busy mum needs help

[queenbx]

hi all, I am starting this 12 steps program and I am if im true a tad scared, I have five children I work and find it hard to eat at normal times everyday, I tend to eat late which I now is bad, and also counting calories is hard for me so any suggestions on what is best for a supper busy single mum.

[annmary12]

Welcome this tends to be my problem, one off the changes I am making this week is planning food in advance. First step for me is to join this community.

[Autumn-Witch]

Hi Queenbx and welcome to the forum.

A working Mum with 5 children sounds a prett busy life to me The best advice of all is to keep it as simple as possible and think of it as a life style change rather than a diet. Can you find a couple of hours to yourself so that you can really sit and think about what you want to achieve and how you are going do it. The first thing I did was decide how I would spread my calorie allowance over the day. Some people like to allow for a mid morning/afternoon nibble! Next I Lookd up the calorie values of some basic foods so I had some idea of the good guys and the bad guys. I don't know anything about your likes and dislikes so I can't give you any help with the planning but I do know that any time you spend thinking things through will make it easier for you.

Take the plunge and keep in touch with us all. Join LowCal's Monday morning weigh-in when you can come online and let us know how the week has gone and find out how everyone else is getting on. Best of luck -))

[Charlottewarlotte in reply to Autumn-Witch]

Hi hope you dont mind me commenting - i started yesterday after crying infront of my gp - but at least ive now recognised there is an issue and i can do something about it. I was going to buy my own scales to help keep me motivated - do you think this will help?

[queenbx in reply to Charlottewarlotte]

hi thanks for reply, I don't think scales are for me I have gone and bought a tap measure and I am going to do measurer my waist every week think I will see results this way weather its a inch or more. But if scales work for you go for it..i do wish you all the best in your progress good thing we have other people in our situation that can keep us motivated...keep in touch....good luck...x

[Charlottewarlotte in reply to Autumn-Witch]

Hi hope you dont mind me commenting - i started yesterday after crying infront of my gp - but at least ive now recognised there is an issue and i can do something about it. I was going to buy my own scales to help keep me motivated - do you think this will help?

[queenbx in reply to Autumn-Witch]

hi autumn-whitch thank you for your reply, planning I have started and also got the kids involved,we started this the weekend I feel awake already no more snacks unless fruit or dry nuts. I will keep in touch thank you.

[Autumn-Witch in reply to queenbx]

Congratulations Queenbx,

I'm delighted to know you've taken the plunge and made a start. Well done to the kids for getting involved as well. Look out for LowCal's post inviting everyone to a Monday morning weigh-in! I find the thought of weighing myself on Monday keeps me on the straight and narrow over the weekend when I might be tempted to indulge :-))

[slamscape]

well considering im 18 years old and on a gap year I may not have such a similar experience lets say but I found what helps generally is to plan all your meals and portions in advance the night before or the entire weeks meals plan on the weekend before.

[Windswept1]

Planning is the key I think. Do you eat different meals to the children? Difficult for me to comment on the reality of your problems as I live alone, but I am all for simplicity. If everyone is eating the same healthy food then it is easier to portion control yours without having to prepare different meals.

I find if I plan ahead then it is less tempting to snack.

Is it possible to bulk cook some things at weekends and then freeze to save time during the week?

Also try putting yours on smaller plates so it looks more. Good luck with your journey.

[queenbx]

thank you all for reply's...planning is a grate idea I started this on the weekend and also got the children involved...I seem to be eating a lot of stir-fry's and jacket potato or soups all home made...pee and ham is my fav....is nice knowing there is support out there for such a busy mum...so thank you all so much...all keep up the good work...x