As one of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, said in her book Voyager, “the most annoying thing about clichés is that they’re usually true.” (or something like that. I’m too exhausted to reference the page number at this point)
Especially the awful one about today being the first day of the rest of my life.
Because today is the first day of the rest of my life. My life as A REALLY HOT MOM with a great tail, right?!?! ;)
I thought long & hard about how I would lose the weight. I researched plans, talked with Nate ad nauseam, tittered back & forth between Sparkpeople, Weight Watchers, or a mail delivery like Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem. I even considered Alli, but when I saw a side-effect of “anal leakage,” I ran far & fast. I doodled notes about time constraints with balancing work, marriage, motherhood, & weight loss. Laid awake at night, trying to decide the best way to approach the rapidly approaching New Year & its goal. & on Friday, I pulled out my credit card & ordered Nutrisystem.
I have done Weight Watchers before, but with an hour commute each way, 9 hours at my desk, & only a few hours at night with my family, the thought of meetings, counting points, meal-planning, & cooking just overwhelmed me to the point that I felt like staying fat forever. Especially since Nate has the palate of a five-year-old (mac n’ cheese! hamburger helper! boo to veggies!) & will not eat the foods I would need – meaning we’d have two different breakfasts & dinners every night. & that is no good, boss. So for now, it will be Nutrisystem. Take away the meal-planning. The cooking. The counting. The meetings. It will be enough work for now just to pencil in workouts & runs to the grocery store for fruits & veggies. But that, I can definitely handle. Nutrisystem is meant to be temporary – to drop that first bulk of weight while I’m still finding a balance with the rest of my life. For the last 10-15 lbs, I plan on using Sparkpeople or joining Weight Watchers to re-learn how to eat, how to cook, & how to manage my new figure. I’ll also be doing the 30-Day Shred with Nate in the evenings, plus squeezing in 30 minutes on either the elliptical or treadmill.
For now, this currently fluffy chick has loads of fresh fruits & veggies in her fridge & is anxiously awaiting the Fed Ex truck:
(i have wet hair, no make-up, but i have a kid that won’t stop screaming & this is as good as it gets right now. please note that nate shoved the endust into the media cabinet – a tribute to a) my distraction during my fifth attempt to clean this weekend and b) tuck’s affinity for dirty rags. i saw this & laughed for 5 minutes)
& so with great excitement & grandeur….
WELCOME TO MCFATTY MONDAY!!
This is how it will work – Write a McFatty post. Talk about your goals, your hopes, your frustrations, your ENTIRE REASON FOR DOING THIS. Maybe you have 5 lbs. Maybe you have 50 (like me). Maybe you have 500 (you’re my hero!). How are you planning on losing the weight? How much are you doing? Or are you just toning up without weight issues? Are you a fitness guru that has tips of the trade? Do you have any great recipes? Write it out. Then come back here, & where it says “You are next” or something equal to that sentiment, click & enter your permalink for that specific post (not your entire blog – but your specific January 4 McFatty Monday post). We’ll do this every Monday…well, indefinitely. 50 lbs is a lot of weight for me to lose, y’all.
If you’re having trouble getting started, just talk about why you’re doing it & set a goal. It doesn’t have to be a long-winded emo post, trust me.
I can’t wait to read them all, trade tips, get encouragement, & finally lose the cottage cheese on my ass!
I don't have a McFatty Monday post (though I will next week!) but I am currently doing Weight Watchers at Work and it's really working. The best part is that meetings are Wednesdays at noon, which is during work (but during my lunch) so i don't have to go somewhere else after work (bc we know that doesn't happen). I have heard great things about Nurtisystem, so good luck!!! And when you're ready to make a switch to something more long term, give WW a try! (Its a pain to count points for like 2 weeks, and then it just becomes automatic).
I'm definitely joining McFatty Mondays! I have 100 lbs to lose. The sad part is that this is not baby weight. I gained 50 lbs during pregnancy and have lost them all (yay!) but now my ultimate goal is to get down to my highschool weight. It's merely a self-confidence thing, plain and simple.
I've contemplated doing NutriSystem as well but it's not exactly budget-friendly, so I chose WW. I'm a SAHM and can easily coint points and cook. I'm not going to go the meethings though, instead I chose to join online. I joined on 1/1/10 and so far, so good!
I also plan to incorporate 30 day shred but I'm taking it slow and plan to pop that sucker in when I'm down 15 lbs. My first weigh-in is this Friday and I can't wait to see how I did my first week!
