How to eat less when at home with young children

[Mumof3onetwothree]

Before children my weight was almost exactly the same all my adult life...healthy but at the lower end of the healthy BMI range...I know why...because I literally ate porridge or similar for breakfast, one small sandwich for lunch with 2 bits of fruit and my dinner after work and dessert was one or two squares of dark chocolate. Never ate biscuits or extra snacks at work unless it was a birthday or something and someone had baked. Occasionally I went out for dinner/has a night out with alcohol and some weekends would have eaten more due to celebrations etc but that level of occasional slight over indulgence didn't impact my weight. I ran 3 times a week and went hiking at weekends.
I'm sure though if I'd been working from home and near my kitchen all the time in those days I would have weighed more.
I am now a stay at home mum with 3 children, the youngest a toddler. I am now technically within the healthy BMI range but at the top end. I feel overweight. None of my old clothes fit and physically I'm unfit. I find it impossible to eat as little as I did when I was at work and away from food all day. I am so tired, every time I get sick with colds (every few weeks), I feel ravenously hungry and can't resist eating more especially when I am literally in the kitchen so much and preparing food . Overall the type of food that I eat is fairly healthy but it is clearly too many calories.
I found the Slob comes clean podcast life changing in terms of keeping my house reasonably tidy as it is a different mindset to most decluttering programmes. I just wish there was something practical and motivational like that for weight loss when you have small children, exhausted and not able to keep away from food prep when willpower is low.
I was a restrictive eater as a teen because some of my friends were also very weight conscious. I thankfully didn't go into full blown eating disorder mode and then ate normally once I got away from that group as I got older. But that experience has made me very wary of anything that could trigger obsessive calorie counting etc.
Has anyone found a practical way of coping with fatigue and the hunger that comes with regular coughs and colds, while being surrounded by food and toddler leftovers, that actually helped.

I was the opposite. During pregnancy I was haaaangry and was 112kg by the end. But within 8 months was down to 81kg! I actually found being super busy with DS kept me away from food and nursing on demand 24/7 easy 500cals lost a day!
Once newborn stage was over and things were more consistent I started to go out 3 days a week for long walks. I also meal prep on sundays sometimes once every 2 weeks is enough. We got a 2nd freezer and it has been life changing. No more quick unhealthy meals.
I also found with DS I wanted to set an example if I wanted him to eat the healthy snacks I had to be an example.
So while I make breakfast I will prep a platter of fruits and veggies we can graze no throughout the day. We go on long walks now. So when we get back while I prep lunch DS can snack on the platter with some crackers and cottage cheese and some olives.

Maybe give this a go. The only way I was able to manage the meal prepping was to have DH look after DS all day. I then had time to meal prep and snack prep. Make any fillings for sandwhiches. Also take advantage of nap times.

Sleep schedules can be adjusted waking up 30-60mins before the kids can be super helpful. Going to bed earlier. Spending the child free time in the evening pampering yourself.

In regards to eating leftovers this is all mothers my mum.was the same I was starting to do it. But I said no to that. Way should I eat the left overs. Instead I offer to DH or if I can I will store in the fridge and DS can finish later / tomorrow. I shouldn't be the human vacuum for people.
One ofher way to negate leftovers is I also put less on my plate a lot less in anticipation of leftovers. And that's works to.

I am due DC2 soon and hope to prep foe the newborn stage as DS will be under 3 when they come along so toddler and newborn! So hoping I can keep up and resume things.

All the best.

have you had your iron and vitamin d levels checked recently? I started taking supplements prescribed by GP and wow what a difference to my energy levels.

I'm similar to you, I've started snacking since child doesn't get the universal free school meals anymore as we suddenly had chocolate and crisps in the house for packed lunches. So, what I've done is I've given up chocolate and crisps (including hot chocolate) and the only snacks I buy are chocolate and crisps and something like hot cross buns. The hot cross buns are eaten in a day or two by us all and that's it for snacks until next shop. I've been doing this since Christmas and I've lost 3.5kg and nearly at my 56-58kg happy range. Haven't changed anything else but noticed I felt pretty uncomfortable after a meal out with big pudding today as I think appetite has regulated and I felt the sugar.

I make sure I have three meals a day. But I try not to buy snacks in as I just eat them! I normally have cashews/almonds in for porridge so I will have a few if I'm feeling snacky

I went through phases, three was times I snacked on bread and cereal which didn’t help, but then other times I made myself go for apples, cut up oranges, crackers, frozen grapes, green beans etc or water. Best of luck op!!

