need helpful tip and/or suggestion on a eating schedule and exercise routine...Please!!?

Question

Hi i am a mother of 3 kids, i work full time and i really want to lose weight this year. I am making it my goal to lose at least 40lbs. by 12/30/07. I am 4'11 and i weigh 144lbs, if i gain even 5lbs. it shows, i'm very curvy so i need some help in eating right and exercises i can do. If anyone know what kind of foods i should stay away from! I need something i can do after work with children. Thanks everyone!! :)

Answer 1

1. Set goals for yourself. You'll be better able to make a realistic weight loss plan if you know how much weight you want to lose.
2. Do cardio exercises. You can pick and choose which exercise you want to do, depending on your fitness level and drive. For example: walking, jogging, using the stair stepper, using cross training machines, swimming, tennis, and basketball.
3. Work on your stomach. Do sit-ups or crunches every morning and night, gradually increasing the number until you reach your goal.
4. Eat healthy snacks when you feel hungry between meal times. Healthy snacks would be things high in fiber, fruits and vegetables. Avoid high sugar and high calorie snacks. This will help you get nutrients as well as help lower your appetite so you won't overeat during meals.
5. Eat breakfast. Do not skip breakfast. If you don't have time to prepare breakfast, buy healthy breakfast bars or those smoothies on the go. It is important to eat breakfast to jump start your metabolism and give you energy for the day.
6. Drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Stay hydrated. While you don't need 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated, it'll make sure you're hydrated as well as cut down on your hunger levels and force you to get a little bit more exercise (trips to the sink, water cooler, water fountain, and bathroom).
7. Increase your fiber intake. Fiber acts as negative calories. It's also filling and healthy for your digestive system.
8. Cut down on high calorie/sugar drinks. This includes sodas and fruit juices. If you're a heavy soda drinker, permit yourself to only one diet soda per day, maximum. Just one extra soda each day can add 15 pounds. Recently, fizzy drinks, even diet ones, have been said to slow down metabolism.
9. Eat slowly and chew more. Take time to enjoy your meals. This will help you to finish at the same time as others, and you'll not be tempted by a second helping. Also, chewing more will ensure you get the most out of all the food and it will be digested faster. The more you chew, the more your appetite will be satiated.
10. Look for foods that are low in saturated fats and refined sugar, and that provide calories based on whole grains and proteins. These will keep you feeling full for longer, and prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. Simple carbs like white bread acts almost like sugar.
11. Eat less, but eat more often. If possible, eat 4-5 meals a day. This helps your metabolism and blood sugar to stay level as well. This does require a change in your schedule.
12. Eat smaller meals and eat less within 6 hours of your bed time. You're less likely to burn the calories closer to your bed time. It's fine to eat a large breakfast and lunch because your body will be working on burning those calories for the whole day. Large dinners are likely to go unburned and converted into fat.
13. Find active friends. Find people that will drag you out to do more active things. It doesn't have to be much, but any exercise even walking around the mall is better than none.
14. Do some weight resistance training. Weight training (and resistance training) can help reshape your body. If you just lose fat, your body will stay in the same general shape, just smaller. Incorporating weight training will help change your body shape as well as build muscle. The more muscle you have the higher your metabolism will be. unlike cardio, with weights you body contiues to burn calories even at rest. The reason for this is that when you lift weights you essentially break down the little fibres in the muscles and your body burns calories all night repairing the muscle.
15. Keep a photographic diary. Take a picture of yourself monthly or weekly if you are going to be very dedicated to weight loss. Be careful though, don't let the photographs discourage you.

Answer 2

I had a baby eight months ago and with a few simple changes, I've lost all the baby weight and then some. I cut every meal in half and eat only half of it. I walk as much as I can, even though it's only around my house a lot of the time. I put the baby in a sling and we walk, walk, walk, or maybe I'll even try cleaning. I do squats while I hold the baby. I do push ups while I'm playing on the floor with him. It may not work for everyone but I've just made the commitment to move more. Whenever I go to the store, I'll park as far from the entrance as I can (while still keeping safety in mind).

Answer 3

In this post:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnMgy4scj56coIET7jRaOHLsy6IX?qid=20070107145253AAA2CNM&show=7#profile-info-d73730006b21c0c3451f857002d06881aa

Ziggy asks: "I have just started a Yahoo group and I need to know?"

Later she contacted me explaining she was creating a diet group. Maybe this could help you with a "body maintenance" plan.

P.S. But personally.. Your gorgeous just the way you are. I wouldn't change a thing.

Answer 4

Check out the website below for some workout routines

There are lower body work out as well as abdominal work outs that are good in the morning before starting your day or at night before ending.

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-bCJcpYYyc6M.rBmxoZejoDyf?list=1