependable. I know I should be thankful that she's around, but sometimes it just makes things more complicated and difficult not ever knowing if I can count on her to follow thru or not.

Vent over.

OK, I'm not such a brat today. Made up with mother. Am going to the beach with my sister, we leave tonight, thank goodness it is still too chilly for bathing suits.

Hi Niki,

Sorry to read about the tiff with your Mom, but I'm glad you got past it. Hope you had a great Mommy's Day!

Enjoy the beach!

Nandi :rose:

Thanks Nandi, I hope you had a great Mother's Day too (X2).

The beach was a nice little get-away. It was warm enough for bathing suits, Brynn really liked the pool, it was like a big bathtub. I didn't feel too horrible in my suit, stretch marks and all -- but I haven't gotten my pictures back yet :laugh:

Ewwww, I did get my pictures back. My stretch marks look hideous, and my boobs looked enormous. I always thought I wanted bigger boobs, but now that I have them, they just don't fit. I guess they'll go back down after I wean dd. I ordered some stretch mark cream today, it was fairly pricey, so I hope it works.

Hi Niki,

Just dropping in to see how things are shakin', but your journal looks as deserted as mine.

What gives? If nothing else I know you have some really funny baby tales to share at this point.

Hope all is well.

Nandi :rose:

Hi Nandi!!!! It is deserted here, or should I say desserted :laugh:

The baby is keeping me busy, she's crawling all over and pulling herself up to standing. She wants to play in the dog dish so badly, but hasn't yet.

Diet is terrible, I'm frustrated. It is so hard to stick to a plan, but I know I need to.


Here is a pic of DD from vacation at the pool:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/nicolelc/brynnhat.bmp

I am doing the Sacred Heart Soup Diet this week, just to kick-start/cleanse. After the week is over I'm going back to South Beach, phase I.

Start weight today was 139.5

My goal is to not weigh myself until next Monday. I know I shouldn't be doing the fad/crash diet thing, but I really need a jump start weight loss to keep myself going.

I made my veggie soup last night, it's actually pretty tasty. Today is fruit and soup day. Yum, Yum.

Hi Niki :wave:

Is this soup plan like the cabbage soup one? Just curious. :)


Beth :dance:

Hi Beth :)
Yes, I think it is very similar to the cabbage soup diet, the soups are just different. My soup is carrots, celery, green peppers, green beasn, tomatoe, and broth -- no cabbage. It's actually pretty tasty.

I feel kind of guilty for doing a one week fad diet, but I know it will help with my motivation to see some quick results. I plan on going back to the South Beach plan once this week is up. That's a much more nutritionally sound way of eating IMHO.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Yesterday went pretty well, I stuffed myself full of fruit, water, milk and had 2 bowls of soup. Today is veggie day. It was weird to eat the veggie soup for breakfast, but I did with some milk. I'll probably have salad for lunch today, a big one! Tonight I get to have a baked potato, so dinner will probably be a little soup, salad and the potato.

I said I wasn't going to weigh, but I did, and I'm down 2 lbs. :D

I'm in a really bad diet place right now. I did the soup fad diet and nothing really changed. I just don't have the time or the energy to go officially back on the South Beach plan right now, even though that is what I'd really like to do. I'm just going to try and keep making healthier choices and work on the exercise for now.

No change, no plan. I know what I must do, I'm just not doing it. My goal this week is not diet-related, it is to clean out the house. We have entirely too much stuff.

Hey Girl!

Just dropping in to bring a smile to your face :)

I totally understand the diet issues. I've had a bad couple of weeks too. Since you don't have the motivation to do a formal program right now just try staying away from binge foods and junk food. Heck, before you know it you will drop another pound. Also, diet or no diet, keep drinking your water. That will go a long way to help you from gaining any water weight. It will all work out and you will find your motivation again real soon.

Good luck with the cleaning. I know that will make you feel better to have less clutter around you. Let me know how that goes. I'm fining it really painful to get rid of stuff I know we don't need. I'm even having trouble setting up a yard sale, just don't want to part with some of it.

