Need to (Re-) Lose 35-40 lbs - Suggestions?

I really want to re-lose 35-40 lbs. Though I typically follow the majority of the "rules" that got me down in the first place, I am 35-40 lbs heavier than I would like to be. I gained the weight back pregnant, so we can skip the "stop eating carbs, stuffing your face, did you get lazy" comments and suggestions. 

I work out on average 2-3 times a week. Hard cardio - I'm a runner and do crossfit one of those days no matter what. I'm in fairly decent shape concerning fitness and was active during pregnancy. My meals are primarily protein with a healthy carb and veggies but even I can recognize that the convenience foods have become more of a staple than I would like. By convenience foods I mean that I will eat a protein bar in the morning, nothing else until noon when I eat a turkey "sandwich" (no bread - wrapped in lettuce) with cheese and a pickle, occasionally pretzels as well, an afternoon snack of something like nuts, peanut butter with Wheat Thins, string cheese etc and then a healthy dinner of baked chicken/por****asional red meat, green beans/asparagus/occasional corn and once or twice a week polenta or baked potato or salad. 

What's the best way to take this weight back off? I'm finding it incredibly difficult!

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. How long has it been since you had your baby? If it hasn't been long, it may just take a little longer to kick your metabolism in gear. And maybe change your work out routine to challenge your body in a different way.

All the best to you!

A couple of things.  Are you breastfeeding?  My body would not give up a pound until my babies were 6 months old and getting nourishment from sources other then me.  Then it decided it was safe to give up some weight.  I swore I ate nothing and I couldn't lose weight.  It saved everything for the baby.
I'm not going to tell you to stop stuffing your face but it seems that you are still eating unnecessary carbs.  When I was losing weight I ate no carbs that weren't from fruits, vegetables or dairy, and very little of those.  I mainly ate protein, protein, protein.  My carbs were under 50.  I in no way think you are lazy, it's just a matter of priorities.  If losing weight is a priority then carbs don't need to be.  Especially refined carbs and processed carbs.  Pretzels, Wheat Thins have no nutritional value and do nothing for you in terms of reaching your goal.  What is more important to you?  Eating those things because they are easy and taste good or reaching a weight you like?  The choice is up to you.  There are price tags for everything.  If you would rather have easy and good tasting and don't mind living with a few extra pounds then there is nothing wrong with that.  It is your choice and a lot of people are perfectly happy having a curvier body and a looser diet.

Hi,
I am going in for a Hernia repair and my Dr would like me to lose a little weight prior. I lost 4 pounds this week (water weight?).  Probably but I felt good looking at the scale. It has motivated me to keep it up.

I increased water, eliminated most carbs with the exception of a little fresh veggies. I substituted a protein drink for Breakfast and cut out my weekend 2 glasses of wine. I kept my calories between 800 and 1100. If I was hungry during the day I drank a glass of water and had a Baby Bell or a protine Drink. My exercise routine is non-existent so this week I am going to start walking before work in the AM. Oh and I am taking all of my vitamins. I am following the Vita Lady recommended RNY plan. It is amazing how much that alone has made me feel.

Good Luck!
Best,
Whitney

I think that There are some important things that will help. That said, I'm working on fighting regain too. I would like to get a good 15 to 20 pounds off, but I'm pretty sure I've figured out my issues. But it's not as easy as it once was.

Here are the things I think help: 

1. count every single calorie for a week. Not forever, but count what you put in your mouth for now. Don't forget liquids. And Vitamins.
2. If you are drinking with meals, stop.
3. After you've written down what you are consuming, make some choices.... smaller portion sizes, eliminating empty carbs, stop drinking with meals.
4. If your food choices don't seem to be the source, you might switch up your exercise, or even upping calories.

It's tough further out. I've learned that it's not just about following the rules... it's multi-faceted. Good luck.

It looks like you are doing what you need to be doing, so the best thing that I can suggest is adding morning and after dinner protein snacks to keep your metabolism up throughout the day rather than just after the three meals and the afternoon snack. 

Adding something between dinner and bedtime seems to matter a lot for me. I started skipping that snack the last time I needed to get my 5-pound weight "creep" back off and 3 of the pounds were being very stubborn. I figured maybe eliminating those calories would do the trick.  Nope. I gained a pound and a half during the next 2 weeks!  So I restored that snack and seriously increased my fluids and finally got those (now) 4.5 pounds to come off.

Lora