Full time working mom... need help and easy recipes

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emshiggins
emshiggins Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys,
Long story short, I lost 70 pounds a few years ago and was down to my lowest weight since middle school. After getting in a happy relationship, having a baby, etc, I've gotten within 20 pounds of my absolute highest I've ever been. None of my clothes fit, I can't wear my jeans anymore... I need help. I've got to get the weight back off.
That being said, I'm a full time working mom to a 5 month old. Anyone with kids (especially as young as mine is) knows that that alone is a full time job. I have not much time for working out, so I go to the gym on my hour lunch break. that doesn't give me much time for fat burning workouts. I do what I can. I am not great at meal prep.

Can anyone provide their tips/advice? What do you all do for meal prep? any full proof methods?

Replies

  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
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    I plan and shop on Sundays. For crazy busy days my crock pot is my best friend (meat + veggies + broth or butter/water or soup can/water - the possibilities are endless)...I also take at least 1 day a week where we have something I consider less healthy (like pizza) so generally between the down day and crock pot days, I'm only really cooking 3-4 days a week and the rest are more quick meals.

    I also do a lot of soups in the crock pot when it's cold out, there are a million simple and cheap recipes on google. Crock pot cooking is not gourmet, but it's quick and it can be healthy and it gets the job done.
  • rachelr1116
    rachelr1116 Posts: 334 Member
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    Look for recipes you can make ahead and freeze and then either put in the crockpot in the morning or just pop in the oven when you get home. I haven't done it in awhile but I've taken a Sunday afternoon and prepped about 2 weeks worth of crockpot meals so that I have them on hand for the days I know that I will be too busy or worn out to cook when I get home in the evening.
  • jessieknh
    jessieknh Posts: 52 Member
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    Planning is key. Work full time and my son plays travel sports so I have to batch cook. I always keep my freezer stocked with portioned out soups, chili and shredded chicken. I use the crock pot a lot because it's so easy. Look for things you can freeze or cook double batches when you can. Eat one for dinner/lunches and freeze one for a quick meal next time. skinnytaste has a lot of recipes for the crockpot that are low calorie.
  • jumpingborderterrier
    jumpingborderterrier Posts: 16 Member
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    Crock pots, big batches of protein for left overs, frozen vegetable section at Trader Joe's.
  • christiburnam170
    christiburnam170 Posts: 5 Member
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    I do the things above - they are good suggestions... crockpots, make a lot and freeze, shredded chicken breast, chilis and soups. I portion the extra out and freeze it so I can take it for lunch or eat at dinner time if I don't have time to prep dinner. Another good thing is having a couple of 'go to' easy prep meals for when you haven't had time to prepare. It keeps you from falling off the wagon. I eat nonfat greek yogurt with almonds and bananas or oatmeal with almonds and blueberries, black bean burgers on light toast with guacamole - super fast, filling and low calorie.
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
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    Do you have a slow cooker? If not I suggest look into getting one. You can find one that is programmable in the $40-80 range I imagine. Put pork loin + water + seasonings on in the morning. (Or a # of other things.) By having a programmable one, I can set to cook on high or low for X hours then it automatically switches to warm. The main course is ready when you walk in the door. Or the entire dish, depending on what you're making.

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