Weight loss plan?

...or maybe not.

Okay. Truth be told, I have about 10 pounds of baby weight hanging on. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I'd actually like to lose about 20 pounds and keep them off for good. In addition, I'm in that between stage with clothing right now...most of my normal clothes don't fit me right, and I am not willing to go out and spend money on clothes that I'll only wear for a little while. This means that right now I am cycling through 3 pairs of pants, a couple of skirts, and about half of my tops. So, on to my weight loss plan...

About 5 years ago, I found out I had high cholesterol, so I went on a strict high fiber, low fat diet and I exercised a lot. I lost 25 pounds and, in just a few months, had dropped my total cholesterol by over 70 points. So that was my weight loss plan this time around. If it worked then, it will work now, right?

...or maybe not.

There are a few changes/issues I failed to factor in. Let's take a look at what's different.

Then:
My diet consisted of beans (I cooked with them almost all the time), lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean white meat, fish, low fat yogurt and cottage cheese, and dark chocolate (to satisfy my sweet tooth). I also had no children, so I had time to prepare things and get creative with my meals.

Now:
My nursing baby does not tolerate beans in any way, shape, or form. He also doesn't tolerate dairy, for that matter. This means that beans (my staple) are out. It also means that a quick and easy source of protein, dairy, is out as well. Chocolate is out, too. Tyson really hates when I eat that. On top of that, I now have two children, am starving because I'm burning extra calories nursing, and just don't have the time to get creative.

At least I'm left with lean meats, fish, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Oh wait...many fruits and veggies are out, too. For some reason, I am gradually becoming allergic to most fresh fruits and veggies. After Trevin, I could no longer eat fresh apples (organic or conventional) without my mouth, throat, nose, and even eyes starting to itch. That was a BIG disappointment. Who doesn't love apples and peanut butter for an easy snack? And now, after Tyson, I am finding that most fruits make me react that way. Some depend on whether they are organic or not, with others, it doesn't make a difference. I've also found that fresh carrots and snap peas cause that reaction, too.

So here's what I can eat right now: meat and fish, nuts, some fruit (I haven't figured out all that bothers me), dried fruit, salad, tomatoes (but not too many, they bother Tyson, too), most veggies (again, can't pinpoint all the ones that bug me), carbs, and sugar. For a mom with two kids (2 yrs old and 3 months old), I'm still having trouble translating all of that into healthy, quick choices. Other than at dinner, when I can take the time to cook something well-rounded and healthy, it feels like I'm filling myself with lunch meat, dried fruit, carbs, and sugar. At least then I know that Tyson won't be fussy and in pain, and my mouth won't itch.

I guess I'll need to go to plan B...but what is that? Anyone?