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Email a FriendPosted by Kristy on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 2:50 PM (EDT):
Right there with you, Lisa! I like the “Lose it” ap. And I’m desperately trying to drop the baby weight from over a year ago! We can do this!
Moms Watching Weight?
...here we go again....
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Health on Monday, January 09, 2012 1:03 PM
With the flip of the calendar and having spent nearly two deep-fried weeks visiting family in the South, I made the decision to finally take some action about my resolve to get healthier by dropping weight. Ten days of jambalaya, Christmas cookies, and no workouts will put you in that frame of mind.
After doing some praying, pondering and research, I decided to try the Weight Watchers online plan. I have done the program in the past and for me my least favorite part was attending the meetings, so this new option to use technology to track my progress fits well with my busy schedule and frequent travel. I took the plunge on Thursday and have been happily using my iPhone and computer since then to help me learn about the changes in the program since the last time I used it.
A lot has changed in my personal life since that first time around—I am older, but not necessarily wiser. My body has been through breast cancer and radiation, the start of menopause, and the sedentary work of sitting at my computer to write three books. What was easy in my late thirties and early forties feels more monumentally difficult and discouraging now, but I’m happy that I’ve finally committed myself to a course of action.
I’m “outing” myself here on the blog at Faith & Family in the hopes that perhaps some of you can help me stay accountable and that I can pray for any of you who may be taking this step towards health as we begin a new year. I’m going to be blogging a bit about my experiences, my challenges, and any tips I find that help make the process easier. For today, I’ll simply say that I’m loving the ease and convenience of using my iPhone to easily count points and keep track of exercise. Additionally, I’m a bit obsessed with the WW Scanner app that lets you simply scan the bar code on a food item and immediately send it to your tracker. For a geek like me, the convenience and ease of access to food data has already helped me avoid some bad decisions.
How about you? Do we have any other readers here at the blog who are prioritizing good health choices this January? Feel free to chime in below in the comments with your tips, frustrations, or experiences.
Comments
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Posted by Lisa Hendey on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 3:01 PM (EDT):
Hooray Kristy—so happy to have some company! I checked out the Lose It app in the past, but haven’t looked at it recently so I’ll look at it again. Love that there are so many great tools available. I’ll be praying for you!
Posted by Susie on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 2:26 PM (EDT):
Thanks, Lisa, I wish you good luck! I need to do something too, but the use of technology to track my eating would scare me off! I do have friends who have had luck with the weight watchers on-line method, and I understand it is cheaper. I have let about 20 pounds creep up on me over the last 10 years and now that I am 52, it is really hard to lose. I agree with all the previous posters that exercise of some kind should become a habit. However, I want to caution you that sometimes at the age I am at, you need to be careful to mix it up! I have had tendonitis for the past 6 months and finally went to therapy to help correct it. I was walking about 4 miles a day, nothing strenuous, and I don’t know if my shoes got too old, or I walked a few times in footwear that was not proper. My physical therapist has told me to “crosstrain” so I am alternating the walking with other activities. I may never be able to walk daily again without pain. I have added some water aerobics and some zumba at the Y to replace the walking. You do not need to know how to dance to do zumba! So don’t let that stop you! Some of the moves are a bit suggestive with all the hip rolling, but fortunately, our class is all women (not required to be women only, but women are the ones that show up). I have heard that it is the writing down or tracking of the calorie intake that really helps you eat less, so I guess I can do that in the notebook with similar results! Because at this age, exercise alone will not take the weight off, but does help keep your metabolism at a higher rate. Lifting weights and adding muscle tone also helps you burn calories at a higher rate. My word is strong 79 - I hope I am strong at 79!!!!