Yeah it’s difficult, we have more chocolate etc floating around but Dh and I have a secret stash of individually wrapped lindt so we don’t touch DD’s stuff. I think thinking of a category of stuff as DD’s helps but it’s also that we don’t keep loads so there are a few chocolate lollipops and some chocolate dessert pots in the fridge that are hers.

But tbh I never really ate a lot of chocolate. For me it was bread, butter and cheese, I think it was very much to do with fatigue, I was just really tired and I think I was eating as a pick me up. I genuinely felt hungry but it’s a side effect of sleep deprivation.

So you mean you basically bought a second freezer to store lots of batch cooked meals in? This may be an idea I pitch to my husband.

Can i please ask what kind of meals you make? And also how long your walks are?

I’m looking for inspiration as I’m 3 months post my second c section, am the heaviest i’ve ever been and feel utterly disgusting.

Op I get it. I’m eating due to exhaustion but also boredom I think. And not had much chance for walks with the crap weather and i don’t get my chance to do lane swimming anymore.

Often resent these men for not having to go through this!

Accept your body shape, and size has changed with becoming a mother.
I would suggest you eat more substantial meals, fruit, and vegetables.
I have changed to multi grain bread instead of being able to eat 3-4 slices of white toast not being full, for example.
Get your health and iron levels checked.
Look into nee ideas and recipes for snacks, meals for abit of a change.

Sorry I would have to disagree with your first point. There is absolutely no way i’m accepting the extra 2 and a half stone I have as a 5ft tall woman and I think the OP’s desire to do something about how she feels about her weight is a great attitude.

Fatigue and sleep deprivation plays a huge role in this. Our brains crave sugar. It really is hard. I don't have good advice for you really other than perhaps if you can try anything to get a bit more rest and a bit more fresh air/exercise then the rest may follow.

I do recall hearing of mums who spray washing up liquid of leftovers immediately so they can't eat them but that seems insane!

I lost some weight after DC1 but DC2 has been a killer. I don’t find breastfeeding helpful for weight loss because I’m always ravenous. For me personally I like to fast and I find it really beneficial. I’ve done a mix of IF, Keto and (short) water fasts. I find it a challenge. Like you I was a big hiker pre children (15-20 miles a day of a weekend was normal) and it’s just not possible with toddlers who have little legs.

Yes, I found a practical way, OP.
Anxiety. Cannot eat a thing when it hits and it would be hitting the roof if I was at home with 3 kids.
Not helpful, I know.
Another rather nasty comment, but it helps me.
What is more important, the nice food, or you not letting yourself go? 😁
As I said, applied this to myself.

When you reach for the boring biscuit, handful of cereal or your kids leftovers, remind yourself that it doesn't actually taste that good so it'scalories just for the sake of eatingthat isn'tgoing to leave you satisfied. Instead, have in something really indulgent and portioned out for yourself to eat slowly and enjoy in the evening when the kids are in bed. It'll give you some self control as it'll stop you reaching for junk, as you tell yourself that you can wait to relax and enjoy a proper treat later when the kids are sleeping.

I always want to snack as I'm preparing dinner so I get a carrot, pepper,some celery or cucumber, etc, cut it all up and graze on that as I'm cooking. It really works.

As for ravenous hunger when you have a cold- I'm exactly the same. I make a big pan of vegetable soup and eat that. I always find soup really comforting when I'm ill and veg soup is very low in calories. I always start with a couple of sticks of celery, a large carrot and an onion, then throw in whatever veg I have to hand with some veg or chicken stock and any herbs you fancy and then blend when cooked. Bone broth is a great addition- especially if you're sick. Bring a pan of water filled with meat bones to boiling point, then simmer for a few hours or put in the slow cooker overnight.

Can you take your kids walking? Will they do a YouTube yoga video with you? Do a few sit ups or squats when you have a few minutes free? Just adding little bursts of exercise all adds up. 8 and a half minutes per day adds up to an hour's exercise over the week and you can build up from there

@MariaVT65 yes a small under counter freezer. We have a small place if I could I would have gotten a Chest freezer. We put ours in the utility we don't have a drier so the freezer goes there.

I batch cook Lasagne, pasta sauces, currys, chilli concarni, pies - shepard, fish, chicken etc. And soups lots of soups even Pizza bases I make and store in the freezer. I like to make home made Breads and crumpets now and then.
We were gifted an Instant pot and that's has been amazing as pretty hands free.

