Calorie Counting on the 'Mommy Diet'

I admit, I am a victim of the "Mommy Diet." One bite of a chicken nugget, four bites of a peanut butter sandwich, half of an Oreo cookie, a few Goldfish here and a few gummy bears there—these calories add up!

And sometimes, I don’t even realize that I’m having a snack. My 15-month-old loves to “feed” me. It’s a game to him. It’s no wonder the scale hasn’t been my friend recently.

My fitness program consists of Zumba or running several times a week, but I was frustrated that there were only minor changes in the scale. Then I caught myself eating all of my kids' extra food. 

More determined than ever, I started tracking my calorie intake about a month ago. I downloaded a free app to my iPhone called My Fitness Pal. This has helped hold me accountable for what I put into my mouth.

My behavior didn't change much and my main meals and exercise routines stayed the same. But it only took two days to realize that finishing my toddler’s meal or polishing off what’s left of my preschooler’s snack, was countering all my workout efforts.

I’m a big fan of the clean-plate club. I just forgot to make sure it was my kid that cleans the plate, not me! Ever since I downloaded the app, I haven’t cheated. I record every meal, snack, soda, Hershey Kiss or glass of wine.

In a way, I’m not really calorie counting. I’m just more conscious of what I’m eating.

So, if I finish his grilled cheese, it's journaled in the app. If I share a Hershey bar with my son, I document it. Most importantly, I actually find myself thinking twice before I swallow, and saying "no" to some of those unneeded calories.

With just a few weeks until the dreaded bathing suit season arrives, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

I know this is something that many mothers struggle with and battling weight loss is something that takes more willpower than I ever realized. However, I’m finally moving in the right direction.

Journaling makes me feel responsible for my actions and when I slip up—have too many sweets, or am too far off course for a day—pushing harder during my workout keeps me balanced.

I sure hope I can keep it up because I sure would like to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight soon!

Have you become victim of the "Mommy Diet"? Do you find yourself unconsciously nibbling at your kids' food?