Moms....How do you avoid eating after 8pm???

megans1980

I am struggling to eat dinner before 8-9pm. I find that I don't have a chance to stop and eat dinner until after the kids are in bed. It is between 8 and 9 pm before I can finally pause. I know this has to be bad for my body....cramming food down my throat then passing out from an exhausting day (mentally mainly). With sports, homework, husband who is working late and general daily household chore needs, it is hard! Do you have any tricks or tips for finding a way to eat before then?

amberrenee813

Brush your teeth. Eat a mint or chew gum.

Capt_Apollo

the time you eat and how quickly you eat has zero effect on your body. eating after a certain time won't effect you at all.

how old are your kids? why can't you eat while they're eating? you mention that they have homework and sports, so i'm assuming that they're mostly school aged. they can help a bit around the house, can't they? you know, tell them you need strong me to help you while dad is working late.

_MG_

Eat with the kids?

Unknown

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suejonestx

Eat with your kids. Throw together a salad in a bag and pre-cooked chicken breast if you're in a hurry. Floss and brush your teeth after dinner so you're less tempted to eat again. If you DO eat again, eat fruit, nuts or something healthy. Good luck.

rayraex

I'm not a mom, but have you tried cooking large meals ahead of time and then eating them throughout the week?

Me2FitMe

I eat when my kids eat ( anywhere ~5:30-7)... after we prep for school/work-- showers, etc.

lioness803

Why don't you eat when your kids eat dinner?

You could prep meals in advance, so you just have to heat something up and eat.

Time of day doesn't matter for weight loss though, so if you don't eat until 9pm, that's not going to affect weight loss.

Julzanne72

I suggest making dinner and eating as a family. I would assume your children eat dinner before they go to bed, so why are you not sitting down and eating with them. I work during the day,work out when I get home, and then make dinner so we can sit down as a family and eat. This ensures that not only I am getting a healthy dinner in, but so is my family.

konerusp

Brush your teeth!

Bernadette60614

Something simple for dinner: lower calorie chili (you can make your own...5 cans of different beans, one baggage of mixed veggies, season to taste, in a crockpot for about 2 hours on medium). It doesn't take long to eat and it is filling.

I think the trick is something filling instead of grazing on foods which just leave you hungry.

The save something light for before bedtime. I like just a frozen banana dropped into a blender with skim milk and some sweetener.

With kids/work/household, I think the key is planning for those moments that you have to squeeze in for yourself between other responsibilities.

I don't find eating with our son very relaxing, so I just end up eating foods that won't satisfy me, and then cleaning his plate. A cup of chili is perfect for dinner with him.

LBennett34

We are super busy, too! My best friend has become my crock pot. I just throw in meat and veggies, set it on low, and it's done when we get home. I also grill/ bake a lot of meat on the weekends and keep it in the fridge so all I really have to cook during the week are sides. Saves time! Another idea, is to make sandwiches in advance and just grab and go when you are in a hurry. Also, I keep a fresh cut fruit and veggie tray in the fridge. I put it out on the table whenever we are home to randomly snack from. If all else fails, you could keep meal replacement bars in your purse. I have Luna protein bars. I don't rely on them but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I hope some of these ideas are helpful.

DeterminedFee201426

i eat like a mini meal 2-3 hrs b4 dinner like 1 egg with 1 rasin bread or a pbj sandwich my dinner time is at 6:00 or 7:00 pm

cuinboston2014

I always eat with my daughter... we always eat as a family when I come home from work. I prepare meals in advance or throw something in the crock pot in the morning or we eat something quick (i.e. cereal). I wait to do the chores, my own homework, etc after she is in bed. If we do have activities we have to leave for as soon as I get home or if I have to go somewhere straight from work I pack a sandwich and eat my sandwich.

And then if I'm hungry again after 8pm, I eat. Usually oatmeal. I love oatmeal

thesupremeforce

As long as your calories are where they need to be, when you eat doesn't matter.

rml_16

I am struggling to eat dinner before 8-9pm. I find that I don't have a chance to stop and eat dinner until after the kids are in bed. It is between 8 and 9 pm before I can finally pause. I know this has to be bad for my body....cramming food down my throat then passing out from an exhausting day (mentally mainly). With sports, homework, husband who is working late and general daily household chore needs, it is hard! Do you have any tricks or tips for finding a way to eat before then?

Unless late eating interferes with your sleep (acid reflux or something) there is nothing wrong with this.

But if you are concerned, I'm wondering why you don't eat when you feed your children?

3dogsrunning

Unless you have a specific issue that causes problem with eating that late at night (like acid reflux or something), there is absolutely no reason at all to avoid eating after a certain time. It will not affect your weight loss.

