Over worked single mamas? Anyone?

CiciLaverne
CiciLaverne Posts: 13 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
I just can't find the workout, eat right balance with 47+ hours of work a week and my little ones... it's bites of chicken nuggets and left over mac and cheese regularly. Meal prep is always an option! It's just my kids won't eat what I like, and making 2 different lunch and dinner options is a huge dent in my pocket. Ideas? Thoughts? Trolls? Anything at this point.....

Replies

  • amgreenwell
    amgreenwell Posts: 1,267 Member
    How old are your kids? Meal prep is going to be your best friend and your kids can learn to like different things. Chicken nuggets and mac and cheese are healthy for them anyway. Don't you want them to eat healthy and wholesome food?
    I make one meal for the family. If my children don't like what is served they can get some yogurt and/or fruit but I don't make two meals. My kids are still little and they eat practically anything but that's b/c I've been making them try everything since they started solid food.
    Crock pot meals on sundays can last all week for your lunches. Then you can have something prepped and ready for weeknights, for quick and easy meals. There's nothing wrong with cooking a whole bunch of chicken or beef or pork and rewarming throughout the week to mix with salads and different sides. You can even make a batch of mashed potatoes or other roasted veggies and just rewarm.
    As far as working out, you can probably do some at home work outs without much prep. there are tons of videos and ideas online. Just get up before everyone wakes and get the work out in early. I get up at 4:45 a.m. to go running before the rest of the house wakes. I have a husband who can take care of things while I'm gone but if you are single then at home work outs are your friend.
  • Faebert
    Faebert Posts: 1,588 Member
    Yup, single mum of two who works full time. Agree with the above poster.

    I have to confess that I don’t eat the same as the kids though. Although their food is not particularly unhealthy, it isn’t always satisfying for me at the portion size to fit my goal so i tend to batch cook and freeze roasted veggies, low cal veg stews like ratatouille etc. Then I will cook lean protein for us all (like grilled chicken/fish, stir fried prawns, and do some pasta or potatoes on the side for the kids and I have my veggies with some quick steam leafy greens or salad as well.

    Workout wise - at home in the mornings (start around 5am) and am done before the kids wake up. Always squeeze in a solo peaceful coffee as well. Am now maintaining and have been for around a year so this is a sustainable lifestyle for me - not just a diet. Just means an early bedtime!

    Good luck - you can do this!
  • sdcohorst
    sdcohorst Posts: 6 Member
    I tend to make one meal that we all eat, but I also make the kids a side dish that is to their liking but I stay away from it. Example: grilled chicken with veggies are served to all, but I also make some Mac n cheese that they can eat in a small portion in the side with the chicken and veggies. It encourages the kids to eat the healthy stuff too but gives them something to look forward to at dinner.

    I second the crock pot idea. I take a Sunday afternoon once every couple of months and make a ton of freezer meals that can be pulled out and thrown in the crockpot for busy weeknight dinners.
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