Sticking to calorie deficit while cooking higher calorie family meals

[Postpartumhelp]

How do you stay in calorie deficit when you also prepare meals for the whole family?

I have 3 kids who are 7,5 and 9 months and we tend to eat meals together. Two of the kids need to eat as many calories as possible for medical reasons so I tend to add more oil/ground nuts etc to their portions.

I've tried so hard to stick to 1500 cals over the past few months but it's nigh on impossible with family meals and I end up eating kids leftovers without even thinking.

Do you meal prep for yourself and eat separately food but as a family? How do you find the will power to avoid eating the kids leftovers?

DH also cooks but is very liberal with the olive oil.

Any tips appreciated. Also, if you have a typical 1500 cal meal plan that keeps you full please let me know

If the leftovers aren’t being saved for the kids to eat the next day then clear the plate straight away into the compost bin so you’re not tempted to finish it off. If being saved, box quickly and into the fridge so it’s out of sight.

I tend to just have the core part of the meal and no extras eg if we’re having curry, the kids will have it with rice and naan but I’ll just have the curry part. Or dish up smaller portions and save the other half for a quick lunch or dinner another day.

Make a solution of washing up liquid and water and put it in a spray bottle. As soon as the kids leave the table spray their plates - you won’t want to eat any soapy leftovers.

log it, eat it, and walk away.
break down your daily allowance by calories 300 breakfast, 250 lunch, 600 supper and 250 for snacks (even veggies and hummus adds up).
but once you have eaten your meal you need to step away.
it's hard with kids in the mix