CNN Health published an article called, “The moments that make us fat.” It stressed the importance of not relying on willpower alone but relying more on strategies to help people recognize and eliminate bad eating habits that we may not realize are harmful. Basically, there is no getting around moments of temptation. You need to have a real plan in place in order to overcome these fat-building moments so that all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.The five top moments CNN identified as the most fattening are:
1. On vacation
2. After a break-up
3. A party with fabulous food
4. Watching TV
5. At a buffet, or a restaurant with enormous portions.
You can read the CNN article in its entirety here. Of course, I agree most people can relate to these top moments. However, in my opinion, a busy mother’s top fattening moments look a little different.
Here is my top 5 fattening moments as a mom and how I learned to outwit them:
#1. Kids not finishing their meals.
For some reason, I used to have the hardest time throwing food out. Often, when my kids got done eating, I would finish the leftovers. It actually became a joke that I was the kid’s scrap eater. I didn’t think it was a big deal until I started paying attention to food portions. Then I realized those few bites were costing me many extra calories. I still hate to throw food out but, instead of being a human garbage disposable, I implemented a couple different strategies. First, I give my kiddos smaller portions. If they don’t finish the meal it’s not a large waste and they can always get more if they want it. Second, if there are leftovers I either pack up the meals if it’s worth saving or throw it out.
#2 Empty refrigerator syndrome.
Inevitably, a day or two before grocery shopping, the refrigerator is completely empty and we eat horrible whenever there isn’t healthy food readily available in our house. We will order take out or just graze on whatever we can find. Most likely we order pizza and chicken fingers, which we all know is the worst. I triumphed over this fattening moment by planning a weekly menu. This way we know what we are having for dinner each night of the week. Also, it simplifies grocery shopping by forcing me to shop only for the items necessary I need. An empty fridge isn’t so much of an issue now because I try to plan all of our meals right up until the next time I go grocery shopping. I know it seems kind of obsessive but, believe me this strategy has really simplified our life and supports us in eating much healthier.
If you struggling with meal planning and putting together a grocery list I highly recommend checking out Plan to Eat. I’ve been using this website for about 3 years now and it’s made a huge difference with creating a quick healthy meal plan and grocery list. They offer a 30-day free trial so check it out and see if it’s something that would work for you.
Other posts you might like:
How to Create a Weight Loss Meal Plan With Plan to Eat
#3. Running errands and the kids are screaming for a snack.
It never fails that when we would go out I would hear “Mommy! I’m hungry!” or “Mommy I want donuts” or worse “Mommy let’s get french fries”. If I had nothing else to give them, guess what I would do? Yep, stop and get fast food. I shudder now at the thought of the numerous empty calories we were eating every time I gave in. We no longer stop for snacks unless it is a special treat and planned out. Now I make sure they have a snack before we leave, carry healthy snacks with me, and always have their water bottles ready.
Other posts you might like:
30+ Healthy On The Go Make-ahead Snacks
Snack Like a Boss
#4. Grazing while making dinner.
I think I could easily say this was one of my biggest fattening moments. In the past, I was picking on all kinds of snacks while I would make dinner. I estimate that I would eat about 300-400 calories just in snacks before I sat down for dinner. The two things that help me to not nibble on food before dinner are water and gum. I try to drink water right when I get home from work and then pop a piece of gum in my mouth while making dinner. This strategy, while very simple, has helped a lot in reducing my calories.
#5. It’s the end of the night, kids are finally in bed and I have 1 hour till I pass out.
Like most moms, I might get an hour to myself every night and even then that’s pushing it. Most nights all I want to do is sit on the couch with a big bowl of ice cream and/or popcorn! But, as we all know, the end of the night is the worst time to load up on calories. This is why I needed to find a way to unwind without food. If I must have something, I try to eat no more than 150 calories. For example, a 100 calorie bag of popcorn or a Skinny Cow ice cream treat, are tasty and very satisfying. I’ve found that it’s best for me to not even go into my living room and relax because I’m always tempted to eat. I keep myself busy and then try to relax before bed. I also use the time before bed to organize for the next day. Here are 8 things I do to organize a healthier lifestyle before bed.
All five of these fattening moments played a huge role in how I gained weight. Once I recognized these situations were road blocks to my weight loss, I was able to develop simple strategies and easily get them under control.
What fattening mom moments would you add to this list? Have you been able to overcome and if so let us know how?
Other posts you might like:
15 Habits of People Who Lost 20-30lbs and Kept it Off
How to Create Discipline In Your Life So You Can lose Weight and Do Amazing Sh*T
KimCP says
For me it started w sleep deprivation, being way too busy, and stopping for coffee at DD to make it through the evening. Which turned into a daily donut. I actually stopped because I realized how much money I was spending!
Kathy says
I raised 3 boys, and yes, we had some times when the schedule between school, soccer and karate got crazy enough that we ate too much fast food. Somewhere along the way I decided to get healthier, and be that good role model. I cringe to think how many empty/bad calories/carbs/fats I allowed in their diet sometimes! And when they were little, I was the plate cleaner as well. Mac and Cheese was a binge trigger food for me.
So now when I’m making dinner and really craving a snack, it’s raw veggies and a healthy homemade yogurt dip. (We need more veggies in the diet, right?) The key is to limit the amount on the dip, and that’s pretty easy with a small ramekin.
Love the blog, thanks for posting everything. “You are not alone”.