When DS was under 1 it would go for 1.5hr walks. Not he is over 2 and loves to walk/use his push bike we are out for 2-2.5hrs.
The sundays I am not batch cooking we go out as a family to a large park / estate where there are loads of walking paths. We do soft play so I can join in with DS and burn dome calories.

I hate rain but DH got me a really good rain coat and knee high Wellies and DS has the same and we just make the effort even though pre baby I would have stayed inside. We go splash in puddles amd run around even if it is 1hour on rainy days.
When he was in the pram I would take.more challenging routes lots of uphill walking and timing myself.

I don't have a fit body I was a UK 14/16 but I feel very fit dont get out of breath like before. I still had a soft belly and overhang of skin due to the massive weight loss the only way to get rid of that is surgery (no thanks) but now I am pregnant again I don't care.

I second what @Pitstop1986 said about the Yoga video. It is fun with the toddler.

@PurBal we were gifted a hiking carrier for DS and it is amazing. We go hiking and he loves to sit in there and be carried like a prince. It is like a backpack has a small seat. We go to remote locations around Wales and we never miss out on the adventure. You could try that?

Your body shape may change and if your unhappy then they to make a consious effort. It might take longer then someone who is childless. But the needy stage will pass you will have more me time.
In the interim there are lots of 15-30min workouts on YT you can do at home while DC nap. And as they get older you can get out more soemd more time out. Ask for birthday/xmas gifts such as great pair of walking shoes/trainers etc. Things that will motivate you.
The food issue will change kids become ravenous and your cupboards will be empty soon lol.
My DS eats us out of the house already.

Thanks for your message. We do a little but nowhere near the distances of pre children. I think we managed just 6-7 miles on Saturday. We have an Osprey Poco Plus and an Ergobaby Omni 360 (and use this as a back carrier). DH prefers the former and I prefer the latter. Our children are 8mo and 2.5yo and the older one is getting near the weight limit for the Poco (the weight limit is actually the same but includes the weight of the carrier and the Poco, whilst light, is still a few kg). The older one often wants to walk which takes time and we struggle to carry enough gear to do any distance (water, food for all 4 of us, extra layers, coats, nappies for the small one). I could front carry the small one and then take a backpack but I would struggle with the distance, in part because I’m 20kg heavier than I was. Look at me finding problems not solutions 🤦‍♀️

Thanks all. Lots of ideas. Child no. 3 has tipped me over the edge, I managed to get the weight off after the other 2. The second child started primary school this year and it is all the driving, 2 different pick up times, activities most afternoons and at the weekends, daily food shopping, more laundry. Evenings are spent tidying and preparing for the next day. It seems impossible to get any time for myself and someone is always sick. And then some time spent looking after an elderly grandparent.
It seemed easier when the other two were small and we were just doing the pre school thing .... In a way less it was tiring that this endless driving around, grabbing food here and there, every spare minute filled with just trying to keep the show on the road. And the hunger seems much worse this time which means less resistance.

I totally get this. When my second child was small we had a nightmare series of awful life events during the pandemic. I was so so stressed all the time I couldn't eat. I lost so much weight so quickly, it was the lightest I've been since having children. But it didn't stay off as life settled down and improved again.

Thank you I actually think this washing up liquid thing might be something I'll have to resort too! It might actually work😂

I am the same having my third. Lost weight fairly quickly with the first two and now my third is nearly six months I’m almost two stone heavier than at the same time after my first. A lot of this advice just doesn’t work with three, especially about doing things in baby’s nap because when baby is asleep I’ve still got another at home awake and same as you, eldest now in Reception and so keeping the show on the road takes all I’ve got. I’m very active as in I don’t sit down but also just so sleep deprived and exhausted I’m reaching for whatever is there. Similar to the washing up thing, I ask the children to take their plates into the kitchen or eldest will carry them and to scrape them into the green waste bin. They think it’s to teach them manners and consideration and how we all pitch in the clean up, but really it’s to stop me picking their food! I also do the thing of putting a small amount on my own plate, knowing I’ll eat the leftovers. I think my killer is that we eat in the evening once everyone is in bed. I’m breastfeeding so starving hungry, so to an extent I’m just making peace with accepting that there isn’t much I can do about it right now as I’m too tired and overwhelmed but once I’ve got it in me to exercise and be a bit more mindful and deliberate with food I will get it off. Would be nice to sort it before summer though as I find it’s harder psychologically being overweight in the summer.
Good luck anyway.