Posted by Mary on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 3:07 PM (EDT):
Lisa, good for you! It is difficult to get into a healthier routine. I started Zumba about 3 weeks ago. My husband bought be the 7-disc set and I love it! It doesn’t feel like you’re working-out but just dancing. Plus, I’m doing it in the comfort of my own home. For the first week, you feel ridiculous because of some of the moves, but once you’re accustomed to them you get into the work-out and making sure your moving/tightening the right muscles. I feel more energized and my lower back and hips are feeling wonderful. I don’t know about you, but child bearing does a number on that area. 
Posted by Lisa Hendey on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 3:08 PM (EDT):
Mary, I’m such a dork when it comes to dancing—is it hard? I guess trying the videos would be a great idea and so I wouldn’t look so dorky doing it at the gym. I’m going to investigate!
Posted by Lisa Hendey on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 3:16 PM (EDT):
Mary, terrific! I’ll try not to “whine” too much these first few weeks!
Posted by Michelle Reitemeyer on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:25 PM (EDT):
I’m not even halfway through a pregnancy, so dieting and losing weight isn’t a goal right now…however, I want to keep the extra pounds to a minimum and so I’m going to be trying hard to stick with Dr. Gott’s “No flour, no sugar” diet, at least Monday - Saturday. Nothing special there, just no foods that primarily have empty calories (cookies, cake, jelly, syrup). I’m also committed to continuing my exercising: right now I run or walk 6 days a week. I think there might be more walking than running in a few months, but as long as I keep up the distances of 3 - 4 miles, I’ll be happy.
And my word verify is “size 82” - heavens, no!
Posted by shannon on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:26 PM (EDT):
UGGH!!! This is my priority this year. After having baby #12 in September (and looking like it!) I have put ME back as a priority. But, I am so intimidated!! I have a significant amount of weight to lose. I have been in healthy workout spurts before but the last 3 months I have been hitting the sugar hard instead of the gym. I am intimidated by how far I have to go. Though my weight is not at my heaviest, I feel the weakest I have ever felt, esp in my core. I went to the gym last night for the 1st time since the baby, and came back totally defeated. Please pray for me and I will pray for you all too!! I need to be a healthy mom for all my children esp since I am in the “older” parent group w/ many young kids that will rely on me for many years to come!
Posted by Michelle Reitemeyer on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:41 PM (EDT):
Shannon, I did a blog post a few days ago about making exercise a habit. I really hated to exercise, and therefore I didn’t. But once I hit my late 30’s I realized if I didn’t just do it, I would not live as productive a life as I would like to. One thing I’ll tell you, and I really think this is important, is that you have to focus more at first on just making it a habit…don’t worry as much about weight loss or toned muscles right now. First, for 2 or 3 months just strive to get to the gym 3 days a week (or whatever)...even if all you do is walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes. Once you have the routine of GOING firmly ingrained, then you can focus on pushing yourself to do more (in baby steps, of course). I’ll be praying for you…and praying that you stay resolved to keep yourself a priority. We moms are really good about ignoring our own health for the sake of our families - but they need us to live long healthy lives!
Posted by Sam on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 7:04 PM (EDT):
Shannon, I lost 35lbs after my 12th baby this summer with the 17day diet and exercising! My great excuse was child #1 was getting married! Keep up the good work!!! Check some more out here: http://babystepsjmj.blogspot.com/search?q=17+day+diet
Posted by Lisa Hendey on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:30 PM (EDT):
Michelle—good for you with the exercise. That’s been a consistent source of energy boosting for me, and seems more important now than ever! And BTW, mine is “larger83”
Shannon—prayers dear. I can hear that “uggh!” all the way here in CA! Consider yourself prayed for, and please email me directly if you need to vent!
Posted by Michelle Reitemeyer on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:43 PM (EDT):
Thanks, Lisa. Dieting just doesn’t do it after a certain age. And even if my thighs jiggle, when my blood pressure, pulse, and blood tests all come back with good marks, I know I’m on the right track.
