How do you choose?

[SuzySunshine]

An exercise plan/diet? I want my body back! I visited my sister this weekend and granted she doesn't have kids but she has chosen an exercise plan and has lost 8 pounds in 4 weeks and says she feels better then she has in years. Me? I came home and can't even get into most of my old summer clothes.

My problem? I love to eat. I've always had a high metabolism and have always been able to eat whatever I want with minimal exercise. Now I'm probably 20 pounds heavier then I'd like to be and I don't even know where to start.

I don't want to use the plan my sister's on just because she's on it. So how do I go about finding a plan that is right for me?
:huh:

[HouseofWool]

Re: How do you choose?

Honestly, the only thing that worked for me was WW and exercise. But, I've found that if I slip even a little, it all comes right back.

The plus to WW is that you eat real food all the time and don't have to buy any gimmicky supplements or meal plans. It really makes you think about what you are eating.

[DCJenn]

Re: How do you choose?

I like WW and ediets- the cool thing about ediets is that there are a ton of different plans to experiment with- I liked their mediterrean diet because it had a glass of wine a day built into it!

As for exercise, that's trial and error as well. Does the local gym have baby sitting or baby and me classes? Yoga studios often have baby and mommy classes and Adele is at the perfect age for those. I hired a trainer because I'm lazy and I know it. I have missed once in over a year (overslept) because I'm paying her to be there and she gets paid whether I'm there or not.

Jenn

[planet]

Re: How do you choose?

Cheri, I don't think it matters what you pick as long as you stick to it. Maybe think about things you like to do. Dance, yoga, running, whatever. Just keep with it.

[Sheherezade]

Re: How do you choose?

I tend to pick my exercise plan by what works now...and then alter it when conditions change. Currently, the kids are home from school and it stays light late. I'm trying to run three times a week in the evening to that "couch to 5K" podcast and do yoga in the morning when the kids are playing videogames before activities start. Time is flexible and the weather is good. When school starts, I'll probably go back to my 4 mile hikes with the dog everyday. I drop off the kids at school and hit the trail for an hour or more. When winter comes, I will probably get an elliptical or join a gym to move the exercise inside. It is hard to stay consistent with outdoor stuff when it's snowy and icy. Then, in the spring, I'll try something else. I think the changes are good for your body and it keeps you interested. Honestly, with a little baby, I'd pick what was easiest. I'd probably walk daily or do a strollersize thing. If I needed a baby break, I'ld look at a gym with daycare or find a consistent babysitter for a few days a week and max out my exercise then. You have to do what works and keep in mind that you can change your strategy along the way - in fact, it is probably better to change it up eventually.

[Vishenka69]

Re: How do you choose?

Different things work for different people and body types. If you don't like to limit your eating choices or run, then pick other options. I've realized that I picked up weight when we discovered more good restaurants in the area and started eating out more. Even at non-chains and eating relatively healthy stuff, I still gain. So I'm trying to cut back on that and cook more at home. DH and I also picked up tennis this summer, it's something we can do together and it's a lot more fun than sweating in the gym.

In your case incorporating the baby is essential. If you like running, you can get a jogging strolling for Adele, or if you're into biking there ones with the baby seat. Your local gym might also have swimming lessons for parents and their little ones. Try to pick something you will actually look forward to doing and not dread.