I work 12 hour shifts, day and backshifts. I would get off work at 7, have a snack and go for a workout. By the time I got home and made supper, it was after 9 and pretty much time for bed again. I also ate throughout the night on backshifts.. It did not affect my weight loss.

SonicDeathMonkey80

I'm not a mom, but I do have a child who has sports and since it's just us, we are on a crazy schedule at times. First, it doesn't matter what time you eat. Make your meals in advance so all you need to do for dinner is heat up and/or quick roast (we don't like to wait around after practice at 8pm to eat). My kid's baseball sucks up 2hrs for each practice, so I bring food with me, like a banana, water, Peeps, etc. Teach your kids to be independent at an early age so you're not dealing with their BS later on.

Kekibird

If dinner happens at 8pm, it happens at 8pm. Mine did last night because we had baseball practice and my husband fed my son while I was running with my group. When I got home it was pack lunches, shower and then bedtime so dinner didn't happen till 8pm. I stuck to a healthy dinner and proper portions and was fine. Not all families can eat together though we try when we are all home at the same time.

Lleldiranne

First, it doesn't matter when you eat. Eating right before sleep is only a problem if you get reflux. Calories are what matter, not timing (and, of course, go for nutrient-rich calories)

Second, what has happened to family dinner? It does sound like you have a busy schedule, but you can surely carve out an hour to sit down as a family and eat together. There are so many benefits to your kids from doing this - from having time with parents and each other, to building social skills and better decision making (it's been linked to kids staying out of trouble as they move into teenagers), to learning healthy eating habits.

jstout365

the time you eat and how quickly you eat has zero effect on your body.

how old are your kids? why can't you eat while they're eating? you mention that they have homework and sports, so i'm assuming that they're mostly school aged. they can help a bit around the house, can't they? you know, tell them you need strong me to help you while dad is working late.

This all day long.

I eat when the rest of the family eats dinner. I don't make their meal and then not eat with them. Three nights a week I get home at 5 and am back out the door at 7 for a class. I get dinner going as soon as I am home and will pick up the kitchen or do laundry while it is cooking. Then we eat as a family. Gives everyone a chance to catch up on the day and take a break. It isn't easy to get everything done, but preparing healthy meals for my family is a priority. Also, you have to take the time for yourself. There is no reason your children can't eat what you make for yourself. My son (5) eats most of the foods we eat and it is nice knowing that he is growing up with a taste for nutritious food.

weird_me2

I don't - I just plan for it. I have found that intermittent fasting really works well for me - I don't usually start eating until noon and try not to eat after 10:00 pm. This works well with my natural preference to not eat breakfast and helps me have calories available for the evening. I eat about 1/2 of my calories for the day between 6:30 and 10:00 most nights.

If you are having trouble making healthy meals and just grabbing whatever, I do recommend some bulk cooking and pre-planning. When we make soups and chili now, we usually make a double batch. About 1/2 of it gets put in to a gallon sized Ziplock freezer bag and frozen for a busy night. I also use pint sized Ball jars or Ziplock containers with the screw on lids and freeze individual portions for when I need something just for myself. If you use the Ball jars, freeze without the lids on so they don't break, then add the lids after frozen.

The last time I made lasagna, I did it in disposable bread loaf pans and froze a couple of them - one is just right for a meal for our family of 4 plus a little left over. I've done the same with chicken casserole's. If we're having baked potatoes for a side dish one night, I'll make a couple extra for quick and easy lunches or even dinners. If I'm eating a potato as a meal, I like to throw on a few ounces of meat, cheese, low fat sour cream and salsa, usually to make it more filling.

When I cook chicken for a meal, instead of just doing 1 or 1 1/2 pounds, I do 3 and then use that chicken to make salads for myself for the week. Then, I just have to grab everything and dinner's ready in less than 5 minutes. If I'm doing tacos, I make extra meat and then freeze some in batches of 1 or 2 servings. Then, I just thaw, heat it and throw it on a salad for a quick meal.

Phrick

Second, what has happened to family dinner? It does sound like you have a busy schedule, but you can surely carve out an hour to sit down as a family and eat together. There are so many benefits to your kids from doing this - from having time with parents and each other, to building social skills and better decision making (it's been linked to kids staying out of trouble as they move into teenagers), to learning healthy eating habits.

^^^ this, so much. Family meal time is very important in my home and we eat together every night almost without exception. I can't imagine NOT doing so!

megans1980

the time you eat and how quickly you eat has zero effect on your body. eating after a certain time won't effect you at all.

how old are your kids? why can't you eat while they're eating? you mention that they have homework and sports, so i'm assuming that they're mostly school aged. they can help a bit around the house, can't they? you know, tell them you need strong me to help you while dad is working late.

