Mamas? Losing weight (while not losing your mind) with young kids....

Hey MyFitnessPal World!

My name is Katie, and I have STRUGGLED to lose weight since having my 'baby' boy (who is now 3.5), since....well, since he was born. I lost, I gained, I did a crazy diet called Ideal Protein that put me into Ketosis and then I lost BIG but then I gained back BIG too. I've gotten so stressed out thinking how to meal plan and feed everyone, workout, feed myself, stay motivated, sane...

My oldest is 6.5, youngest 3.5, and I'm 33. I'm needing to lose 50 pounds. Or a few more than that ;) Any mama's out there who want to support each other?
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Replies

  • nkolpean
    nkolpean Posts: 94 Member
    You can add me. I'm 32, and have a 4 year old and 10 month old. I know the struggles too but my main goal is to make sure that we always have food made or meat thawed so that we are not eating fast food.
  • YogaBookLady37
    YogaBookLady37 Posts: 34 Member
    Add me! I have a 2 year old and a 10 month old. I'm currently 2 pounds from my pre-first baby weight, but I was heavy then and still have about 40 to lose! It's so hard!
  • megnolia82
    megnolia82 Posts: 859 Member
    Anyone is welcome to add me, too. I have a 6 and a 2 year old. In the last 3 months I've lost 20 and got below where I was before both kids which is great but still overweight so I'm still working at it.
    My challenges were finding time to work out and getting through the time after work until dinner is ready without going crazy eating everything in sight.
    I cycle each evening after the kids are asleep. I have an elliptical. Even when they are monsters I usually have a good couple hours before I go to bed.
    As for the snacking, I try to plan ahead so I get home either with something ready in the crock pot or simple to make. I also try to replace some meals like chicken fingers and fries with fast, healthier ones like soup and carrot sticks. My husband isn't excited about that but I have realized there's nothing wrong with a bowl of pumpkin soup for supper.

    Good luck! We can definitely make this work!
  • ProfDawnLee
    ProfDawnLee Posts: 127 Member
    Add me! I have three kids and struggle with healthy and easy.
    I work and am getting my Doctorate. Have a hard time getting off weight from
    When I had baby in September. I do prep and planning ahead when I can. I'm into new foods to keep things interesting and have an open diary.
  • juliakhanna
    juliakhanna Posts: 13 Member
    I would also like to be added. I'm having a very hard time starting. The battle is with food :( I enjoy exercise but not tackling my diet yet.
  • Luna3386
    Luna3386 Posts: 888 Member
    My "baby" is 5. I feel you. 13 pounds to prepregnancy weight. Have to laugh, otherwise I will cry. Still have 10-30 to go after that.

    Feel free to add me as a friend- anyone. Looking for support!
  • angmarie28
    angmarie28 Posts: 2,878 Member
    I have 4 kiddos, I lost 36lbs when my 3rd was 3, but I got pregnant with my 4th and gained it all back, and havent been able to lose it since. Im trying hard now, and im training for races to keep me motivated, I have lost 10 lbs, and have stalled, but I have reevaluated my food intake, some hopefully that will halp. feel free to add me if youd like
  • jennifer3913
    jennifer3913 Posts: 7 Member
    Hi... add me. I'm 36 with a 14 month old. It's very hard for me to stay on track with my busy schedule.
  • dodgegirl1979
    dodgegirl1979 Posts: 73 Member
    I'm 37 with 5 kiddo's and iv got about 150 pounds to loose and I struggle daily to keep up with the kids and find things I like and keep me full . I have a sit down job 7 days a week with two doubles so I'm really sitting those days .i love to eat out for social time and I think I make the right choices there and it's more calories than I expected. Anyone can add me I don't know how to add ppl !
  • esmenandez1
    esmenandez1 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi ladies, I'm 31 and mother of 3 year old boy/girl twin toddlers and an 11 year old girl. I too have been struggling with motivation and finding the time to workout. Would love to make new friends and help encourage each other. Please feel free to add me as well.
  • jesslynn0520
    jesslynn0520 Posts: 12 Member
    Anyone can add me too! I'm 29 and have a 17 month year old boy. Having the energy to cook and workout and keep up with other responsibilities (hello laundry and bill paying!) with a baby who hates sleep and is super active has me wiped! I'd love to encourage and support others and trade tips and tricks!
  • Fitfromfat17
    Fitfromfat17 Posts: 56 Member
    Feel free to add me :)