Posted by Marianne on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:39 PM (EDT):
After baby 4 at 40, and a rough delivery followed by a long recovery, I am starting a much needed diet. I am doing the Special K diet because I needed to be shocked back into portion control. I started last week and the plan is certainly easy enough. This week I am adding in exercise so I am trying to rescusitate my tread mill. I can’t remember how old a baby has to be for the jogging stroller…
Posted by Brenda on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 4:41 PM (EDT):
Good Luck Lisa!~ I am a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers! Two years ago at age 50 I didn’t like how I looked or felt and made the commitment to take care of myself -for my sake & the sake of my husband & 6 children ( ages 13-23). I joined Weight Watchers & lost over 50lbs. I have managed to keep that weight off. It is a wonderful program that has worked for me-in particular the weekly meetings -the group support is a big part of my success. And lots of walking and not drinking any sugar laden drinks! I will pray for you & all the moms who have made their health their priority this year!
Posted by Jay on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 5:30 PM (EDT):
I have been bugged by a conversation I had at work. I am being more convicted about a better diet. They were discussing 2 documentaries: Forks over Knives (which I haven’t seen) and Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead that I just saw on Hulu. I do want to start eating healthier.
Posted by Holly on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 5:58 PM (EDT):
My youngest just turned two and I was still carrying 15lbs of baby weight. With previous pregnancies, I have always lost the weight fairly easily by eating whole foods and avoiding anything processed/sugary/carby. This time I just couldn’t get motivated. In November, I watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and that finally gave me the kick in the pants I needed. I did a nine day novena to the Blessed Virgin asking her to help me overcome my gluttony, started eating healthy whole foods, and running on the treadmill while saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet (less than 20 mins a day) and I have lost 17 lbs so far. I feel so much healthier and just better all around. If I can do it, you all can too!!!
Posted by Dee on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 6:29 PM (EDT):
Lisa, did WW years ago; lost lots of weight, but then gained it all back. The downside to these types of programs is that you really have to stick with their specific system to maintain. But if you tend to get tired of counting/figuring all the points, writing things down, attending meetings, etc., it might not be your best option in the long run. It’s fairly easy to lose weight on any—maintaining, though, is much harder. Just ask yourself: do I want to manage my food in this particular way forever?
I just started using Lose It on my IPod and feel more comfortable with a straight calorie limit. I chose 1,200 calories and eat what I want—although I had to cut way back on sweets.
And it’s free!
I’ll let you know how it goes!
Posted by Sparki777 on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 6:47 PM (EDT):
Dee, how on earth can you keep it to 1,200 calories? I put My Fitness Pal on my phone & I’m shooting for 1,400 calories a day to lose 1.5 lbs a week, and I keep going over. Not by a lot, but it’s frustrating because my stomach is growling all the time, and I’m eating things like fruit, raw veggies and whole grains that should fill me up.
My big frustration is the 1-hour commute I have to work each day. I had to give up any work-out time M-F. If the weather is nice, I can walk during lunch, but I work through lunch more often than not. I know I need to build muscle, but I can’t seem to find the time do do more than squats while I brush my teeth, or 25 situps/two sets of hand weights a few evenings a week before I collapse into bed.
Posted by Lisa Hendey on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 6:44 PM (EDT):
Dee, agreed! One thing I’m trying to do this time around is not rely on pre-packaged food, but rather work on creating more healthful versions of realistic recipes and retrain myself in the kitchen. Part of my problem is grocery shopping, so more frequent marketing and having more fresh produce on hand is going are going to major goals.
Posted by Dee on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 7:07 PM (EDT):
Hi Sparki, well it’s not easy, but it can be done. I am roughly doing 300 calories per meal, with two snacks of 150. For breakfast I had Cheerios, a hard-boiled egg, and coffee with cream—which came under 300. If you Google 1,200 calorie meals, you’ll get lots of ideas.
I was really inspired by another blogger named Amanda who devised her own system of 1,200 calories when nothing else worked. She lost 30 lbs. and has kept it off.
