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I was going to say something similar. Start with just one meal per day and commit to making healthy choices for that meal. Then you can ease into it a bit and it won't feel so overwhelming.

Are there any activities you can do with your LO or family like Stroller Strides or going for a bike ride? Or even a friend you could walk with and keep each other accountable for keeping your workout date?

It could be fun to search online for healthy recipes you want to make. That always gets me excited!

I hit my low point a few months ago, I went to work and I realized compared to a lot of other women, I looked bad, like not even trying bad. So I decided to make small changes and I decided to address my weight, setting up small goals and rewards.
I was complimented a ton today and it made me feel really great and I am a solid size 10 but putting in some effort, which was the key for me.

At least you are aware of the situation!!!! That's a big step.

@highwire: Those both sound like great ideas. And I hear you on the heat, although it isn't nearly as bad here as in Texas. I just got cleared to workout today so I might just try to find a YouTube video that I can do in my living room tomorrow.

Can you find a way to exercise with, or at least around, your LO? I used to set LO up on the couch and dance around in front of him when he was really little. He totally dug it, and even 10 minutes made me feel much better. Now he climbs on my back while I do planks and stuff, and I make an effort to run around outside with him regularly (not running-running, but playing-running...I'm just not a 'real' runner!).

I think it's easier if you can find something child-friendly to do. I have never liked gyms and once LO started really moving around, my dance/exercise videos started collecting dust. But he's always been up for going outside, so sometimes I take him to the outdoor par course and do some girly pull-ups and jumping jacks and whatever other silly things they tell me to do on the sign. Or I just chase him around. (If your LO isn't that mobile, there's no reason she can't just enjoy the outdoors from her stroller while you do your thing!) I also keep a stash of CDs I can dance to near the CD player and pop one in for a quick dance party with LO now and then. I used to just carry him around when I did this, but now he wants to dance too!

When I fall off the food bandwagon I have the best luck starting back with one meal cooked a week and easing back into it. I know both you and your hubby work FT so maybe try ad have each of you be in charge of a healthy meal once a week? It sounds stupid but even designating one day chicken one day vegetarian one day pork makes deciding and planning easier for me.

Join me on My Fitness Pal?

Those sound like excellent ideas! As for exercise, I love Barre classes. Depending on the type, there isn't a lot of cardio, and I always came out feeling like I got a good workout without being totally out of breath. I also like My Fitness Pal. You can do it!

Hugs! I know how you feel. For the entire first year of DD's life, I felt like I was just trying to survive. At 13 months, she is sleeping through the night, some of my life stresses have melted away and I'm ready to focus on myself again.

I started by cutting out easy things like, cream in my coffee, fast food, sweets. Soon that became including more fruits and veggies. Then I started to cut back on snacking. The small adjustments have really helped me.

I've only been doing this and working out for 3 weeks. It really helped me to have someone kick me in the butt (my sister). Taking classes at the gym have forces me to be active and they've been fun/relaxing too!

@highwire: set yourself a goal this week you know you can achieve so that by the end of the week you feel good about something and have motivation to do more next week. Small changes are best and just add another one once you've got the previous change under control.

Also write down what you're eating. Sometimes seeing it on paper makes us realise what we're doing and shocks us into change. Or it shows us where we need to make the changes.

Have you had your iron levels tested or are you taking a good multi-vitamin? Pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a lot out of your body so it might be worth taking some kind of supplement just in case.

In terms of food, would taking it one meal at a time help? I know lots of changes can be really overwhelming but just thinking about one meal can make change much more manageable. Maybe start with breakfast each day and then lunch etc?

Hang in there Mama!

I'm so sorry you're having a rough go of things. Since you're overwhelmed, I'd just focus on one tiny thing to improve in your life. Once a week, add a new thing. Just take your time. Even if it's as simple as "drink more water" or "don't eat chips this week".

@highwire: I'm so sorry you're feeling sick!

I'm finally back, almost all of the things I was going to suggest have already been stated BUT...again I'll reiterate, start small. Baby steps. Instead of a bagel for breakfast have an egg and a smoothie. I make smoothies on Sunday in freezer safe ball brand cups and have them for the week. No daily cleanup or worry.

The only big thing I did was cut processed carbs, I got creative w/meals and gradually started eating them once I wasn't dependent on them. Instead of regular pasta I use veggie pasta, instead of a cream sauce it's red sauce, stuff like that.

I also 100% agree that you need top,an ahead. Not only is it easier but it's cheaper. I fix my lunch box the night before so I don't have to worry about it when I'm rushing to get ready.

When I bring groceries in I wash/cut the veggies and fruit right then so it's as easy to grab as the chips are-no excuses

Most importantly? Let yourself cheat. Without letting yourself indulge within reason you'll go crazy!

Feel free to MSG me anytime, I went from 100% sedentary junk food junkie to being active and eating healthy a majority of the time. My health has improved exponentially, as well as my own mental wellness!