Tired, stressed and always hungry

[Yellowbowlbanana]

At the beginning of the year and during lockdown I was doing 5:2 (ish). I definitely dropped some weight and felt great. Since life has returned to some level of normality I just can't get back to it. We are always busy and on the go. I also exercise quite a bit - I do a HIIT most lunchtimes, run 2-3 per week and swim once a week. I am constantly hungry. I eat really well during the day but by the time I get home from work I'm ravenous and just pick at everything.
What strategy can I use to help me get on top of this especially when I'm tired and stressed. I have half a stone to lose so not loads but I carry weight really badly and feel enormous.

Do you give yourself enough rest? When cortisol levels increase it's getting hard to lose weight, plus your body is trying to make up for this which leads to constant hunger and weight gain. I know we have to be constantly on the go but please, make sure you take your time for relaxation, too. Buy yourself a pack of scented candles, have a nice bath with bath bombs and aroma oil, go for a walk after a long day if possible, etc. Good sleep is also important.
You can start doing arts&crafts, it helps your mind to switch to other stuff, not just food. Use anti-stress coloring books, maybe paint by numbers, or some DIY stuff like doing creative photo slideshows or zen gardens. Here are some more relaxation activities- medium.com/were-moodica/7-fun-diy-projects-guaranteed-to-relieve-stress-4aebdde243dc if you need.

Thanks for the reply. I definitely don't give myself enough rest. Sounds ridiculous but ultimately I don't have time. I work full-time, have 4 school age DC who play every sport under the sun and I volunteer. I'm going to give the latter up but can't at the moment as I'm relied upon. During lockdown my self-care was dedicated better but I just don't have the energy to be bothered.
I have tried to eat well today by having 3 solid meals; porridge for breakfast made with water, milk and berries. Salad with cous cous, halloumi and houmous for lunch followed by a fat free greek yoghurt and an apple and veg curry for dinner. I had some chicken as a snack.
Right now though I could murder a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit!

That many Hiit sessions will contribute to your tiredness and stress levels. Would you be able to scale that down? Rest is important for recovery. Try vary your workouts with some low intensity stuff like yoga?

@safetyzone

That many Hiit sessions will contribute to your tiredness and stress levels. Would you be able to scale that down? Rest is important for recovery. Try vary your workouts with some low intensity stuff like yoga?

I was about to say this and preface with "this won't be popular"!

HIIT and swimming make me really really hungry. Swimming is off the table for now due to faff but I do HIIT twice a week and that's enough.

When I go swimming, I have a big meal prepared for dinner - it takes me a while to get home from there. By the time I get home, I'm too hungry to cook.