7.28.2009

Operation Calorie Count

I try this every week and it lasts one day. I'm really going to try HARDER this week as the site of my stomach is motivation. I actually was starting to think somehow I was 3 to 6 months pregnant (from the looks of my gut combined with utter lack of motivation) and didn't know it. Luckily this morning I had to take a pregnancy test at the surgery center and it was negative - hah. Now, I don't understand how I could possibly be eating too much - what with working out pretty decently EVERY day and nursing, but I think that must be it. Otherwise I can't figure it out!

I don't want to cut calories much but want to be more aware. Today I went for 1800. I feel pretty decent. I think that is a good #, with max 2000, but this still seems high. I especially don't want to cut many out and decrease the milk supply. I'm at a loss though. 6 months out and I feel like I am gaining weight, when I wanted to be below my pre-preg weight. One thing that is killer is actually being at home all day. When I was working, I was walking up 3 flights to get to my classroom and so busy that I was eating only when I was really hungry. If you have any tips for me, please pass them along. I feel like I've given my body the opportunity to recover from pregnancy and have listened to it, but at this point, I'm ready to get rid of my love handles and get flat abs back! Rest of my body seems ok!

I didn't have much time to work more on the tabs, but will soon!

18 comments:

  1. i've been counting the past couple weeks to make sure i get enough food! i eat around 1800 + anything that i burn... at least i try to eat that much :)

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  2. try to look at the carbs you are eating as compared to the protein. You may be eating the right amount of calories but you may be in taking too many carbs which will cause you to gain weight. its all about self control so maybe since you are home a lot try to stay out of the kitchen! I know when i am home i eat alot more too!

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  3. I think after counting calories for a little while you may be able to spot where improvements may be needed. But, it sounds like you are doing everything right.

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  4. what has worked for me is upping the protein and cutting the carb-only things (except fruits and veggies). plus lifting heavy weights will make a huge difference. they are really the only thing that helps me lose fat, not cardio. also, i quit BF 2 days ago...i'll let you know if the last few pounds drop in a few weeks or not! hoping so...

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  5. I am not a pro...but that sounds like way too few calories for you! I mean you are breastfeeding AND you're workout A LOT. You might not be eating enough and your body might just be storing some since it thinks it isn't getting enough.

    And I also agree with what the others have said. Cutting back on the carbs might help a lot. And try to time your carbs around the times when you eat and save your protein and fats for the other parts of the day.

    And try not to fret too much because you look great!!!!

    My biggest problem I have with my body is that my stomach muscles still stick out more than they did pre baby. Gotta work on the core exercises!!!

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  6. 1800 does not sound like enough for an active nursing Mom!

    I have a friend who followed Weight Watchers and counted "points" right after having her baby and it took a whole year for her body to adjust and start losing again.

    Good luck!

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  7. perhaps you are eating too few calories and your body is hoarding the food you do eat--something like starvation mode?? I'm certainly no expert, but that might be why you can't let go of the weight. I think you're doing the right things by examining your diet ~ hope it starts to make sense for you!

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  8. I wish I had some tips for you, but I think you just need to give it some time. Keep working out and eating right and you'll see results.

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  9. I don't really have any advice, but I'm about to hop back on to the calorie-counting train with you. Even though I'm in shape, I've got to come to terms with the fact that I've gained 20 pounds since I was in my best shape, with 10 of those over just the last year...it's time to deal with it.

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  10. I know your struggles and am probably the worst person to give advice. Not only is watching food intake important, but make sure you're getting enough sleep, too. And drink plenty of water.

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  11. Yeah, I'm no help either, but I wish you the best of luck. You'll get back where you want to be soon. :o)

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  12. For me, counting Calories was not working 5 months out but going completely clean (no processed, no sugar or white flour, eat every 3 hours, lean protein every meal; I was a little stricter than the recipes in the magazines are- I didn't use any sweeteners/added sugars at all, natural or no) made it start falling off. Even though if I counted my Calories were higher than they were.

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  13. I am trying the "eating clean" program again, with 6 small meals a day. Good luck!

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  14. I have no clue and am reluctant to suggest anything because I'll probably be in the same boat as you 6 months from now! So, you can be my guinea pig and I'll learn from whatever info you gather :)

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  15. I lost on eating 2100 to 2400 calories a day by my count. I could never get below 2000. I was just too freaking hungry. Good luck!

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  16. i have to wonder if 1800 is enough since you are so active. Then again this from teh girl who has also been calorie counting by going hey look at that I ate 2200 again when I meant to eat only 2000. Then I just repeat it the next day! Oye

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  17. Being at home is a killer. I'm back at work next week. Trying to cut back on the breastfeeding too.

    Did you try eating everything off a plate?

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  18. It takes a while to lose weight after having a baby, so hang in there. Weight Watchers worked for me. It's a healthy way to eat and makes you accountable for what you eat. I liked the structure a lot.

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