Kids making you want to eat the pantry?
I don't know what it is…
But there's just something about being home with young kids that makes me feel like I could eat the arse out of a low flying duck.
I originally thought this was a ME problem, but then I got a DM the other day from a gorgeous mama saying the exact same thing. Then I asked my sister and my besties and they all agreed - nothing quite hits like the good snacks after a long arse afternoon of breaking up sibling arguments, tempering meltdowns, cooking a dinner no-one eats and then redecorating after bath-time.
Fortunately, I've picked up some tips that I thought I'd share in the hopes they help you too!
Get yourself a large Tupperware container and pop the snacks you plan to eat for the day in there. Having this visual will help you better ration them over the day (and make sure there's a mini freddo or two in there that you can look forward to!)
Think about the time of day you love a sweet treat (or whatever you're craving the most). Maybe it's during afternoon nap time or like me, after the kids go to bed so you can enjoy it in peace. Then make a whole thing out of it. e.g. I make a cuppa in my fav mug and have my book or some Seinfled re-runs ready to go. Romanticising it in this way will reduce the urge to impulse at other times of day.
Make sure your main meals have plenty of protein in them (30g+) to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
In the afternoon when the munchies really start to hit, have some soda water or sugar free soft drink to sip on. The bubbles and sweetness really hit the spot.
Distract, distract, distract - go clean something, tackle a draw, wipe the inside of the car down, even just changing the room you're in can help your mind feel less fixated.
And if you do end up doing a little mindless eating, no worries!
Counteract it with a positive action like going for a walk or guzzling some water and move on.
You're only human and it is but a blip not the radar in amongst all the other good you're doing. Onwards and upwards.
XO,
Em
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