It really doesn't effect anything? I dont know why it is in my head that it is horrible to eat after 8pm?

I have 2 boys that are 6 and 7. They are picky eaters and rarely eat the same thing as my husband and I. So we end up eating at different times.

I love what you said....."tell them you need strong men to help you while dad is working late." I will start this tonight!

devil_in_a_blue_dress

First of all, there is nothing wrong with eating that late.

Second, I don't know how old your kids are, but surely they can manage to safely entertain themselves for 30 minutes each evening. Have a set activity for them at say, 6 pm. Movie, craft -- whatever. Set them to it and if they interrupt you for a non-emergency, ignore it. If it's a young infant, just lay them down in their crib or swing. They will be fine.

ETA: I see you said 6 and 7, seriously, tell them to leave you alone for 30 minutes. I know that sounds harsh but if I didn't tell my 4 year old that mommy needs time for x,y,z she would own my life.

cggrlsteph

On days where it gets hectic I save my protein shake for the end of the day... or I make a quick sandwich or salad and eat while doing things. I know you're not suppose to do that but Im a single mom and work full time and go to school full time so my down time is extremely limited.
I also made myself get on a schedule. And with that, my daughter had to eat when I made dinner... there have been times where dinner was at 4... its just how it is sometimes.
Sounds like your kids are old enough to help out with things, have them help you make dinner and clean up. That might help.

Just find your balance, thats my best advice.

megans1980

We are super busy, too! My best friend has become my crock pot. I just throw in meat and veggies, set it on low, and it's done when we get home. I also grill/ bake a lot of meat on the weekends and keep it in the fridge so all I really have to cook during the week are sides. Saves time! Another idea, is to make sandwiches in advance and just grab and go when you are in a hurry. Also, I keep a fresh cut fruit and veggie tray in the fridge. I put it out on the table whenever we are home to randomly snack from. If all else fails, you could keep meal replacement bars in your purse. I have Luna protein bars. I don't rely on them but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I hope some of these ideas are helpful.

Love this! Thank you

rml_16

the time you eat and how quickly you eat has zero effect on your body. eating after a certain time won't effect you at all.

how old are your kids? why can't you eat while they're eating? you mention that they have homework and sports, so i'm assuming that they're mostly school aged. they can help a bit around the house, can't they? you know, tell them you need strong me to help you while dad is working late.

It really doesn't effect anything? I dont know why it is in my head that it is horrible to eat after 8pm?

I have 2 boys that are 6 and 7. They are picky eaters and rarely eat the same thing as my husband and I. So we end up eating at different times.

I love what you said....."tell them you need strong men to help you while dad is working late." I will start this tonight!

You think that because it's one of those dieting myths that won't die.

As for your kids eating different foods, so what? You can eat different foods at the same time. I still don't understand why you don't eat with them if you're concened about eating late.

I was a super picky eater and my parents often ate foods I wouldn't touch (I was VERY stubborn) so my mom woul dmake food for the adults and something small on the side for me. For the record, she also made me eat certain things, like vegetables. I had to eat a certain amount -- not a ton, but enough to get the nutrition in. It was the only thing I HAD to eat before leaving the table or having a treat.

MomTo3Lovez

I eat with my kids it's usually the only way I can have all 3 sitting together and not fighting lol

MrsG31

I am struggling to eat dinner before 8-9pm. I find that I don't have a chance to stop and eat dinner until after the kids are in bed. It is between 8 and 9 pm before I can finally pause. I know this has to be bad for my body....cramming food down my throat then passing out from an exhausting day (mentally mainly). With sports, homework, husband who is working late and general daily household chore needs, it is hard! Do you have any tricks or tips for finding a way to eat before then?

Why are you not eating with the kids? Even if it is on the go to a practice, or waiting during practice? My kids are young so we have only have 1 after-school activity right now. I feed them snacks on the way there (crackers, cheesesticks, clemetimes), I usually eat an apple while waiting, and then dinner around 7pm when we get home, while also doing homework. Sometimes it is leftovers, or sandwiches, or a quick meal. Like last night I microwaved some Tyson chicken bites and we ate those with potato salad, baby carrots, and cherry tomatoes. It doesn't always need to be a huge-deal. It's food, fuel, and nourshing. The rest of the week we eat together as a family. I know it is going to be harder when the kids are older, but that is a bridge we will cross when we get there.

I have been using the crock-pot a lot too. Doesn't work on our 1 day we have that activity because it is dry by the time we get home, but works great the rest of the week!

On the other hand, I have a friend that works at least an hour drive from her home. After the drive, picking up kids, homework, etc, they eat as family, but at like 8pm. The kids end up going to bed later than mine, but that is what works their family.