How do you keep your motivation when you do nothing all day?

nikkistarrr
nikkistarrr Posts: 8
in Motivation and Support
I am a stay at home mom, and I just started to look for a job so my boyfriend's not the only one working (my son is 18 months)

I still have about 30-35 more lbs that I need to lose, however it is getting so hard for me to not turn to the junk food - for some reason it makes the time go by faster when i eat what I want to eat. I've tried everything - I took my son to the park a lot during the summer/early fall but now that it is colder and only getting much colder, that's not very fun. I've done the whole 'keep only healthy food in the house' but its only too easy to strap my son in his carseat and go to the store to get whatever I'm craving.

Any advice/ideas? I have plenty of hobbies but I don't feel like spending 15 hours a day doing them lol. How do you stay at home mommies do it?

Replies

  • lambchoplewis
    lambchoplewis Posts: 797
    I am not a stay at home mom but I am not working (retired) but my hubby is. Summer is easy to stay busy, golf, yard work etc. Now it is winter and I want to stay inside, watch TV and eat. It is so hard. I drink a lot of tea and sometimes just go for drive in car to get out of house. I go to stores but don't want to buy anything. I am going to watch this thread to see if anyone has better suggestions.
  • nikkistarrr
    nikkistarrr Posts: 8
    Thanks for your reply. :)

    It's hard, and I don't have many friends either - a lot of them are off to college and are so busy with their own lives.
    I feel like a hermit, so pathetic lol.
  • kathleenjoyful
    kathleenjoyful Posts: 210 Member
    Tell yourself you're only allowed to walk to the store and back! I used to eat out of boredom too. Do YouTube workouts. Go to the library and work your way through one of those lists of classic books and borrowing them. Sign up for a Coursera online.
  • JuiceBars
    JuiceBars Posts: 78 Member
    The desire to change must be greater than the desire to change! That is something that I keep in mind every day. You have to find your reason so want to lose weight, embrace it, and remind yourself every time you reach for unhealthy choices. You can still eat things like carrots, roasted chick peas, hot air popped corn etc that take a while to eat and are good for you and "snackable". Dig down and do it. It isn't always fun but you will appreciate the end result. Spend some time exercising at home. Start with 10 mins and add to it if you need to start slow. There are a ton of routines available on line that are quick. I was a stay at home mom for 7 years with twins and then a third when they turned 2. I know what you are talking about. I made myself do something when the kids napped to start out and it grew from there. Good luck!
  • action_figure
    action_figure Posts: 511 Member
    I'm a stay at home mom homeschooling two boys. First, stop doing nothing all day. Seriously. That's not good for your mental health or your body. Does your son take naps? If so, that's your exercise time. Your son is still young enough and small enough that you can totally exercise with him. Screw the "It's cold!" mentality. Get yourself a nice mei tai, or Kelty kid carrier and go hiking with your son. Dress him warmly and your workout will keep you warm. Can you grab a cheap bike off craigslist? Do you qualify for any special prices at your YMCA? They have child care areas where you son can hang while you work out. You already know that eating while bored is your nemesis. Plan out your snacks and stick to it. You don't want to set the example for your son of eating while bored. He'll end up with the same problems you have. Do you have any playgroups or mommy / baby groups that you're involved in? If not, find some. I was too depressed and screwed up when my kids were babies to organize anything, but now I have some mom friends that I meet for workout / play dates. We take our kids to the park and work out while watching them. Your son is too small, but if you had two or three other mom friends you meet up at someone's home and set up a 90 minute workout routine, and each of you would take turns being the kid minder, that's 30 minutes of child care mixed up with 60 minutes of working out. There are TONS AND TONS of women in exactly the same boat as you. Connect with them, and problem solve together, because supportive friends are the key to success.
  • laceysowards
    laceysowards Posts: 9
    I recommend exercising in the morning, probably before your little boy wakes up, or just make it a fun thing you and him do together! After I work out I feel less inclined to binge, because it makes think I am not going to put all the work I put in this morning to waste, it will change me! Also if you get the munches like I do, get sugar-free gum (personally I am a cinnamon girl) it keeps me from mindlessly eating all day long!
  • CindyRip
    CindyRip Posts: 166 Member
    While I am passed that stage, I was once in your shoes and understand where you are coming from. Some helpful hints. Always drink something low calorie 20 min. before you eat something. It will usually cut down on the calories you consume. My favorite cold or hot water with a slice of lemon in it, sometimes I even put it in a wine glass just to make myself feel like I'm drinking something classy. Know the calorie count of what you are eating, and vow to work it off before 24 hours is up. You will be amazed at how quickly that will effect your choices. Gather friends to help encourage you. You can friend me if you like. action_figure had some really good advice choose one or two to start with and stay moving, the alternative is not a great choice. Here's wishing you success.
  • Anita_hoar12345
    Anita_hoar12345 Posts: 82
    Maybe you could join a zumba or yoga class or something ti keep you motivated a few days a week
  • smallbutcurvy
    smallbutcurvy Posts: 53
    Im a carer at home. My advice is use the situation to your advantage, pre plan meals and snacks, don't have temptations available.
    Use Youtube exercise uploads as mentioned previously.
    Definitely take your son out in a stroller for long walks .
    All the best, I understand the boredom and temptation possibilities, but I often read about poor people at work constantly being offered high calorie foods/
  • lilred806
    lilred806 Posts: 195 Member
    I am a sham and have been for 5+ years now. I know it can be hard. Check out Meetup.com for moms groups in your area. Depending on your area there may be a bunch of different ones. Check them out as they are all a little different. Some are even exercise related. Check out MOMS international as well. MOMs is based on where you live and is for sham and part-time working moms. If you are religious a lot of the churches in my area have MOPS groups. I find getting out of the house and staying busy keeps me from grabbing junk as much. I love my local YMCA. They vary even in my area but it is worth checking them out. They also have discounted rates for those who qualify. Our Y has the gym for me, child watch for my two kids and tons of classes I can get them involved in also. It takes some initial work to find places to go and to get out but trust me it is so worth it for you and your child.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Do you have an indoor shopping mall near you? If you get there early right around the time the stores are just opening during the week, it is a great place to do some mall walking. It gets you out of the house and you can strap your son in his stroller and walk. The mall sights and sounds should keep him entertained for awhile. I also did "art" projects with my children. Mix flour, water and salt to make a play dough (no coloring or nasty additives). You can also build blanket forts and climb through them with him. You would be amazed at the muscles you need to do this. I also played choochoo train with my kids. They would sit in laundry baskets and I would push and pull them around the living room carpet. My arms would be burning and they would be demanding MORE. Good luck. Hope some of these help.

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