Nandi :rose:

Nandi - you did bring a smile to my face, thanks :D

I have been drinking water. I'm still frustrated. I know my diet downfalls. I can't decide what to eat, or I'm too lazy to make anything, so I don't eat at all. Then I pick at snack-type foods and wonder why I feel crappy and don't have any energy. I'm working on it.

Yesterday was sooooo busy it flew by. I took dd to Walmart to have pics taken. We went there when she was about 3 months and they turned out pretty good. Not this time. I was so disapointed. The photographer was terrible. The backgrounds were awful. She wouldn't let dd just be dd. She wanted her to sit up perfectly straight against the chair/backdrop thing. I kept telling her that I didn't care if dd was in a leaning forward/crawling position, after all, that's what she does and she looked at me like I was from Mars. I don't want some picture that doesn't even seem like her. Anyway, half of the shots were all off-center. I just bought the promo package for $5, even though I didn't like any of them. I think the lady was mad that I wouldn't buy a big package. Then she couldn't find the paper to print my $5 receipt and she was cussing like a sailor. I am so NOT looking forward to going back to pick up those pics :laugh:

The rest of the day was nice. My mom came over and we spent lots of time outside. I'm so glad it's finally warm. I love summer.

Re-starting SBD today. Hopefully I will make it thru the 2 weeks. I really am dedicated this time, really.

So far, so good.

Day 5 of SBD and it is going well. It wasn't so bad this time around, not sure why, but I won't complain. I'm down to 134.5! I'm so glad I finally broke 135!!! This time I've been sure to take my vitamins, etc everyday. I'm rewarding myself today, I'm getting a mani and pedi at lunch.

Only had time for the pedi yesterday, but I'm glad I finally got it done. I plan on doing little rewards each day to help keep myself on track. I still need that manicure, and a hair cut and highlight. I need a slow mini-makeover :laugh:
Scale said 133 today, that's the lowest it's been in awhile, even pre-pregnancy. Once I hit my 130 goal, I really need to start with the exercise again to tone up what's left.

Still going, today is day seven of phase 1. So I'm almost halfway through. I'm doing pretty well this time around. I don't think about it very much, my diet just is what it is. I would love to start incorporating some exercise back in, but I won't push it until phase 1 is over.

I didn't stick strictly to phase I over the weekend. I think I'm ready to incorporate some phase II foods in. I"m feeling much more in control of my eating and cravings now. I weighed in at 134 this morning, so I still have 4 pounds to goal. I really need to get back in an exercise routine. I need to tone!

Still at 134, I know these last few pounds are going to be stubborn. They're all hanging out in my midsection. My plan, continue eating like I've been for the past couple of days = veggies, fruits, meats, dairy little or no grains.

Today marks exactly 1 month before we go to the beach, so my goal is to get in some exercise every single day. Today, I plan on taking dd for a walk when I get home from work, hopefully it won't be raining.

Had a party for my sister yesterday, ate terribly. Must work on exercise. I just don't know when to do it. I can always take walks with dd, just must make myself get out there and do it.

Eating :down: Exercise :down:
Going grocery shopping today. I'm convinced that 90% of my issue is not being prepared. There is nothing good to eat, so I eat junk. I am continually working on this. I really do want to get outside and exercise, but it's been excessively hot -- Yuck!

Digging my journal out must have burned some calories. I'm going to restart SBD on Saturday again. I always seem to wander off the path. At least I have been maintaining my weight, magically I seem to stay between 134 and 135. Going to the beach on August 13th, would like to feel a bit better by then--healthier and such.

Maybe I will start a new journal soon, this one is getting a bit stale, must think of a clever name first.

Umm, nothing new. I'm at a loss for what to write anymore. Eating today was not bad. I've been in a no exercise funk lately, and I need exercise to feel good.

I will be restarting phase 1 tom to get back on track and hopefully kick these last 5 pounds.