So I'm REALLY new at this...use a computer all the time but for work purposes only and never really thought about a diet blog for support. I did WW @ my previous job and it was "easy" because I had my co-workers participating and their support. I took this job about 5 years ago as a supervisor and being friends with co-workers or those I supervise is "frowned upon." SO...leave @ 6:00am ,teenager in high school and one just started elementary school and a FT job that puts me home at 6:30pm, homework, laundry, etc home life has left me little time for self and am all about convenience meals so that has enabled me to pack back on 25 lbs. They came so gradually - sneaky lil devils

More snow to come apparently so my determination to walk at least 30 minutes at lunchtime has already tapered a bit. SO, I am VERY interested in unique ways other members have found time to exercise!

I'm a relief teacher by day, superhero by night (well, maybe not superhero, but I train in karate four days a week). If I exercise when I leave school at 3:30, I'm dead tired in karate class. I need to get up at 6am (there is such an hour!!) to get to the gym for 7, workout for 30-60 minutes and then get to school. I'm dead tired this morning too. It's 6:45...

If you can't walk outside for 1/2 an hour, walk inside for 1/2 an hour if the building is large. At least you're moving around. Try some exercise videos at home and make the kids cook dinner and do all the chores while you work out.

If convenience meals are what get you though the week, you should start looking at healthier options for them. If you do fast food a lot and want to keep dooing it, even occaisionally, look up all the nutritional information on the places you go, and find what their best choices are. If you like quick frozen meals at home, keep your freezer full of Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones. Batch cook healthy foods on the weekends. Get something like a Foreman Grill - I can throw a frozen chicken breast or turkey burger on the grill and have it done by the time I'm done making everything else. Pre bagged salads and precut veggies are more expensive than doing it yourself, but the convenience might be worth it.

I have a home daycare, and home school our older children. Busy, busy, busy. Convenience foods are not all bad. Start by trying to get your 5-7 fruit/veggies per day (so what if they are pre-cut and frozen?) and that will help. I sometimes fix the Stouffer's Mac N Cheese, but stir in a bag of mixed veggies.

I used to get up early (5am) and exercise before everyone else got up. After baby #4 decided he didn't really like sleeping at night I quit doing that. Now, I exercise from 8-9pm. My husband gets home from work about 7:30 or so, helps put little kids to bed, I go exercise and he gets time with our older kids. After a quick shower it's time to tuck the big kids in and I might be able to keep my eyes open for a half hour or so to spend time with DH.

The biggest thing I had to come to terms with is that taking an hour out (most) every day for myself IS NOT selfish. It is the most generous gift you can give your family. Seeing Mom exercising is SO POWERFUL. You will make an impression on your children and your husband.

You can do it!!