Any tips for a stay at home mom ??

So im in a bind, I'm a stay at home mom with a 5 month old and live in a country where most of the year it's freezing outside .. currently it's been snowing and or raining and I just stay at home walking back between the kitchen and the living room. Any tips on what to do to cut the snacking out. I've been gulping water every time I have an urge to eat but that can only go so far any advice is appreciated !! Thank you!!
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Replies

  • __Wolf__
    __Wolf__ Posts: 137 Member
    edited January 2016
    1. Calisthenics + HIIT.
    2. Plan your meals and don't buy unhealthy snacks.
    3. Don't overthink the whole thing.
    4. Once you're up for it, invest in some basic free weights and/or kettlebells.
    5. Structure is your friend. I work from home a lot and I find that if I can add structure to my day, I tend to be more productive and feel healthier.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Buy a treadmill or stationary bike to get some exercise... for the food unfortunately it's down to willpower.
  • weejen73
    weejen73 Posts: 68 Member
    Hi i'm also at home with my wee one, i got myself a fitbit and get my steps in around the house when there weathers bad like now to cold and snowy to go out. I also cut up veggies and fruit and keep them in the fridge and when ever i feel hungry i just have some sliced peppers, carrots, watermelon etc. I find if its on hand i don't eat other things like chips n chocolate.
  • _runnerbean_
    _runnerbean_ Posts: 640 Member
    Check out YouTube for some fitness videos. You can do them while your baby naps or watches you from the playpen. Plan small snacks at the start of the day then stick to that plan. If you feel bored find a hobby to do or come onto MFP for a boost!
  • Dreysander
    Dreysander Posts: 294 Member
    Stationary bike. I've been using mine for my cardio since I can't get out and walk lately.
    Bodyweight based resistance or resistance bands.
    Plan your food in advance.
    Sugar free gum helps if you really want a sweet.
  • justinesugi
    justinesugi Posts: 9 Member
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Buy a treadmill or stationary bike to get some exercise... for the food unfortunately it's down to willpower.


    The workout is not the issue I can go to the gym or workout at home daily it's just the fact of being home haha. Thank you for the input though :)
  • KJ4health
    KJ4health Posts: 16 Member
    I second the structure! Plan your meals, write them down. Have things prepared and ready to go!! Eat regularly, so you are not starving then binge.
    -I would even go as far as get the tempting foods out of the house that call your name.
    -See if the grocery store in your area can do "order on line" and pick up. This has saved me so many times. I do my menu for the week, take inventory, and simply go to the computer and order, then pick up. I love it! It keeps me from buying foods I don't need, and I literally have everything I need for my meals. No excuses!!

    Stay strong! You can do this!!! It will get easier.
  • justinesugi
    justinesugi Posts: 9 Member
    __Wolf__ wrote: »
    1. Calisthenics + HIIT.
    2. Plan your meals and don't buy unhealthy snacks.
    3. Don't overthink the whole thing.
    4. Once you're up for it, invest in some basic free weights and/or kettlebells.
    5. Structure is your friend. I work from home a lot and I find that if I can add structure to my day, I tend to be more productive and feel healthier.

    Thank you for your input.. structure is a but difficult being a military family things are constantly changing, and being home.mostly alone with 3 younger kids tends to be difficult to work out at home .. but I found agree planning meals and snacks is a must !! Thank you for the input :)
  • justinesugi
    justinesugi Posts: 9 Member
    weejen73 wrote: »
    Hi i'm also at home with my wee one, i got myself a fitbit and get my steps in around the house when there weathers bad like now to cold and snowy to go out. I also cut up veggies and fruit and keep them in the fridge and when ever i feel hungry i just have some sliced peppers, carrots, watermelon etc. I find if its on hand i don't eat other things like chips n chocolate.

    yes I totally agree with the planned snacking !!

