I'm on mobile, apologizing in advance.
I mostly lurk since the bump is making me sign in every single time I want to comment.
My office started a weight loss challenge in December. We are trying to lose 10 pounds by the end I February. We had our midpoint weigh in today and I gained 10 pounds. GAINED. That makes 20 pounds since I started working here in July, but really since I stooped pumping in October. I feel like shiit. I now need to lose 50 to be "normal range."
Hen do you ind time to work out? I leave for work around 6:15 am and get home about 615 pm. DS eats, has a bath and is in bed by 7:30. After he goes to bed I eat, clean, pack his crap for the next day, take a shower and am in bed by 10 or 10:30. I could get up and go to the gym at 5 am but it's about a 15 min drive there, so I wouldn't get to be there long. I could go right after work but wouldn't see DS for more than 30 min before he goes to bed. I'm at a loss. I need to do something and fast because at this rate I'm going to be 300 pounds by next fall.

Re: Pisspoor self image vent and gym question
Ugh that's really frustrating. I can never sign up for those weight loss challenges because they make me eat more and gain weight! I swear I always gain a little weight around this time of year because everyone else is losing.
Can you work out at lunch? Can you go to the gym after he goes down at night and have your H pack lunch and get stuff ready for DS? Some of my Zumba classes start at 7/7:30 at night which is after DD goes to bed. H does the bedtime routine those nights.
Maybe you could just make it a goal to go a couple of nights and on the weekends, rather than going every single night. That way the other nights you can spend time with your DS.
I was going to say the same thing (as the bolded, the rest of Crystal's advice is much better than what I would have given).
Eating better and exercising regularly would be ideal, but, in my experience, the eating part is more important for weight loss. A couple years ago I was in a good gym routine, but I was slacking off on eating less. I was in better shape, which was great, but the scale was not moving.
Good luck!
I can't imagine how frustrated you are.
My schedule is pretty similar to yours. I work out after DD goes to bed. Mind you, it doesn't happen every night but I try to leave for the gym by 8:00, do a half hour workout and get home by 9:00. That gives me an hour to shower and prep for the next day before bed.
Is something going on at work that might be sabotaging your loss? Is there a candy dish near your desk? Are you going out to eat more often?
It sounds like you're an awfully busy lady. In addition to trying to increase your workouts, maybe try to keep a healthy snack on hand at all times (in the car, in your desk) so that you don't reach for something easy and full of calories, which is often my downfall.
Burned by the Bear
All of this! When I couldn't get to the gym because of the craziness I got Jillian's 30-day shred. It worked wonders...that and eating properly of course! Maybe you could even just step out of your office at lunch for a brisk walk. Any little bit helps.
Jillian Michels 30 day shred videos are onYouTube. They are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. Currently I squeeze in workouts during nap time or after DS goes to bed. I do videos off dailyhiit.com our zuzkalight.com. Beware they are a little over sexualized, but the short 1220min high intensity workouts are amazing.
ITA with the change in eating habits vs. just exercise for losing weight purposes. Although adding in exercise is important to keep the weight off. Studies show those who exercise in addition to changing eating habits are more likely to keep it off then those who diet alone. Plus it can help with stress reduction and self-esteem!
We are starting Weight Watchers at Work where they will have the meetings at our office during lunch so I'm hoping that will help. My diet sucks and I know it but i really thought I was only going to see an extra 3 or 4 pounds. We've been not eating out as much due to a huge push to pay off our debt. I've been packing my lunch and eating more fruit. My office has a pedometer program and I have one of those I'm using.
Overall I'm just down. Is it possible for Hormones to still be out of whack 15 months postpartum and 3 months after weaning? I can't seem to snap out of the Debbie Downer funk.
I apologize if this is repeat advice. I haven't read the other comments. No matter how much I watch my portions, I don't lose weight unless I exercise. I try to walk during my break at work and at lunch time. I also try to take the stairs and park my car kind of far from the office. I head to the gym on the weekends and do more active things with LO.
I'm thinking of going to weight watchers' meetings so that I meet others who share the same goal and there's support and accountability.
It's so hard to lose weight and I share your frustration. ***hugs***