Katelyn says
#5 is the worst!! I have to remind myself to SHUT DOWN after dinner… especially now with the long days lasting until 9 pm or later. Its the late night snacks that always get me!
barbara says
I work 3rd shift…I try to go right to bed when I get home…if not I’ll turn on the TV and eat…yummy stuff..then go to bed..I know not good. I love your site and have tried some of your recipes. Very good..thanks for your tips..very useful.
kristie loffer says
Buying light or healthy snacks is my downfall. One of the 100 calorie packs of fudge cookies won’t kill you, but a whole box in one sitting and uh oh.
My solution- I indulge in my sweet treats at work. I make it a rule it has to stay in the kitchen and if I want a treat I have to walk past everyone in the office and back out to my desk to enjoy. Too many trips to the kitchen and it’s reminiscent of the college walk of shame. My ice cream treats now last over a WEEK!
Jessica says
Good idea!
Jen says
You are so right about meal planning! If I don’t plan meals & stock the frig with good healthy food, it’s a recipe for disaster! I have fallen off the Wagon this summer because of our loose schedule & my waist line has paid the price.
Laura says
I have the worst time w eating at night, I do awesome all day! If I have a little snack I want to raid the entire kitchen
petrina says
Oh its my hubby that makes me fat lol
Rebekah says
I LOVE your blog.
I concur with you about chewing gum and brushing your teeth. My big problem is about 8 PM. I get the munchies. Thankfully, Nutrisystem (current eating plan) has sweets and savories that I am allowed to eat but I have also tried to just chew gum and it is amazing how it tricks your brain into thinking you are eating. Also, I have brushed my teeth immediately after supper and then I don’t want to eat to mess up my teeth 🙂
Thanks for all the healthy tips and recipes.
Becca says
All those and more, I eat to keep myself awake late at night to try to accomplish stuff, then have to keep myself awake in the morning because I went to sleep so late… vicious cycle…
Molly says
Ahh guilty! Makes me feel better that I’m not the only one out there who eats what my kids dont. But Im working on it 🙂 Thanks for this!
Rachel says
I am definitely guilty of all of these…….it has been so hard to stop and think of myself because I am so busy raising four boys!! I have recently decided that enough is enough and I need to focus on myself a little bit…..eating healthy will not only benefit me, but our whole family! I love your blogs and recipes and feel inspired and ready to get started!! There is a lot of good information here and its nice to know I am not alone!!
Tammy says
Raising 4 boys is a work out in itself. I completely understand where you are coming from. It is hard. But I agree eating healthier and putting you first makes you a better wife and mother. It does benefit the whole family. It has for me. Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Amanda says
Thank you for your blog. I am guilty of all the above been on the scale roller coaster for about three years i will get so close then I fall back on the fast and easy mamma diet instead of the the health conscious mom diet. Which leads the the ups on the roller coaster rather than the down. I really liked this posted because I now know I am not alone in my oops moments and go get the fries or sit at night with ice cream after kids are in bed.
Tammy says
I believe we will probably be on this roller coaster forever. It will always be work. But as long as we can recognize when we have our oops moments then make the changes as we need to in order to get back on track. We are all in this together.
Melissa says
I am so guilty of #5 – I’d hate to think of how many extra calories I’ve consumed by late night munchies after the kids have gone to bed. I need to steer clear of the living room too!
Angie says
I’m only 15 months (today!) into this motherhood journey, but I was finding myself becoming seriously guilty of #1. I’ve been making a conscious effort over the last 2 weeks to fix less for my daughter at lunch time … if she’s still hungry I can always fix more! Thanks for the tips – I’ll try to keep myself in check.
Skinny Mom says
Hi Angie! Don’t be to hard on yourself. It took me like 3 years to get the hang of things and I still screw up regularly. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
bookjunkie says
Even without kids I find it sooo hard to eat healthy. I always have night cravings.
Skinny Mom says
I agree some of my worst eating was late nights in college 🙂
Making It Work Mom says
It is like you are living with me! I totally do all those mom fattening moments. I can’t even pick out one that is the worst because they are all so bad. I also have to commute several days a week for work and find myself endlessly eating in the car. I try to chew gum or a cup of tea, but depending on the length of the commute I usually end up back to eating!
I am really looking forward to reading more of your tips.
Skinny Mom says
I also work full time outside the home so I completely understand what you are going through. I always try to keep almonds, a cheese stick, or some other protein rich snack on me to get me through commuting to and from work. Thanks so much for stopping by. I stopped by your blog as well and agree we could be the same person 🙂
Shell says
I think the worst for me is when I’m so freaking busy with the kids that I miss a meal. Then, I’m STARVING and eat something really horrible for me or massive amounts of something to make up for that missed meal.
Skinny Mom says
I TOTALLY understand mama!!! That was and sometimes still is the story of my life! Having snacks on hand has really helped me with that. Thanks so much for stopping by! Love your blog!!
Laura says
Stopping by from SITS. Love this little collection. I’m for sure guilty of #1 and #4. I’ve dealt with #1 in a similar way. I’m still working on #4 because I just keep tasting what I’m cooking 🙂
Skinny Mom says
Hi Laura! Thanks for stopping by. Yes I agree I also like to taste as I cook. I try to allow myself one or two little tastes just to make sure everything is good. Have a great night!
Alfalfa girl says
The Girlfriend?
The moment you realise that your darling sweet son has suddenly developed the MAN LOOK his eye on some girl and he THINKS he can HIDE it from you.! Food where are you???!!! NOM NOM NOM ACK!!!!
The I DON’T GIVE a ROYAL STUFF Days.
Where I dont’ give a royal stuff about what I’m eating just so long as the kids are safe & happy. All is right with the world. Give me that tub of peanut butter!!!!
I love what I’ve read on your blog. Thanks for sharing 🙂