[Mama2Joce]

I am a full time student, work part time, and a mommy. My SO and I are not living together for the moment, so basically a single mom. With my busy, often hectic, schedule, I have a hard time fitting in an exercise routine, especially something I can do with my daughter around. I do homework while she sleeps, and I have a treadmill, but can't use it because she tries to climb onto it while I'm running! The weather is often rainy here, so it is not feasible to do outdoor activities other than in summer months only.

As for diet, I never eat fast food, but I do eat a lot of 'convenient' foods, and I have a lot of trouble resisting sweets. I have difficulty finding the time to cook full meals, and do all the preparation. Oh, and I am a vegetarian. (not that that is a downfall, just something to consider.)

I don't consider myself overweight, but there are definitely some pounds I could stand to lose, not to mention the lovely pouch of fat left over from my pregnancy.

Does anyone have any tips of how I can fit in proper diet and exercise with my busy schedule?? Please help!

[JeanLynn81]

-I know this is going to sound extrememly silly, but me and my daughter have "dance time" everyday. I throw in a Barney song dvd, and we act silly as can be for the whole time its on. Trust me, its great exercise, as I'm usually dripping in sweat by the time its done!

-If its weather permitting, go on a nature walk with your little one. If she's too little to walk, but her in her stroller and go jogging.

-If you google "mom and baby exercise tapes" you will get tons of results, and might find a tape that would work for you. They don't cost much at all, and many can be returned if they just don't work for you.

-Get some veggies and dip. Snack on those. Dry cereal is a great snack. Personally, I eat better now because I find myself only wanting to eat what my daughter does. Not sure how old yours is, but now that my daughter is 19 months old, she sure pays attention to what I'm eating. I cannot bring myself to feed her something off my plate thats unhealthy.

Also realize that for some women, the weight doesn't just drop off. It takes time. I dropped my pregnancy weight off quick, but it seemed to sneak back up on me. I finally reached my goal (post partum) a month ago. Its a good feeling, and once you lose a few pounds, the momentum you gather from that will keep you going.

Good luck!

[desperate_housewife2008]

I bet you've heard it all before but it 's the only formula that works.

Don't buy sweets, just don't go in that aisle when grocery shopping. You can have fruit yogurt, sweetened tea or juice if you crave something sweet. A small bowl of cereal (special K) is also nice.
Serve food in smaller plates (desert plates) to make sure you keep portions small.
Eat 4 or 5 small meals a day to boost your metabolism.
Obviously drink a lot of fluids.

Exercise: play with your child, take the stairs whenever you can,contract your muscles while watching tv, reading etc, and explain to your child why she can't get near the treadmill, if she knows she'd get hurt she'll probably stop. Give her a toy to play with while you exercise .

[songbirdxx]

Totally agree with last posts.My only other addition would be to cut out alcohol, especially wine! if it is a temptation for anyone on a diet.Not only is it loaded with calories,it alters and slows down your metabolism, which makes loosing weight much harder!

[Mama2Joce]

Thanks for the ideas, I especially like the dancing time one.
My daughter is 16 months right now. There is no way she will stay away from that treadmill, no matter what I tell her! I definitely don't give her any of the sweets I like to snack on, but I always manage to sneak some when she's not looking.
I also rarely drink alcohol, maybe once every couple months, and I'll only have one or two drinks at that time, so that one's not a problem for me.
Those are good tips, though, I will keep them in mind. And I'm still open to more, so if you got em, keep em coming!