Here’s her story: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/my-weight-loss-story/my-weight-loss-story-before-after-photos.html
Posted by Barb on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 7:51 PM (EDT):
I can really relate to this whole topic! This past summer I tipped the scales at my highest weight ever and resolved to change that fact. I am also an “older mom,” having just turned 51. I started getting on the treadmill 30 min. a day back in August. I had been riding a stationary bike for this same amount of time daily with no results. I also just kept my portions reasonable. Long story short—I lost 30 pounds (my goal) in about 2 months and have kept it off! I agree that the most important step is making exercise time an appointment that you must keep. Most days I really don’t want to get on that treadmill, but I know that exercise keeps my weight off and my blood pressure down!
Posted by Jennifer on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 8:20 PM (EDT):
Was has worked for me with sticking to exercise is combining it with my inner cheapness. I found a per diem Bar Method class in my town that has a difficult cancellation policy - unless you cancel 2 hrs before start of class you lose your $. Bingo. Guess who never missed a class? After slogging through the class for 6 months, going once a week, I found that I began to enjoy it. Then I upped it to twice a week. Now I’m a huge fan but it took a long time to get there.
Posted by shannon on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 8:38 PM (EDT):
I think we need to create a weekly check in/ blog for this amazing group of women! A place where we can celebrate with each other, cry together and swap ideas and recipes.
Here’s to a healthy new year - spiritually, physically and financially.
Ha! My keyword is water 67- Thank you,Lord, for the friendly reminder!
I’ve started another round of P90X with a group of friends. We have a private Facebook group that we post on daily to stay accountable. We post what we ate, which workout we did, what struggles/successes we’re having etc. It’s working out really great for everyone! The last group I did was 30 days long and everyone lost 5-10 lbs. This one is 90 days (since P90X is 90 days long), and we’re on Week 2. It’s awesome to have a group of like-minded people to support and motivate you. I have open enrollment to the group on the first Monday of each month and we’re slowly growing into our own little community. (Not everyone is doing P90X. Several have chosen another program and that’s totally fine!)
Posted by Peggy Bowes on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 10:51 PM (EDT):
Good for you, Lisa! It sounds like you’re on track, and it’s great that you can use all your technology in your efforts. If you want a few more tips, I recently wrote an article for Catholic Lane, detailing how I, as a fitness expert, lose weight myself, the struggles I face and how I overcome them. Here’s a link: http://catholiclane.com/want-to-lose-weight-find-out-how-the-experts-do-it/
Posted by Susie on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 2:36 PM (EDT):
Thanks Peggy, I just read your article. What a lot of great suggestions you have! I urge all of you to read the link Peggy shared. I think the hardest thing for me is keeping the junk food out of the house. With 4 children still at home, I tend to have some cookies etc. for their lunches. I try to buy cookies that I don’t like. Thanks for the common sense suggestions about logging your food (I know that keeps you from eating more) and your suggestions about fasting as both a spiritual discipline and a tool for weight loss. Lisa, good luck to you - I hope to lose weight this spring too. Just a word of warning, as you get older (I’m 52) it may be important to crosstrain and mix up your activities. I’ve been battling tendonitis for about 6 months in my ankle. I got it last summer when I was walking around 3 miles per day. For most people this may not be an issue, but make sure you have the proper footwear, replace it when you get lots of miles in, and have inserts if you are flatfooted like me! Now I am introducing zumba (you don’t have to dance to do zumba) and some water fitness in. I may never be able to walk daily again without pain, but I can still exercise. 20 pounds to go .....
Posted by Bethany on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 12:09 AM (EDT):
Thank you, Lisa for posting this! It has come at a perfect time as I have felt so discouraged and yet SO unmotivated to get on the healthful, post-Christmas bandwagon. It has been great to read the comments with simple ideas and encouragement, and I love the one about praying a novena for help with gluttony! I am totally doing that. I will pray for you, and all mommas who are trying get healthy!