  • bogwoppt1
    bogwoppt1 Posts: 159 Member
    Very cold where I live too. Rainy often, today was brutally windy. I wrap up warm and go out, I get cold, I get wet, but I get out. When my kids were small I wrapped them up too, tossed them in their stroller/pram and put a rain cover over it, they stayed dry and warm and I got out.
  • justinesugi
    justinesugi Posts: 9 Member
    KJ4health wrote: »
    I second the structure! Plan your meals, write them down. Have things prepared and ready to go!! Eat regularly, so you are not starving then binge.
    -I would even go as far as get the tempting foods out of the house that call your name.
    -See if the grocery store in your area can do "order on line" and pick up. This has saved me so many times. I do my menu for the week, take inventory, and simply go to the computer and order, then pick up. I love it! It keeps me from buying foods I don't need, and I literally have everything I need for my meals. No excuses!!

    Stay strong! You can do this!!! It will get easier.

    I wish I had that option haha I am currently living overseas with my family so it's always trips to the commissary, but yes I do agree structure and planed snacks and meals is a must thank you for the input :)
  • justinesugi
    justinesugi Posts: 9 Member
    Check out YouTube for some fitness videos. You can do them while your baby naps or watches you from the playpen. Plan small snacks at the start of the day then stick to that plan. If you feel bored find a hobby to do or come onto MFP for a boost!

    Im currently doing the turbo fire program , the workout is not the issue it's just the snacking that's Killing me haha . I will start planning smarter snacks though . Thank you ! :)
  • Colorscheme
    Colorscheme Posts: 1,179 Member
    Im a mom to a 15 monh old. I do indoor workouts via Youtube during my son's naps. I have no problem being able to juggle a toddler and working out.
  • 00EmilyJo00
    00EmilyJo00 Posts: 64 Member
    I'm in the same position as you, stay at home mom to a 4 month old, in the country and getting lots of snow and rain haha! YouTube videos are good for workouts, plan meals and have healthy choices for snacks to grab and not a bunch of junk.
  • Tobysgirl212
    Tobysgirl212 Posts: 27 Member
    I find it is important to plan at least one outing per day. We either run errands or go to the library story time. I'm not sitting at home. That would drive me bananas. With a five month old you could sign up for various mommy and me classes, from music to yoga, or join a moms group.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    Plan your food for the day. I like pre-logging my whole day and I plan 1-2 afternoon/evening snacks.
    Put food out of sight. The only food I have out is a bowl of fruit.
    Don't buy much quick snack food.
    Get enough protein.
    Chew gum. Drink water.
    Get out of the kitchen/house.
    Are you eating out of boredom? Work on finding something interesting to do or adults to communicate with.
  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    Try to get out of the house....even if its cold out. Join a gym with childcare, go walk laps around the mall, visit the library. Do what you can to mitigate the mind numbing boredom that comes with being a SAHM (in my opinion and i am a SAHM to 4 kids ages 7,6,4,1.5).
  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    Find a craft you enjoy that you can do around the kids....i took up crochet soon after my oldest was born. I love it because i can stop anytime and pick it up minutes, days or months later. It requires very little supplies (a hook and some yarn), and i can do it mindlessly while paying attention to the kids.
  • Colorscheme
    Colorscheme Posts: 1,179 Member
    Am I the only one with a kid who doesn't mind staying inside? then again I don't have my own car and this neighborhood isn't very safe. It's not terrible, but I am located close to a crime prone area where people have been robbed in broad daylight and where shootings occur at night.
  • krithsai
    krithsai Posts: 668 Member
    Are you still breast feeding? If yes, that's probably the reason for the hunger. Pick healthy snacks and throw out junk.
  • vivmom2014
    vivmom2014 Posts: 1,649 Member
    You're not in a bind. You don't *have to* go outside; you've stated that working out isn't a problem.

    Is your calorie goal too aggressive? Are you bored? Do you keep a lot of tempting food in the house? Is mindless snacking a habit?

    There are lots of creative ways to work around ruts (if you feel you're in one.) Ultimately it comes down to making what you truly desire a priority. So get crackin'.
  • janjunie
    janjunie Posts: 1,200 Member
    vivmom2014 wrote: »
    You're not in a bind. You don't *have to* go outside; you've stated that working out isn't a problem.

    Is your calorie goal too aggressive? Are you bored? Do you keep a lot of tempting food in the house? Is mindless snacking a habit?