I am joining. I only have 5 pounds to pre-preg weight, but would like to lose 10 more. I have been trying to get back into running, but when I get to the club I have absolutely no motivation. I hope this will give me some motivation and support along the way. I also feel like when I get home from work I will not want to leave since I only have a few hours with my guy. I also have 30 day shred and got weights for Christmas.
I am not buying any junk food. Good luck Blair!
GL to us all! I am in! I don't have a magic number yet, but I definitely need to shed some pounds and inches to fit into most of my wardrobe. I am taking weekly Un-Belly photos (kind of like baby bump pics but in reverse) and letting friends, family, and readers vote on exercise and diet activities through weekly polls.
Oh I'm definitely joining. I'll be posting my McFatty Monday post later on today. Good luck to everyone!
I heart you.
I only have a few more pounds to loose before I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I'd still like to loose a few more after that so that I, too, can be a hot momma!
And, you have given me just the motivation I need. Besides, working out is way more important than sleeping, right?
Good luck!!!! I'm right there w/ you, though. I'd like to lose about 10 lbs and tone up for those B pics I am doing in April! I'll be one of those annoying people who show up at the gym the first of the year … if only baby will cooperate in the gym daycare.
When it gets warmer we'll get together and go walking on the weekend w/ our strollers. 
I'm joining! I'm waffling between losing 12-15 lbs. I think 12 lbs will put me right at my happy weight.
WW did work for me, but I hated the weigh-ins. I can't take the side-eye & the "someone's been bad" comment when I weigh in the week my monthly water weight gain decides to make an appearance (WW is working great for my husband–he's lost over 50 lbs in a year!). I'm trying WW online for now, but working more with tracking Filling Foods instead of points (because I get so few points with the Momentum plan).
Good luck to us all!
I did Nutrisystem a few years ago and had great results! I think you'll like it. I dropped about 30 lbs in about 3.5 months. Good luck! Also, join their community on their website. Great support when you're down or unmotivated.
I am in!!! I have about 20 to lose to get to pre-pregnancy, but then would like to lose another 20.
I am doing 30 day shred, elitpical and watching what I eat. Once work calms down in 3 to 4 months, I will start running/jogging again.
So excited to be doing this with you!
XOXO
I'm in! Its been almost 6 months since the babe was born and my weight is almost where it was pre-preg but I am so freaking jiggly. I don't know where all this extra fat came from because it's not like I am skinnier anywhere else!?!
So I am shooting to lose a few pounds but do some serious lifting to get rid of the jiggles.
aww I was going to be joining you all but, now that I am 7 weeks preggo I can't
but I will be here on the side lines cheering you all on!! You can do it!!!
I'm there!
I don't have a McFatty Monday post yet, but plan on joining after little girl makes her appearance late Feb/early March. I was about 30 lbs over where I'd like to be when I got pregnant, I just got diagnosed w/ GD, and have gained quite a bit more than I would have liked since being pregnant, though major fluid retention I suspect is also a culprit. I want to lose the weight and get fit so that I'm a healthy momma and can keep up with my daughter.
My plan of attack so far for after Kaelyn is born is the 30 Day Shred (Jillian is soo going to kick my arse), Wii Fit, speed walks with the babe, and likely Weight Watchers Online. I'm estimating I'll have about 80-90 lbs to lose to get down to my ultimate goal weight. Like you, my husband is a bit of a challenge w/ his favorite foods–he's all about mac & cheese, pizza, etc.–but he's really supportive and I'm hoping he jumps on board to get in shape with me.
Good luck Blair! "You can DO it!"
I'd really like to get on our elliptical machine again but I'm still healing…the thought of friction in that area still scares me!
I defintely will be particpating in McFatty Monday! I just got a new gym membership today and even sprung for 5 personal training sessions to get me started.
I will have my first post for next week!
Count me in! My baby is 6 weeks old and I still have 40 lbs to go before I am back to my pp weight– and I loathe everyone who told me breastfeeding would take it all off. I was absolutely horrified when I went fat jeans shopping and realized I went from a 12 (I think I totally rock a size 12– some girls have an ass, ya know?) to a 16 or 18. Bleh. My husband is deploying to Afghanistan in March and I would like to have a bit of the weight gone by then and ultimately be the hottie he married when he comes back in March 2011.
