Stressed Out

mkeatonmom3

What do you do when everyone is at you at once? I have a BIG family. 9 kids still at home.My husband just came home and wants to eat. My daughter’s boyfriend is here to play cards with several of my kids and the 4 younger kids all want TV and computer time. No one wants to wait their turn.My husband is going to take another kid to the doctor. It is so chaotic right now and that is when I want to start snacking. I did not have time to exercise today. Everyone wants me to do stuff for them.

apullum

It's okay that you didn't exercise today. Don't beat yourself up over it.

If you have calories left, then snacks are fine. If you're losing weight, it's also fine to eat at maintenance occasionally if that's what you need mentally and/or physically. That just means you will lose weight more slowly, but you won't gain fat.

I hope that you can delegate some of the chaos to your husband/older kids, and hopefully find a chance to make yourself a nice cup of tea or whatever you enjoy.

Wendyanneroberts

I know your stressed out atm, but would just like to share my story briefly. As snacking often gets blamed as unhealthy or impossible for weight loss. But that's not always true.

I found one thing that has helped me during times of stress (for different reasons) but finding time to meal prep or eat as planned, wasn't happening. Snacking was a frequent experience. People often said to me "just don't snack" or "weight loss was impossible" while I snacked.

Just saying stop snacking wasn't helpful. Or I'd end up believing them, thinking weight loss was impossible and give up on my diet. Consequently I usually gained weight. People were quick to blame my snacks.

Fortunately I found MFP and lots of wise advice on these forums. All I needed to do to lose weight, was eat at a calorie deficit. Or at maintenance during tougher times, so I stopped regaining. Snacking or so called bad meal times wouldn't hinder my progress AS LONG AS I STUCK TO MY CALORIE TARGETS.

So keeping healthy, easy to eat snacks at hand. Pre weighed or measured portions, knowing their calorie content. Meant I now had multiple choices to snack, when & as needed. Without feeling guilty, logging all kept me accountable. Still lost the 50lb that was needed, without being able to "exercise", in the general sense. Maintaining since, by sticking within my calorie budget. Usually have breakfast, lunch & dinner. With a small snack morning and afternoon, as I want. Saving calories for a decent evening snack.
This wouldn't work for everyone, but suits me & my lifestyle well.

elisa123gal

Maybe have a talk with your husband first. Tell him you want to get healthy and lose weight, that the chaotic family habits are making it difficult. Perhaps between the two of you a plan can be hatched..that sets aside time during certain weekdays for you to exercise..even if it is in your room with the door closed. also.if you could make a time time to meal prep your own snacks and some meals so you can stay on track.

then have a talk with your kids and ask them to help you out by adhering to the plan. also.. they can do things for themselves, which is good for them. Communicate and put yourself first on this...your family will benefit and you'll be a more happy healthy mom.