Please help...I feel so fat!

Well, it's official - I weigh more now than I ever have in my life, unless you count when I was pregnant! I'm only 5'1" and have an extra 20-25 pounds on my frame.

I started gaining weight when I met DH 4 years ago. Partially out of the comfort of finally being happy (so I ate whatever I wanted), partially because I quit smoking and my metabolism seemed to slow down significantly. Prior to that, I was tiny and pretty confident about my body.

Now I don't even recognize myself anymore. When I see pics of myself, I cringe. 25 more pounds is a lot of extra weight for someone my size. I did lose the pregnancy weight, and walked for an hour with DS in the stroller almost everyday this summer. But I gained 3 more pounds since then! I can honestly say I don't eat a lot. I really don't snack, and I'm not a junkfood person. I'm actually a pretty healthful eater. So what am I doing wrong .

I may join WW again but I didn't have much luck with it last time. I want to go to the gym but by the time I get DS to bed I'm exhausted and just want to crawl into bed myself. I just want to lose 20 pounds...that's it. So any tips would be appreciated...especially if you have young children. I'm curious how you have learned to balance your time and still find time to exercise, eat right, etc.

Re: Please help...I feel so fat!

you may not be eating enough.

I would keep a food diary so you can really see how much and what you are eating.

I would also try to eat every two to three hours and drink lots of water throughout the day.

And of course, you should exercise.


I had a similar problem in the sense that I ate healthy, and didn't eat much. I slowed down my metabolism, and I just gained weight. After adding more calories to my diet, and making sure I was always eating-- keeping my metabolism on its toes I was able to lose the mystery pounds that appeared out of nowhere.

Re: Please help...I feel so fat!

I get up before DS to work out. I work out from 5:30-6 then get ready for work. There's no way I could do it at the end of the day. I take yoga once/week at night but that's relaxing so I find energy for it.

Re: Please help...I feel so fat!

I agree with Randi. I would try having 5-6 small meals a day. She's right, you may not be eating enough (or at least not often enough).

What about getting some exercise videos like the firm and doing them in the morning. Although you find you have no energy at night it may help energize you in the morning (as well as keep you focused!).

You can do it!!

ETS: I don't have children but in my ww meeting last week some moms were talking. One of them said she had all the time in the world to exercise before DC but not now.

One of them recommended walking videos for the house I believe Leslie Sansone's videos. Some of them were just raving about it - maybe that is something you can fit into your day.

Message edited 12/13/2007 11:51:23 AM.

Re: Please help...I feel so fat!

Thanks for your responses . I just may have to do the 5 AM gym thing if I want to exercise .

I agree that I may not be eating enough, meaning that I normally just have 3 regular sized meals. I may need to cut it down into the 6 smaller meals that nutritionists recommend.