    I have a 6yo boy. He is so energetic though, so I'm hoping to be able to play with him more often because right now I'm so lazy and I hate myself for it...
  • SylviazSpirit
    SylviazSpirit Posts: 694 Member
    I'm a 31 year old mama. I have two kiddos (7 and 3) I've currently lost 50lbs and have 50 to go. It can be hard trying to do it all. But, it's possible. We can do it! Feel free to add me!
  • MyLovesMyLife
    MyLovesMyLife Posts: 424 Member
    Mom 2 7, 10yo and under. Gained 100 lbs with my first pregnancy and been losing and gaining ever since.
  • AwesomeAnnie88
    AwesomeAnnie88 Posts: 1 Member
    I'm an Aussie Mum to a 4 year old and almost 2 year old. Lost 20kgs last year but got caught up in end of year celebrations and started gaining it back. I'm recommitting myself to getting healthy and need people to hold me accountable!
  • dmorrical
    dmorrical Posts: 16 Member
    Just came back to MFP. I'm in the same boat. 3 year old and full time job. Husband works second shift so it is usually just me and the kiddo home alone in the evenings. Would love the support of other moms. However I'm not sure how to add people.
  • amandaaaa_shakes
    amandaaaa_shakes Posts: 25 Member
    I'm a working mama of a 3 & 5 year old and let me tell you -- there is NEVER a dull moment lol! I am here to make friends and stay motivated to lose 28lbs by Christmas! Add me!
  • Jaymie
    Jaymie Posts: 235 Member
    I think the hardest thing I've ever done was become a mother. I put my family first to the detriment of my own body/sanity. I love my 5 and 2 year old to bits but did find getting back into shape with them a struggle. I've been preparing my meals ahead of time now and I find prelogging meals makes a big difference too. I also get up an hour or more before the family does to squeeze in a workout or just some breathing time alone and that sets me day right. :)
  • I have two children, aged 11 and 4. I want to lose 36lbs more initially, already lost 20lbs, then go from there until I'm happy with my weight.

    Feel free to add me :)
  • JChole
    JChole Posts: 24 Member
    Yes! I have two girls, 2.5 years and 6 months. I need to lose about 60 lbs total. I lost most of my weight after first pregnancy, then gained it back, lost 20 lbs after second baby, but have gained 10 lbs back. Anyone can feel free to add me as a friend, as well!
  • Becboo86
    Becboo86 Posts: 5 Member
    Add me! :smiley:

    I turned 30 late last year. I have a 6 year old son and twin 4 year old daughters. Working casual, hospitality late nights on weekends not finishing til 2am. :neutral: So tired all the time, and I know I'll have more energy once I get going and in a good routine - but I struggle too and opt for easy choices.

    BTW you ladies are all amazing for not giving up. xo

    Smiles, Bec.
  • LizComeOut86
    LizComeOut86 Posts: 4 Member
    Your all more than welcome to add me, I am 30 years old with a two year old daughter :) Trying to work and go to school part time,friends are so needed :)<3
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    SAHM of 5 with the youngest being 5 months. I know the struggles of trying to fit it all in.
  • kms234
    kms234 Posts: 132 Member
    Please add me :) I'm a full time working mama of 2 boys (7 and 5).
  • jpear45
    jpear45 Posts: 3 Member
    Hi Mamas, I have a boy turning 5 in 2 weeks and an 18month old daughter. I've really struggled with having the energy to workout after chasing them around all day and working full-time and then taking care of the house. At work I sit all day, which just leads me to feeling more tired. To overcome these two obstacles I have started implementing the 80/20 rule with clean eating and scheduling into my day exercise.

    Eating clean has really helped give me more energy. And since eating clean requires more prep time in the kitchen, l have my son help me. He's been cooking with me since he was around 2 years old. It's really helped allow us to spend more family time together, build life-skills for him (what lady in the future won't love a guy who can cook) and he has an appreciation for what we eat. These are great times to talk about healthy eating habits too. So my first suggestion to you mama's out there is bring the kids into the kitchen with you. Be the best role model for them, guide them, talk to them! Don't force it, let them come and go as they want to help, but encourage them to join you.

    My second struggle is the time to workout. I've been squeezing in mini workouts throughout my work day like squats and walking. The Fitbit really helps me get those extra steps in each day! And I'm working on setting that alarm a tad bit earlier each day to get a 30min workout in. I love quick & fast body weight exercises. My go to quick workout... 30 squats, 10 pushups, 1min plank, 20 lunges (each leg), 15 tricep dips, 1min wall sit, 30 squats... if I'm feeling good I repeat. I also try to get outside with my kids as much as possible and kick a ball around or race my son across the yard.
  • kaseaward
    kaseaward Posts: 5 Member
    Love this ladies!!!! Lets be on here supporting each other. Today I have all my meals planned out, am going to have an advocare spark around 1 ;) and plan to get a workout video/walk with my dog in. I plan to update with my weightloss for the week on Thursday :)
  • swatidch20
    swatidch20 Posts: 1 Member
    I am having two boys age 4 year and 1 year old and need to loose 40lb. Everyday I struggle to find time to exercise and eat healthy. It is hard and I need support of this group. Please count me in too.
  • kjm_723
    kjm_723 Posts: 66 Member
    You all can do it! I have two kiddos (almost 6yo and almost 2yo) In the years between the two I lost 80lbs which wasn't baby weight! If I include baby weight then it's more like 110lbs. I gained 50 back with my second pregnancy and all but 5 is gone again. For me the keys were consistency, portion control and no deprivation. I can't eat as much as I want of whatever I want whenever I want to like I did back in my obese days but I haven't eliminated any foods completely. If there is something I really want I find a way to have it. It isn't easy, but it can be done. Having kids doesn't make it easier but for me having kids has been the biggest motivator. I decided I wanted to set healthy examples and be able to be active with them so we can all have a better life. Feel free to add me if you'd like!
  • RoteBook
    RoteBook Posts: 171 Member
    I don't know whether I can call mine young anymore, as they're 10 and 5, but I'll put myself here anyway. My youngest loves to go with me on his bike when I do my Couch to 5k workouts.