    There are lots of creative ways to work around ruts (if you feel you're in one.) Ultimately it comes down to making what you truly desire a priority. So get crackin'.

    Yes, this!
  • mrsnazario1219
    mrsnazario1219 Posts: 173 Member
    SAHM here also! Definitely reduce the items that you tend to snack on the most. Replace them with healthier options. I use to have homemade baked goods on hand constantly, ice cream, candy bars etc. (huge sweet tooth). I stopped baking and buying those things. I replaced them with fruit and yogurt. Once I was able to control my snacking I reintroduced those items back into my diet, I just eat them a lot less. Plus I still eat my fruit and yogurt so now I have tons of options. Also, keep your hands busy! I love to crochet, read, play with my kids and play on my phone lol. It does take some will power :) good luck!
  • christch
    christch Posts: 238 Member
    I'm not exactly a SAHM but I work from home looking after a 4yr old, 2x 2yr olds and a 14month old. I find some days I want to snack more than others so l made up some low cal snack packs that I could have when kids have morning tea. I also try to make sure I eat plenty of protein. My downfall is the multiple cups of coffee I tend to drink.
  • Jetamu96
    Jetamu96 Posts: 963 Member
    I'm most definitely not a mum, but i'm a student with very little spare time for going out walking or to the gym. I've just downloaded a bunch of 7-minute-workouts on my phone. They're completely free and people seem to be getting good results so i'm gonna give them a try ^^
  • mrsnazario1219
    mrsnazario1219 Posts: 173 Member
    christch wrote: »
    I'm not exactly a SAHM but I work from home looking after a 4yr old, 2x 2yr olds and a 14month old. I find some days I want to snack more than others so l made up some low cal snack packs that I could have when kids have morning tea. I also try to make sure I eat plenty of protein. My downfall is the multiple cups of coffee I tend to drink.

    Kids have morning tea?? This is so awesome to me. I'm assuming you're British? The image that pops into my head are toddlers dressed in big hats and pretty dress with there pinky up lol. I'm sorry, I swear I wish I were British. If only to track down Robert Pattinson lol.
  • victoria_1024
    victoria_1024 Posts: 915 Member
    I only work in the evenings and I'm home with four kids during the day. I actually find I do way better at home with food than at work! At home I plan out my meals and snacks well. Keep track of my macros. Cook something healthy. At work there's always junk food sitting around and I'm busy and just need to grab something in between sessions. I think it's the planning that makes my day easier at home. I log as I go throughout the day so I know how many calories I have.
  • ephiemarie
    ephiemarie Posts: 264 Member
    Have you considered an intermittent fasting sort of approach? I'm a SAHM of 4, and when I'm trying to lose weight, I will typically drink coffee and water (flavored with low-calorie drink mix packets) until I'm really, truly HUNGRY. Sometimes I'm starving when I wake up and will have something small (graham cracker, half a banana--just enough to take the edge off and give me a pre-workout boost). I can usually hold off until early afternoon, and I am able to actually enjoy my late lunch during the kids' quiet time. With a later lunch, I'm not as hungry at dinner time (saves calories), and I usually eat my snacks after the kids are in bed...when I can enjoy them and not have to share, lol. Having a big container of pre-made salad in the fridge is helpful, as is a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter.
  • thunder1982
    thunder1982 Posts: 280 Member
    Work out when you most feel like snacking, is it after the kids have gone to bed and your too tired to do housework and too restless to watch tv? A hobby such as doing puzzles keeps those hands busy. Crocheting you can do while watching tv. I guess what I am getting at is is boredom/habit or actual hunger. Yes I am sure there's always something else 'more productive' you could be doing such as folding washing but finding something you like to relax doing is a reward for all your effort.

    BTW I find folding washing while watching TV, taking small piles at a time to where they belong is a great way to add extra steps to your day.
  • SarahKhristan
    SarahKhristan Posts: 134 Member
    I work from home PT and I also am a SAHM. I found that making a schedule for my little one as well as myself really helped me to stop grazing. I plan my meals and snacks. I tend to keep a lot of fruits and vegetables readily available too. It's certainly not easy, but you can do it!