I bought my groceries for healthy meals and snacks, a nalgene so I can make sure my water intake is where it should be, 30 day shred and two 5 lb dumbbells! 11:23 AM on day 1 and I'm doing pretty well : )
Oh, I'm in! I don't have any baby weight to lose, my baby is 24 yrs. old! But I have a lot of "sitting around eating chips and cookies" weight to get rid of!
Ideally I'd love to lose 60 lbs. I'll be happy to get down 40-45lbs. by the end of the year. I know it's possible, I just have to get totally motivated.
My biggest problem is zero metabolism. I truly don't eat that much. I definitely don't eat the healthiest foods but I don't gorge myself. It just seems whatever goes in my mouth immediately plants itself on my butt! I blame it all on menopause…which is a long way away for most of you. Plus I quit smoking almost 4 yrs. ago and 20 lbs. jumped on my behind and will not budge!
Anyway, Santa brought me Wii Fit Plus, I have a Reebok treadmill that I love. I also have an elliptical, that I have never been able to do much with before I'm incapable of moving!
The other piece of work out equipment that I have is an Ab lounger which I know works! Best 100 bucks I've ever spent…honestly. Really works wonders on toning up those tummy muscles…you new mommys can't go wrong purchasing an Ab lounger…honest! You'll be amazed at the difference in 30 days if you use it at least once if not twice a day for 10 minutes.
Right now I'm just trying to get moving in the right direction. I have given up Pepsi (talk about caffeine headaches from hell!!) My daughter and I are bowling up to 5-6 games of wii bowling each evening. Then we do the test for your wii sports age..that is a workout in and of itself. A little bowling, tennis and baseball in less than 10 minutes! Definitely works up a sweat.
This week we are adding tennis to our daily work out. As well as introducing ourselves to the wii fit plus and beginning work outs with that.
I refuse to call the change in my eating habits a diet. I plan to eat healthier and instead of grazing all day force myself to have 3 meals a day and only snack appropriately. No more chips and cookies. *boo*
Good luck to us all!
Hi Blair! I've been a long-time stalker of your blog and I finally felt compelled enough to reply to your post. I think this weight loss journey is awesome. Unfortunately I can't participate due to the fact I am currently incubating a spawn of my own, but I look forward to reading about your progress as well as all your faithful followers. Good luck to you! I truly wish you the best
I just wanted to say GO YOU and good luck.. I will write mine and link up tonight when I am not at work.. shhhh
Oh I'm so in!!!
I've trying to lose weight since my baby was born 13 months ago but I couldn't find the motivation.
I tried to put my post on the Mclinky but I couldnt find the link that says "you are next" …
What can I do?
I will hopefully joining in on the fun next Monday- if I get cleared by my doctor on Wednesday to exercise.
But I am right there with you- I want to lose 40 pounds in 2010 and the fun hopefully starts Wednesday.
We can all do this.
Dude, I'm so in. I'll have to write a post tonight when I'm not.. ahem… working.
You will LOVE nutri-system! I did it after baby #2 and baby #3. I am waiting for my box of food to come as I type. Just needing to shake the last 5 pounds and of course, I'm a girl, so I I'd love to lose 15. Good Luck! You'll do great! Now, if only they delivered Colic-cure-all to your doorstep, you'd be golden!
It sounds like you have an awesome plan! I'd suggest also getting into chewing sugarfree gum. Feel the need to snack? Chomp on gum.
And when you forget to brush your teeth in the morning – it will save you!
I screwed up posting mine, sorry
That's what happens when you're at work, trying to do this and act like you're working…sigh.
i've got about 8 before my pre preg weight, which was about 5-10 more than i wanted to be anyway … so i'd like to lose about 15 lbs. i'm going to try to use the elliptical that collects dust in my basement and we bought a wii fit. and hopefully being back at work will cut out the snacking (and no more xmas cookies!).
GL!
No McFatty Monday post for me but I'm doing the same thing. I spent the past month traveling with the boy and doing little to no workouts. Plus, the cold cold weather just inspired me to make foods that really aren't good for you.
Now, I'm home and feeling like a McFatty with pants that are just a little bit too tight to ignore.
My solution so far? J and I are doing the 30 day shred also. I'm reading Keri Glassmans O2 Diet which is about upping your antioxidants and portion control.
She starts with a 4 cleanse (which really isn't the kind of cleanse your htinking of) . I just have to eat alot of veggies, some lean protein and lots of green tea and water.
I'm just using all this a jumpstart to get back to where I was and ease into really exercising. Next month I'll pick up some spin classes and other stuff.
