40 somethings with young children

We all struggle with it but it's not an excuse not to eat right. Your family will benefit from it as well.
It just takes a little work on your part. My advice is educate yourself on healthy eating. Look online for healthy recipes. Take a day and go to the store and read lables! Look for healthy snacks, Popcorn, Peanut butter and apple, Berries and yogurt, 40 cal fugde pops, Fat Free Pudding, Spicy Hummus with Veggies or whole wheat crackers and String Cheese. Don't buy things that will tempt you. You will not have the will power to resist. Buy a food scale and watch portions. Limit processed and fast foods. Cook fresh Veggies and Meats. If you cook all your meats on one day you can freeze it and have it for the week, then you will only have to make the veggies, salad, and a little starch, Wild rice, barley, whole wheat pasta or potato. Watch portions for carbs. They are not bad in the right portion. Limit sauces and gravies. Make fresh and Frozen veggies without sauces, add a little olive oil and garlic or other spice and roast or grill them. Smart Balance instead of Butter. Eat whole grain Low carb Low Cal Breads and Pasta. Fresh Fruits. Did I say watch Portions. In the beginning it will be hard to get over cravings. But if you stick with it you will. Don't drink your calories. Did I say watch portions. Oh and watch portions.

Maybe post this later in the day when more people are on. I can't believe you have not had any replys. It must mean all the Moms are busy or at work. If you live in the USA I would Post it again at 6:00pm and again around 9:00pm. I think that is when a lot of busy Moms are able to go on. Good luck.

Me Me! Although I am 38, Ive 'lived' a lot of life.

Married
4yo son who is a wonderful handful
Work FT
Spouse works FT
Me Time? What's that???

I feel for you. I'm turning 40 later this year, and I have two beautiful girls, around the same ages as yours - 4 and almost 2. I work full-time and have no family in the area to help out. It is SO true what you say about energy levels - I am perpetually tired! I'm not sure I have any advice, I can only tell you what I do. I dedicate three days a week (a good half hour) to exercise, and I make sure I get out on those days, come hell or high water. Sometimes it involves juggling my work schedule a bit (going in a bit later, and leaving later), but I have the kind of job that allows me that flexibility. Even if I don't feel great on those three days, I will get out and take a brisk walk, sometimes bringing the "baby" with me in the stroller. Or I'll do a session, at home, of pilates (with handy-dandy pilates DVDs). On days I feel good, I swim or I get out on my bike (I just got a bike, hadn't been on one in 25 years and I love it). I won't lie, there are some days when my youngest whines and complains when I'm heading out the door, but I grit my teeth and do it, because I know in the end it is better for everyone involved. It helps that my husband is supportive. On the meal prep end, we do a lot of crock pot cooking during the week, which helps with having healthier meals on hand with minimal effort. And I try to dedicate Sunday nights to cooking one or two dishes (but big batches) for the girls that they like, and parse those out during the week along with the crock pot cooking. I don't know if this helps or not, but thought I'd share. Rest assured, lots of tired older mamas out there like you, struggling with the same issues...