The thing about having two children is that I’m always sweating. I’d like to attribute this to a change in hormones, the weather, or even the shaggy coat of fur that lines my legs. (come on, yours does, too) But no, I really believe it’s because my children are just. That. Active.

Leaving the house? Twenty minute workout. Putting them to bed? Forty-five solid minutes rendering me without a voice afterward. Breakfast? It’s like a marathon.

And people, I only have two.

I’d have to train for years to have another child and even then, I really don’t think I have the stamina anymore.

So, tell me this, why am I not losing the baby weight? What’s that? You in the back, pipe up. What did you say?

Oh, right, the nightly two glasses of wine and bar of chocolate to keep my brain from exploding after a long day of said sweating.

Right…

That.

So I’ve been reading French Women Don’t Get Fat and she has some suggestions on how to savor food, real food, and still manage your weight. They’re pretty easy to swallow so I thought today would be a nice time to share.

1. Never eat standing up. I know, this is nearly impossible with the kids, the family, the dog/cat/husband/computer/blahblah. But trust me, if you take the time to sit and eat your body will register that you’ve eaten. This will help fend off the hungries later.
2. Cook and eat real food. Also, you say, impossible? No way. All you need to do is plan ahead a bit. Make meals on Sunday when the husband is home to help with the kids, freeze them, and warm on the busy nights. Make lunches the night before. Take left overs for lunch instead of letting them rot in the fridge. See? Already you’re eating better.
3. Treat yourself. Don’t forget that we enjoy sweets or savory foods. It’s OK to eat them. In moderation. (You knew I was going to say that.) But honestly, if you allow yourself to have one or two small bites of chocolate after dinner you’re less likely to binge on the bag of chips after the kids are in bed. Or eat an entire bar of chocolate the next day because you’ve been deprived.
4. Slow down. With the 400 mile an hour schedule you never take time to eat. This isn’t the only thing you’re not taking time for, I’m sure. You’re probably not sleeping, exercising or feeling organized. You would never think of starving your dog/cat/parents/children so why starve your body of the nutrients of fresh fruits and vegetables? Take care of yourself and your body will take care of you.

Diets don’t work. Eat. Enjoy. Eat slowly, on purpose, and make it a family affair. Let your children see you eating and let them know what eat healthy means. For a culture obsessed with weight loss, we’re failing miserably. I’m taking my cues from the French Women, who drink with delight and eat the richest foods, and still manage their weight.

**Cross Posted at Blissfully Domestic. Read more of Leslie’s sarcastic blahblablah at Mrs. Flinger and find podcast reviews, interviews, crafts, events and topics for the Seattle Parent at Mamaspod.Com. If you have questions, anecdotes, or topics for “Mom Friendly Fitness,” email leslie@seattlemomblogs.com.