i've always been over weight.but in the past two 1/2 years i have had two children and gained 112 lbs. i know i can't loose weight by just sitting on my butt all day... i want; to loose weight to be healthy for my children, are there any suggestions that anyone thnks could help.

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trish.. in my case i had a very clear "aha moment"... you need to want it... nobody else can do it for you..  i believe in order to be successful at this  you need to be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and fat..when you have the mindset to do it.. we are here to help you any way we can.. i can tell  you that it isnt easy and it isnt quick.. but the important thing is that   you WILL feel better  once you get started..and you will have days that you want to throw in the towel... but some day you will look back on the whole thing and be proud of yourself and be really happy you did it.. i am not there yet myself.. but i know that already i feel better than i did 20 yrs ago.. i cannot imagine how i will feel when i get back to my old skinny self.. so when you make up your mind, get off of your butt and join us!! we will be here.. at least i will  be here for a while yet..i am not ready to quit!!   let me know when you decide!! there are alot of smart motivated people on this board.. we pick each other up and sometimes sometimes we just vent..take care of yourself!! kathy

Hi Trish - You didn't mention any circumstances beyond your weight and motivation concerns.  I'm late-50s and 4 years ago I was knocked on my butt by a multiple-trauma accident.  It's been a project getting myself going and loosing the 40 lbs. that I picked up along the way (I still have 10 lbs. to go).  Since you're a new Mom with two young children, it seems that one of the easiest ways for you to get some exercise would be to put the two children in a stroller or carriage and go for frequent long walks pushing the baby buggy.  Do you think that would work for you?  Wishing you cool sunny days and nice sidewalks for your walks!! - Jane

OK after reading what you guys wrote and talking with my husband i have decided to do what needs to be done in order to better my life .  My husband has read some of the healthy recipes that Alli has to offer and  we are going to start using them. he also says that he will be my walking partner and watch the kids so i can exercise. i have more help than i ever have had and i feel more motivated than i have in my life. thanks for  helping me see the light

 trish... i am soooo happy for you.. you have your husband in your corner .. if he is willing and able to help you.. you are one lucky woman.. many of us are doing this on our own so you have an even bigger reason to go for it!!keep us posted on how you are doing.. we all love to hear success stories.. it keeps us going..remember if you want or need to vent, brag or need any moral support ..we are here too for you.. welcome to the family!!  kathy

trish_law:

OK after reading what you guys wrote and talking with my husband i have decided to do what needs to be done in order to better my life .  My husband has read some of the healthy recipes that Alli has to offer and  we are going to start using them. he also says that he will be my walking partner and watch the kids so i can exercise. i have more help than i ever have had and i feel more motivated than i have in my life. thanks for  helping me see the light

 Trish - Sounds like your husband is very supportive, so your fortunate.  Wishing you the very best! - Jane

Hi trish_law, 

Thanks for writing and welcome to alli!  Congratulations for making such an important decision to get healthy and live your life fully for yourself and those who love and depend upon you! With the help of alli, and following the full program, you should see very positive results!

Alli promotes not only a healthy, low-fat diet, but exercising on most days of the week! One pound of fat is = to 3,500 calories.  In order to lose 1 pound a week (7 days), you'll need to create a deficit of 500 calories per day.  This can be achieved through lowering your caloric intake (reducing the amount of calories that you consume) as well as expending calories through exercise!  

By performing cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, stationary biking, swimming, etc. 3-5 days per week for 30+ minutes each session, as well as strength training 2-3 times per week for 25-35 minutes per session, you'll maximize your calorie/fat burning potential.  If you are unable physically because of your fitness level, or are very pressed for time with a hectic schedule, it is perfectly fine to shorten the duration of your workouts!  By walking just 10 minutes per day, you'll become more physically fit and begin to increase your fitness level.  Breaking up your exercise routine into 2-3 shorter sessions, rather than 1 long session is also a great way to accumulate 30+ minutes into 1 day.  For example, take 2 15 minute walks - 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening to accumulate 30 minutes of exercise! 

Additionally, strength training is crucial to the long-term success of any weight-loss program, as lean muscle requires more energy to function than fat.  Therefore the less fat mass you have vs. lean muscle, you'll burn more calories all throughout the day, even at rest! The alli website provides very helpful animated demos for a full-body workout using a few inexpensive tools such as dumbbells, an exercise ball, and fitness bands.  Go to "my activity" and click on "strength training log" to view them. Choose the ones that are appropriate for you at this time! 

Continue to keep that positive attitude and motivation!  Stay consistent and stay plugged into the alli community for support, helpful advice and words of encouragement!

Take one day at a time! 

The best to your health, 

Kelli

 Maybe you can do some activities with the kids. Also make house cleaning and chores your exercise in the day. Do a little more each day and you will not only have some exercise you will have a clean house! :) Especially with a couple children I know they don't pick up after themselves! Ha! Take walks with them and make the walk a little longer each day and maybe even faster unless the kids don't walk fast. Snag a friend to go for a walk when hubby gets home or even an early morning walk with a friend when everyone is still asleep. Is there a track at a school nearby your home? That's a great place to start in the evening. If you join your Jazzercise program in your area sometimes they have daycare that is provided. It's for the young, very energetic, older people like me, and older people then me. It is for all shapes and sizes and it's fun! I laugh in there because I absolutely suck at it, but I'm getting some of it. You will meet other ladies in the class too. I hope some of this helps. Good luck on your program! Nancy

Hi Cowabungababe, 

Thanks for the encouraging words and helpful ideas!  The alli fitness boards are designed to help each other, share ideas, successes, frustrations and to answer any questions that you may have! 

Continue to be creative with your workouts, being active in all areas of your life!  

Stay positive and keep moving!

Kelli

 I've been following to program (not 100%) but pretty close. i've been more active in the past two weeks and i've lost 12lbs....i'm so happy and excited. i used to have to take a nap with the kids because i had no energy by mid day, but now i can stay awake all day and still have energy for my walks at night...thanks for all the support

Trish

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 trish... way to go, woman.. 12 lbs down in 2 weeks is impressive.. keep it up and you WILL get there.. remember to read labels, drink lots of water and if you have a bad day, log on and get some inspiration..go for that walk..you can do this..if yu already are feeling better just think that it gets better with every pound gone.. its not so hard on your joints.. i am glad that you decided to do this for yourself.. congrats...kathy

Hi trish_law, 

Good for you!  Twelve pounds is something to be proud of and to celebrate!  Treat yourself to a massage, a spa treatment, or a new outfit.... Way to go and keep up the hard work! 

Your friend in fitness, 

Kelli

 Good work! Motivation is the issue I stuggle with the most, so if you can keep it up, good for you girl!

Send some of that motivation my way! ;)

peggy_lee  --- thats the beauty of alli... if you take it like you are supposed to..you probably wont want to find out if you ate too much fat.. it keeps me on the right road...i decide BEFORE i eat something if it is compatible with alli and my food intake for that meal.. i have decided that i need to plan my meals at least on a daily basis..if i just "wing it" theres too many choices.. many of them bad...also when i need motivation.... i go online and read posts.. its comforting to know i am not alone.....take care of yourself........kathy

Hi MNJJJMOM, 

Thanks for the words of advice and for your suggestions. Alli is dedicated to provide its customers with every tool available to promote long-term success.  From their easy to fix menu ideas, food and exercise plan to the community circles, alli is committed to your success.  

I encourage all alli customers to stay connected and plugged into the community.  Visit the alli circles....post your concerns and questions to the on-line exercise specialists and dieticians, and post your victories and struggles, too!

Best to your health and fitness, 

Kelli