I think you look great and that you'll find time will really help with shedding the baby weight- I'm almost 6 months pp and just go back to my pre-preg weight without an exercise or meal routine…but I do have a 19lb baby…so I should count that as weight lifting right?
I'm in! I even started a new blog to document the process. I am sick of these extra baby pounds and I am hell bent on losing 10 lbs before Keira's first birthday. I have until March 25th.
i'm pretty sure i'm going to go on nutrisystem, too.
Thanks Blair for doing this! I NEVER thought I would be posting (or taking!) half-naked photos of myself to see the progress, but they're there!
I'm not a blogger, but I will join with you to continue my post baby weight loss. I had baby #1 almost 2 years ago. When he was 7 months old, I found out I was pg again… and hadn't lost all my baby weight. So I got fat again with #2. When #2 turned 2 months old I signed up for my first half marathon (I AM NOT A RUNNER!) and the race is on Feb 7th. By paying for the entrance and training with my friends via email (by the way, they've all dropped out) I have lost all my baby weight and am finally at my pre-preg weight from over 2.5 years ago. I think you'll be surprised how it can just fall off once you start moving. Good luck and if you come across any easy recipes, share them! I'm still 5-10 lbs from my goal weight and am hoping to lose that in the next few months.
I totally wrote my McFatty Monday post! Check it out on my blog – I think this is how we're doing it. http://www.kimberry25.blogspot.com
Quick at what I'm doing – 30 Day Shred too! Then some other videos (belly dancing…HA!), watching how much food I eat and trying NOT to snack!
I'm so in! I just found out that my super-svelte-sister-in-law is pregnant….with twins….after trying to conceive for about two months. I feel an intense need to be skinny while she is fat. (I mean, while she is pregnant.)
Does this mean I'm a bitter person?
Can't wait to read your journey. Take pictures of the meals – I am always interested in what you actually get on the nutrisystem plan!
Good luck to Blair and all the other mama's out there. What a great support system!
Add me to the list for next week! I have about 15 pg pounds left to lose, and the morivation simply escapes me!
Oh and the Voyager series is one of my favorites!
Count me in! My baby is almost 8 months old, and I still have 15 pounds to lose to get back to pre-pregnancy weight plus I would like to lose another 5 or so. I was able to exercise while I was home on maternity leave, but since returning to work in September, it has fallen by the wayside. I just haven't been able to find enough time in the day to fit in a workout. You know how that mommy guilt is – I don't want to take away the little bit of time I have with my son after work by spending an hour at the gym. But, for my mental and physical well-being – and to be a better mother and wife – I have GOT to start exercising again and eating better.
This year, I will find a way to build it into my schedule. I would love to lose at least 10 lbs and tone up by my son's first birthday in May. My husband and I are going to work together to encourage each other to exercise and lose weight this year. He has set the admirable goal of running in a marathon by the end of the year. I'm shooting for a half-marathon. We'll see how it goes, but I'm excited to have something to work towards and about losing weight and feeling good about myself once again. I started yesterday with a brisk 30 min walk in the 30 degree weather. I plan to keep that up for a week, and then start incorporating the 30 Day Shred again. Eventually, the walking will switch to running.
Blair – thanks for sharing your story and struggles to lose weight with "the public." You are definitely not alone on this journey. Good luck to you (and all of us) in 2010!
I am preggo…so no Mc Fatty for me, I have so far dropped 15 lbs since I got pregnant and its because I never lost the weight from #1 and then I…gasp! Gained a few more pounds. I am trying to add a little gym time to my life because I am not hitting 200 pounds again!
But I wanted to encourage your choice of Nutrisystem, my mom was faithful to it for 3 months and lost significant weight…just don't read the ingredients…there area few yucks things listed. Just eat and enjoy! Good Luck!
I tried to add to Mclinky, but they dont like tardiness, so next week I'll be on time, but I'm in, and here's my post http://rowserfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/mcfatty-…
I to am tardy for the party – http://roachkid.blogspot.com/2010/01/mcfatty-mond…
I just wanted to say good luck with Nutrisystem. My MIL has been doing it for 6 months and she's down 45 pounds. She is also very proud to say that during that time, she hasn't exercised at all.
I'm starting McFatty Monday this coming up Monday. I've been using SparkPeople though. Cheers!
Congrats on your journey! I did Nutrisystem and had great results! Women should support other women! It's so nice to see the loving comments!
Yea- hugs-
Amy