Have you cut back on calories with the attempt to lose weight but found that you are hungry?  If so it’s time to listen to your body, because if you don’t you’ll end up putting back on the weight plus more.  If you’re hungry and ignoring it because you want to lose weight you’ll notice that it will effect everything, including your mood and energy level.  The key to losing weight is to listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry, and chose foods that will keep you going.  Once you listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry you’ll likely eat smaller portions which will result in weight loss.  On the other hand, if you’re ignoring your hunger cues in an effort to lose weight, you won’t be able to do it for long and this will result in gaining the weight back plus more.

My housekeeper told me that she had lost 10 lbs in a month by drinking a weight loss drink and one meal a day, but was really frustrated with the extra body fat around her middle.  She wondered where she was going wrong since none of the weight was coming off the areas that she wanted to lose.  I let her know that her body was being deprived and holding onto body fat.  I told her she needed to eat small meals more often.  She smiled and said, “That’s what I hear from all you fit people!”  I gave her examples of what I ate which are 3 meals- my largest at breakfast and my smallest at dinner and in between I eat healthy snacks such as nuts and fruit. She was surprised by how often I ate, but I assured her that by eating more often she’ll keep her metabolism going which will result in more weight loss.  I also gave her a couple of my postnatal DVD’s and recommended she workout at least 3 X per week for 30-45 min.  She promised to get in a few workouts before her next visit–update to follow.

Did you think it would be a great idea to go to the gym?  Did your husband even buy you a membership as a gift?  But when you set foot to take a peak you immediately felt anxious about working out amongst a bunch of fit people.  If you did, you’re not alone, gyms can be intimidating even to those who are fit.  Don’t let your absence from going to the gym deter you from getting fit.  There’s so much you can do that won’t cost a buck.  Start off slowly with walking 10 min. a day, then 15 min., then 20 min., etc..  If you’re consistent you’ll soon see that you’ll feel better mentally and physically.  At the end of your workout really focus on how good you feel after exercise and congratulate yourself for making your health a priority!

Do you just LOVE chips?  Do you find yourself craving that crispy, salty treat?  Do you want to lose weight but just can’t kick the chips?  It’s ok, you don’t need to cut everything out that you enjoy just cut it down and be conscious of how much you’re eating of it.  Often when we crave chips is because we’re hungry and we’re wanting something quick.  A better alternative is a handful of nuts.  Then make a sandwich and portion out a helping of chips.  If you can believe this, the healthier you eat, the less you’ll crave chips, and the more you listen to your body and eat healthy snacks the less you’ll crave chips!  Take it from me an ex-chip lover!

I’ve worked with so many moms who are frustrated with the left over baby weight that accumilated on their bodies 5, 10, even 15 years ago.  There not sure what to do, especially when it comes to losing the weight around the tummy.  One of my biggest tips is to drink plenty of water.  Often times we’re mistaking our thirst for hunger.  This results in eating when our body just needs to be replenished with fluids.  Tea, soda, and coffee do NOT count as replenishing fluids for your body.  Tea and coffee are diuretics which will further dehydrate your body.  For more Lose the Mommy Tummy Tips enter your email on my homepage http://www.fitbysara.com

Have you noticed that when you feel stressed you feel like eating?  If so, what do you crave?  For me I notice I crave chocolate.  Many of us use food to de-stress and it becomes a problem when we eat too much of it and put on weight.  The first step is to understand “what’s eating you”- meaning what’s bothering you.  After you realize what’s bothering you, realize that food isn’t REALLY going to make it better.  It might make you feel better temporarily, but you’re unlikely to like the weight that comes with it.  The second step is to understand what you’re craving when you’re stressed.  The third step is to chose something other than food, or if you’re able too, have just a little bit.  For example, instead of having a whole chocolate bar I have a few chocolate chips.  If rationing is out of the question, skip the food option all together and find something that won’t pack on the pounds.

If you grew up with parents who rewarded your behavior with food, say a cookie, then it’s likely that you struggle with food as an adult.  When we’re given food as a reward, or when it’s used to make us feel better, we start associating food as something that heals.  Unfortunately when food is used as a reward, we can become emotionally dependent on it and as result put on unwanted weight.  So the trick is to start journaling to figure out how often you’re craving food for relief or reward (vs. really needing it because you’re hungry).  Once you see how often you’re craving food for relief or reward, start replacing the reward with something that won’t put on pounds.  Try calling a girlfriend, go for a walk, get a pedicure, and or read a good book. 

One of the most challenging things about losing the pregnancy weight is the results won’t happen over night.  If you’re losing weight the right way, meaning you’re addressing emotional eating, you’re chosing healthy foods and you’re exercising consistently, the weight will come off it just takes a little while.  You just need to be patient, and be kind to yourself!  Have a reward in place after a few weeks of consistency, such as a massage or pedicure.  Rewards will keep you on track.

One of the biggest obstacles we encounter when we want to lose weight is the sight, smell, and taste of delicious food.  When food tastes good, it’s hard to stop eating it, even when you’re full.  The problem is when we don’t stop eating when we’re full we’re consuming extra calories that our bodies don’t need and this results on putting on body fat/ weight.  One trick to curbtail overeating is to step away from the table, have a glass of water and ask yourself, “Am I REALLY hungry, or am I just eating because it tastes good?”  Literally stepping away from the table will give your mind an opportunity to assess whether you really need or want to take another bite.  For more related info visit: http://fitbysara.com/resourcearticles.php and sign up for my “free mommy tummy report” from my homepage: http://www.fitbysara.com and you’ll receive weekly e-fit by sara fit tips!

I’ve found that the “mommy tummy” is the greatest concern among moms.  Moms want to know what they should eat, and what latest gadget will flatten their abs.  One of my biggest tips is to recognize that you didn’t get your mommy tummy overnight and thus don’t expect it to go away overnight.  Diet pills are promising great effects, the thing is the results don’t last and you want them too, right?  If you want lasting effects it takes a combo of dedicated eating healthy, exercise, and mindset principles that will keep you motivated.  To get your free report of how to ”lose the mommy tummy“  enter your email on my homepage: fitbysara.com.