Losing weight during times on crisis

katimama
katimama Posts: 191 Member
in Motivation and Support
Topic should read: Losing weight during times OF crisis

Does anyone have success stories of continuing their weight loss program during times of crisis?

My family is going through some very serious health issues and I've been left alone to care for our 2 very young children for over two weeks (and then will have minimal help from spouse after that time as he will continue to need treatment). I find it so hard to eat healthy and have the motivation to get to the gym and exercise. My gym has great childcare and I've got a strong support network, so that's not the issue. My mind is so distracted with all the turmoil that life has thrown our way that its hard to focus on anything else. It's important, for myself and our children, that I take care of myself, but it's proving difficult.

Any suggestions?

Replies

  • StrawberryThief
    StrawberryThief Posts: 115
    How old are your kids?
  • katimama
    katimama Posts: 191 Member
    I have a toddler and an infant
  • kpandreasen
    kpandreasen Posts: 3
    When i have been under very stressful times. I try to keep fruit available so I can grab a healthy snack. I also find that meal planning and cooking ahead or with a crockpot allows us to eat well with out relying on takeout. I also rely on frozen veggies and canned veggies and fruit as I can keep them on hand. Good luck I hope you are able to take a few minutes to care for you.

    The other tip is to wear a pedometer, you proabably get enough exercise caring for your children. Nice to see a step count as proof.
  • jdavis193
    jdavis193 Posts: 972 Member
    I am sorry that you are going through this. Try and do the meal planning but also find fun activities for you and your toddler to do together but still burn some calories. That way will help put some light into his eyes!
  • CMWhitehouse
    CMWhitehouse Posts: 1 Member
    Your going to have days when you head is full of other things- BUT stay positive as much as you can. If you mess up, that's okay- put those precious babies in a stroller and walk it out Momma! Show them that you are STRONG and you will be there til the END! You don't know how strong you are until you test it... So bust it out!

    I don't know about you but BOY do I LOVE to stress eat- Don't do it...

    I will keep your family in my prayers. Hope it turns out okay.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    When things get bad - really bad, like I'm in a situation where the balance of my life is going to upended for decades to come - I, too, lose weight. I've found that constant contact with friends and other available loved ones to be invaluable. They are able to objectively look out for my health and well-being when, honestly, I can't see anything past the next hour.
  • HappyNinjaStar
    HappyNinjaStar Posts: 353 Member
    I'm sorry you're going through such a tough time. Since you say you do have childcare opportunities and can make it to the gym, I recommend forcing yourself to a good hard workout. When I was going through hard times, my workout became my sanctuary. It was the time that I could control what was going on, it gave me time to mentally digest a lot of the stuff that was keeping me otherwise distracted most of the day. And of course the endorphins will do wonders for your sanity.

    As far as eating, like others said, try to stock up on easy to grab/eat fruits and veggies. If you can find time (maybe get someone to come over and help keep an eye on the kids) and make several large meals and freeze it in individual portions so it will be easier to grab meals and reheat without resorting to junk and fast food.
  • katimama
    katimama Posts: 191 Member
    Thanks everyone! I was doing so good and not comfort eating, and then this past weekend I let it fly. On Friday I got a cupcake for my daughter as a treat, so of course I had to treat myself too. Then on Monday I kept eating those Whole Food chocolate truffles (sneak a few in the afternoon then another handful after the kids went to bed). Was running late to church on Sunday morning so I got a ham, egg and cheese and slice of banana bread from McDonalds (although threw out half the ham) and then on Monday I was running late for a playdate (and starving) so I got a slice of banana bread from McDonalds. On top of that I've had no time to get to the gym and don't see any free time in the next few days to get the gym either.

    Just a few days prior I had hit my 10 pound mark and was so proud! Ugh. Luckily I've got family who will be bringing me food (hello salads!) for the next few days and I've stocked the fridge with fruit and veggies for snacks. Now if I can just motivate myself to eat that and NOT the chocolate!

Categories