My daughter is 3 months old and I'm weighing 180 pounds and want to weigh 125 no matter what. I'm 5'5'' btw.

Question

I had my 2nd child May I started walking in June to try to lose weight. I weighed 203 when I had her (gained NO weight during pregnancy - was sick a lot), but when I got home from the hospital, I weighed 180 lbs.
I started walking then got my tubes tied, THEN had to wait to heal from that. Now I'm fully healed. I want to start excercising and eating better. When I was at the hospital, all I would eat is salad (dark green leaves, croutons & 1000-Island). I CRAVED it. I could LIVE off that stuff, but if I did, what kind of meat should I eat to keep my protien up?
Also, what type of excercises should I do other than walking (REMEMBER: I have 2 kids!)?
Is there a stomach excercise I can do while sitting at work or ANYTHING? Will walking a mile 3 times a week help?
And for example, when I get up (how many ever times) at night to feed my 3-month old, I want something to eat to help me stay awake for the feeding. What's something I can eat/drink while still holding her and the bottle?

Answer 1

First realize that you may not ever weigh 125 - most people have a certain weight that their body is predisposed to. Concern yourself more with being a HEALTHY weight - not emaciated or obese. That will also set a good example for your children.

As far as eating - any lean protein like chicken or turkey (white meat and skinless only) lean cuts of beef or pork (if it ends in -loin, it's considered lean), or fish are good sources of protein. BTW - watch the calories in that salad dressing. 1000 Island is among the highest in calories. Don't go fat free on salads though, reduced fat is better - you need fat to absorb the nutients from the veggies.

Any kind of exercise is good. If your older child is old enough, ride bikes or play ball with them while someone else plays with the baby. You can also find workout DVDs that incorporate the baby into the exercises - like using her as weights. As far as stomach exercises while you're sitting - contract and relax your stomach muscles whenever you can.

Eating in the middle of the night isn't a great idea - unless you factor those calories into your daily total. (You should consult your doctor for the proper total for you specifically.) But keep a water bottle handy for those middle of the night feedings. Sometimes people confuse hunger for thirst, and a water bottle is perfectly portable and drinking cold water will keep you awake.

Good luck!!