Mom needs help losing weight
Dear Donovan,
I am a 28-year-old mother of four. My last baby is one and I’m a housewife. My weight is 252 pounds and I am 5 feet, nine inches tall. With my last child I had a C-section so I am desperate for your help to get healthy so I can live longer, get fit and play with my children. I’m willing to find time to lose the weight. I’m asking for a meal plan and types of exercise I can do to be healthy again. I won’t be able to have a personal trainer. I’m crying out for your help.
Based on your height, a weight of 252 pounds is definitely too much. As you have realised, it is very important that you lose some weight and become fit and healthy for your children.
I wish you had given me some information on how you are currently eating. In addition, I am curious to know if your last child was breastfed and if you are currently exercising.
It is quite possible for you to lose weight and become healthy. However, there will be some challenges associated with having four small children and being a housewife. For one, having four small children will take up most of your time, leaving very little time for you. In addition, you will have access to their snacks and leftover food to munch on. Also, since you are a housewife, you will have easier access to food and as a result you could possibly be overeating.
You ask for a meal plan, but again, it would have been nice if I knew how you were eating now, then I would be able to suggest some modifications to your eating habits. However, in general if you want to lose some weight, you will have to reduce your calorie/food intake so that the body is forced to use up some of its reserve fat.
I am going to suggest that for the first two weeks after starting your weight loss programme, you cut all your meal portions in half. This means that you can start by eating half portions of your regular breakfast. In addition, your regular size lunch can also be cut into two portions with one used for lunch and the other portion used for dinner. In this way you would have cut your calorie intake.
However, at the same time you might want to try and eat in a healthy way by adding more fruits, vegetables and vegetable juices to your diet. In addition to changes in your diet, you should also try and get in at least half hour of exercise for at least three to four days per week. Exercise will help to reduce stress as well as burn calories.
However, I must point out that it is quite possible that after doing two weeks of this programme, you could reach a weight loss plateau. This is why it is sometimes necessary to work with a weight loss coach in order for your programme to be continuously adjusted. This would cause weight loss to continue over time.
Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