Posted by lo on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 12:11 AM (EDT):
I had my third baby this past September and have done nothing to work on losing the baby fat. I, too, would like to commit to trying to eat healthier and exercising in 2012. I haven’t exercised regularly for years now and since I had my first baby I’ve always been nursing. I have some trouble thinking of leaving my 4 month old in the nursery at the gym so I can workout, but I would like to be around for my children and that means working on being healthy. We would like to have another child yet (we got married late so we are slightly “older” parents—late thirties). It would be nice to feel stronger going into the next pregnancy, and it might help with the fatigue. One thing I"ll have to struggle with is a love of sweets, especially after a pregnancy. After spending 9 months of not enjoying food, it seems like I wanting eat all the sweets that weren’t enjoyable during the pregnancy.
Good luck, Lisa. I know I always have the most success when my mind is ready to make that change and WW has lots of great accountability and tools. For me, I have to take it all in baby steps or I get overwhelmed so I am starting slowly and adding in. Right now it’s nutritional choices and regular scheduled exercise. Next will be logging in food. I am also contemplating a bible study called Made to Crave. I need God in the middle of this battle because it’s one I have NEVER been able to fight alone! Blessings in your endeavors!!
http://madetocrave.org/tell-a-friend/
Posted by stepdancer on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 9:58 AM (EDT):
Thanks Dee! that was an awesome resource (kevin and amanda). My husband and I recently joined Sparkpeople.com. It helps that he is on board with this plan too. I can’t have sweets in the house, or i will eat them. i have no self control in that department. I’m still trying to lose baby weight too….my baby is 6!!! LOL good luck everyone we can do it!
I have such a battle when it comes to my weight. I had an eating disorder as a teen and young adult. Then after a traumatic relationship, I gained a TON of weight. Last spring I finally felt it was time to shed the pounds and I lost 33 lbs (of the 90-100lbs I wanted to lose). But then I started obsessing about the scale and weighing myself three or four times a day. If the scale went up .5 lb it ruined my day, if I lost it made me happy. It was not a healthy place to be. I had to back away from the scale, though I did try to maintain my healthy eating. I couldn’t exercise anymore because I was obsessed with it but I did try to stay active. I maintained this for 6 months and in the meantime, I found Kate Wicker’s blog and book, Weightless. I now feel like it’s “safe” to embark on losing weight again. I am happy I managed to maintain my 33lb loss, but now I am ready to tackle the rest of my weightloss.
Oh, and all I am doing is counting calories using an on-line calorie counter, and doing 30-45 minutes of exercise 4 to 5 times per week. I really like using some of the Biggest Loser dvds (the 1st one, and now I have added the Biggest Loser Bootcamp workout).
I got a big group of people doing the 17 day diet with me on my facebook…we encourage and post what we ate for each meal to give tips and inspiration…so far in 10 days I have lost 7lbs!
I posted some about it here: http://babystepsjmj.blogspot.com/search?q=17+day+diet
Posted by Mellanie on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 9:17 PM (EDT):
I started Medifast back in August, two weeks after my Marine husband left to go to the Middle East for a year. I’m down forty pounds. I have 35 more to go but know that I can do it. I kept it a secret from my husband and he came home on R & R for New Year’s. He was so surprised and I can’t write what he said 
but it was all a giant ego boost.
Good luck with weight watchers. It’s a good plan. I just couldn’t stick with it.
Posted by Lisa Hendey on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2012 10:06 PM (EDT):
For all of those of you who commented here, thanks for your insights and input. Please know that praying with and for you has really helped me to stay motivated this week. I wanted to share some additional tools and thoughts that I’ve compiled at http://catholicmom.com/2012/01/11/tech-tools-to-help-with-your-healthy-body-and-soul-goals/ that might help those of you pursuing healthy living and spiritual goals.
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