Hello, I am looking for help and support on this board. I am 26 years old and had a baby in February of this year. Before I had my baby, I was almost 200 lbs and now I am at 235. I am breastfeeding, but am gaining weight at an alarming rate. I cannot take anything such as diet pills or herbal remedies to help lose weight because of the fact that I am breastfeeding, but I am at risk for so many health problems. My hubby and I both are obese and I eat sometimes without even realizing it. I am staying at home during the day to take care of the children and I am going to school at night to get a better job than the one I had before. I live a fairly sedentary lifestyle with not much money to spend on the gym and things of that nature. I don't know how to cook very well so we end up eating horribly- things that are made fast in the oven or on the stove, such as frozen foods, rice, pasta, meat, and box dinners. I want to lose all this weight to be a better example for my family, but it's so hard without support and not knowing where to start. Help- anyone??

Hello,
Everyone needs support and knowledge. From what I've read, your family needs a life style change. If you and hubby are overweight, no doubt your children will be. Cooking basic foods is very simple. The internet is stocked with recipe sites. Check out ones that give you 'light cooking'. Stay away from fried and cream sauces. Most let you know the fat, calories, etc. There are even 'light deserts" so you won't feel deprived and will have healthy snacks for the chidren and hubby. Exercise can be obtained without a gym and money. If you are home with the children take a walk everyday. If you feel up to another, take a 'family' walk after dinner and include hubby. When you go the store park further away. Buy or rent a vhs/dvd that you and/or children, hubby can do. Ride bikes. Do stretches every morning. Try to make it a family project. Nothing to lose but weight. The gain will be a healthy, happy family. Best of health..keep us posted.