Mothers of small children that work 200 pounds+

I am a single mother with three kids also (mine are a little older). I cut down on the mom guilt by working out at home. I lift in my basement and run outside. My diet is always a work in progress and I have lost most of my weight over the course of a year. It's a slow process, be patient!

I have 1 son who is 14 months. I also work full-time. I started out at 318. Currently 277. I couldn't tell you what my motivation is. For some reason, I'm just have this thought process of why not?! I take 3 days out of my week and work out. I have kids care at the gym for my son plus my husband watches him for me. I eat right all week, but I do splurge a little. I think that's the key. I stay away from "trigger" foods. Those foods being foods I'll eat and never stop eating and then crave more of them later (i.e. pizza, mexican food, etc) Anyways, you got this! I've got about 50-75 more pounds to lose. If you need any motivation I'm here to cheer you on!

I get around the mama guilt by working out in the morning before everyone else wakes up. Then go about the day as usual and workout is out of the way, have the same amount of time with my little one as I do on non-workout days.

Honestly though, you don't have to work out to lose weight. Keep a calorie deficit and you will lose weight, no matter what, that's going to be #1

I have 4 kids and until August, was in school full time. The kids are 14, 12, 11, 9 (yes, I had 4 kids in 5yrs and 1 month). I have lost nearly 94lbs since April 18th (from 375.3 to 281.6), almost all of it without exercise. I have only recently started walking in a dedicated fashion (ie 2-3 miles at a 17-17.5 minute/mile pace, 3-4 times/week iceally). I eat a ketogenic diet nowadays, high in fat and low in carbs, with moderate protein (works for me, not suggesting it for anyone else) and I generally don't crave sweet things anymore at all. As for motivation, I don't know. I rather randomly started (seriously, April 18th was a Friday ). The losses themselves and how much happier and better I feel at this lower (albeit still very obese) weight are what keeps me motivated.

Calorie deficit = weight loss
Exercise = fitness

Regarding the momma guilt... looking after yourself physically means you'll have more energy for other things (fitter people don't get tired so easily), and hopefully also means being in better health in old age, which will mean being there for your kids for longer, less likely to have health issues that impact on their lives in a negative way. Additionally, you're setting a fantastic example to your kids. They'll be more likely to exercise and take care of their health as adults if they see you doing those things. My girls know I lift and they want to lift too. I'm planning on letting them, when I can learn enough to be able to teach them safely. I'm considering my home gym as an investment for their future, not just mine. They'll be able to use it too, when they're big enough. And as they're girls, seeing me lifting and wanting to be strong is also setting an example for them about not letting gender stereotypes define them or stop them from doing something they want to do. There is so much benefit for your kids from you exercising and taking care of your health that there is no need to feel guilty about the fact you have to take an hour or so here and there during the week to do it.

Your kids are at a great age that they will absorb what you do and see it as something that is just "how you do". I agree with Neander. I'm stunned daily by the impact my effort has had on the kids. One of my girls is nearly a teen and her language about her physical goals is strength and health and I think "phew"! My son who is 13 lifts in his room nightly and it's sort of satisfying to me to hear the clinking. He organised his own boxing classes too and loves it. My secret spy tells me he trains "hard"

Working full time means planning is key. Finding a routine that the kids anticipate is worth the effort but also spontaneously embracing an opportunity to be active is good as well. I don't work anymore but when I did planning made it so much easier and satisfying.

Mine are 6 and 8. I have had lots of ups and downs since with respect to my weight, exercise and food habits. This year at my physical, I had high cholesterol. With my family history, I have one year and if it is still high, I go on meds. I would rather not be on meds, so that is what finally got me going this time. I may still need meds even after losing weight, stung better and exercising but I won't feel bad since I have been giving my health an honest effort. For me the struggle was food. So I started small with changes. I tried to give up things I had only introduced since becoming a mom. Once I got those easy things, I moved to a "just for today" approach. So every day I decide if it is a treat day or not. I don't feel deprived because everyday I can make a choice to have the treat. Some days I choose the treat but most days I don't. It is tough when they are so little like your children. It will get easier, so hang in there.

I started out just on 3 years ago at 329lbs. My kids were then 8, 6 and 3 (twins). I also worked and currently work full time although all kids are now at school. I made myself find the time. I walked in the evening at first, then I started going to the gym while my husband watched the kids. I determined that an hour a day extra without me now is better than years without me later because I didn't take care of my health. And also far better than me being debilitated and not able to do much because of obesity related illnesses. So 3 years later I weigh 175ish and I'm pretty close to goal. My kids haven't complained much and they love that I can run and play with them now. My youngest son races me all the time! It's tough sometimes but definitely worth the time investment

I have an almost-four-year-old, a full-time job, two part-time jobs, and zero free time. Fortunately there's a gym right next to where I work, so I go there on my lunch break most days and sometimes on Fridays right after work for an hour-long yoga class. That last one really gives me the guilt, as it cuts into the precious little evening time I have with the kid, but I remind myself all the time that when Mommy feels good, everyone feels good. Also I try to pack in as much exercise time as I can during the week so that I can spend all my weekend time with my son--which often involves a lot of running around, or at least walking anyway, so I look at that as exercise too. It's all like a big puzzle you have to fit together, and believe me, there are plenty of days when I'm not motivated. I just try to keep looking forward toward my goals (weight loss and being able to run a 5k at some point in the future) and reminding myself how much better I feel about life in general when I take care of myself and my body a little bit each day. It ain't always easy, but it is possible.