Oh, I have had three in four years and it IS quite a busy situation, but I have still managed to lose a lot of excess weight (and maintain it during my third pregnancy). There's no solution that is special for moms with lots of little children, aside from not picking off their plates and cooking the whole family healthy food. They still eat different things than me, but since I control the food in this house and do all the cooking the snacks are healthy and the options for fun food are, as well. I have that luxury, as the wielder of the kitchen skills
Being mindful is hugely important, NO EATING WHEN YOU ARE NOT ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT! For me, that means no grazing if I can at all help it. I have to log my food and count my calories for every bite, I get into trouble if I start sliding here. Realizing my kids cannot be an excuse for my being fat (they aren't going away anytime soon and if *I* want to be around for them, I have to lose this weight!) and that slow weight loss is still success, were very helpful in getting me started on this journey.
It can be done, the same way any other person loses weight - pick a plan, stick to it, create a calorie deficit (somehow). For me, that is daily weighing, calorie counting, and logging my food. Your mileage may vary.
In terms of activity, we do NOT do a lot outside the house, as it is a logistical nightmare and the stress isn't fun for anyone. My kids are very obedient, sweet children, but they are at an age where I do not have enough hands and they cannot be independent enough that things like CSA picking, park trips, or group sports are really all that pleasant or helpful (without my husband along, anyway). It is a brief stage for most families, but several preschool or younger children has major logistical challenges, even with all the baby wraps and strollers in the world to help. So for us, we play in the yard and do what we can at home, but my weightloss doesn't include any gyms or outside activities, just an exercise bike and DVDs during nap. For me, creating my calorie deficit with food is a lot easier than trying to do it with exercise. I like moving around and we do, but my kids have a consistent home routine and outside stuff during the day just causes more meltdowns and mommy anxiety than it is worth. You'll find you have to make your own adjustments based on wha works for your family, but realize this may not be the best or easiest time to, say, get a gym membership, and accept that temporary limitation. I won't be like that forever (unless you're like me and have more babies, while homeschooling the older ones... Then the craziness persists quite a ways longer
).
- mommy of '07, '08, and '10 babies