Running Around All the Time and Forgetting to Eat

Updated on October 25, 2011
L.A. asks from Kew Gardens, NY
23 answers

There was a recent blog post re: losing the baby weight, and the writer said she found this answer unacceptable. Basically, the tone was one of, been there done that, and don't believe it to be true when stated by friends or when stated by celebrities.

I may be blessed by good genes, have a healthy appetite, and find exercise in and of itself rewarding, also, I did BF. However, I think that the running around all the time and forgetting to eat thing is true for me, and I resent that the listener would think its a lie.
The blogger said that her pace is pretty plodding, and she cleans plates after her three kids have eaten. My pace is anything but plodding, also, I was never one to clean my own plate, I certainly won't clean someone elses. The uneaten food can go into the compost heap, the communal pot, and mom can learn a lesson as to how much to dole out next time.

I am sure that the piece was meant to be humorous, but I need to know: 1. do you also run around all the time and forget to eat? 2. would it offend your sensibilities to hear me say that?

TIA

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F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I can honestly say that I have NEVER "forgotten" to eat. Nor do I "run around all the time" and I find it very unlikely that others do also. Just my opinion. =)

3 moms found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I posted a while ago about getting so busy I sometime's forget to eat. It drives my husband insane!! But yes, I forget to eat some days.

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C.P.

answers from Columbia on

I forget to eat quite often. I've always been one to pay attention to my body..if I'm hungry enough that my growling stomach stops my activity, I will get something to eat. But I don't just eat because it's "time to eat."

Mealtimes came along with the advent of agriculture and manufacturing. Workers literally had to stop working to eat, so it became a scheduled activity. It's not at all natural.

Humans naturally graze as they go along, having a bite to eat here and there when they're hungry. It keeps the "fires" of the metabolism going so we don't get tired when we need energy.

I don't know why it would offend anyone's sensibilities, I do, however, think it's especially rude to call someone a liar for doing what comes naturally. Eating three square meals a day and cleaning your plate (and your child's) is NOT natural.

1 mom found this helpful

⊱.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Me forget to eat? LOL, oh heck no I never forget to eat. If I do, I get a raging headache as a payback so I never forget to eat. Now my husband, that man can go all day not eating because he runs around all day for work. I've started packing lunches for him just so he can have it in his car because otherwise he gets home at dinner and tells me he hasn't eaten anything all day. That's so h*** o* your body!! And I guess he doesn't get headaches if he doesn't eat like I do.

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Mwahahahaha One of our big jokes is..................

It takes a special kind of stooopid to forget to eat!!!

My husband has that special kind of stoooopid, I certainly do not. :o)

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Detroit on

My problem is that I run around and forget to eat and then when I realize I'm starving, I grab the quickie, unhealthy food. And i crave fatty, bad for me foods when i'm tired (daily, for the last 2 years!). But I know what I'm doing wrong - it's obvious - so, no, I wouldn't be offended. Maybe a little envious if it was easy for you, but not offended.

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M.T.

answers from New York on

I guess I can see that you might be too busy to remember to eat. I had the opposite problem. When my youngest was a year old, I took a year off of work. I gained a lot of weight. I didn't forget to eat. I forgot that I had ALREADY eaten and often ate two lunches, probably because the first time I ate, I was chasing him around the house while scarfing down a sandwich, or ate while I was working at the computer (I still worked p/t from home)

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J.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

My problem isn't so much forgetting to eat as running out of time. And then often I can't think of what I want to eat or I don't feel like making myself anything. While I do enjoy a good meal, having to take the time to plan, prepare, and consume those meals can be a hassle for me. I often clean my children's plates, but I usually account for that when planning my own portions. Does that kind of answer your first question?

To address your second question: as a thin person, I have found it's best just not to address eating or weight issues around my heavier friends. Not only do I eat less than them, but I eat much more healthily plus I exercise regularly. It stands to reason that I'm thinner. But if someone is struggling with their weight, the last thing they want to hear is that the source of their struggle is so unimportant to someone else that they can't even remember to eat.

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B.A.

answers from New York on

Yes, I run around after my kids and forget to eat. At mealtime, I feel like a waitress in a diner with a bunch of very needy guests. By the time I do get everyone settled, my food is probably cold and I've lost my appetite. Sometimes I try to get the kitchen cleaned up while the kids are eating so that I don't have to stay up til 11pm doing it.
I lost the pregnancy weight pretty quickly and easily, but I wish that I had more time to workout and get 'in shape'.
I can completely understand others frustrations (usually jokingly) about hearing our explanations for losing baby weight. I get (jokingly) annoyed at women who seem to be able to keep their house and everything else in their life in perfect order after having kids. It just doesn't seem possible in my world- I feel like I'd have to clone myself twice before I could have a chance at staying on top of everything ;)

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D.H.

answers from Louisville on

Yes, I have done that, esp in my younger days! Get involved w/running around w/errands or such or totally engrossed in a project and sometimes the hunger thought just isn't there by the clock! Heck, I rarely eat by the clock - and would likely be even less "clock" inclined at this point except that little one is aways hungry when I pick her up!

So, it's not a lie - methinks some are just jealous!! ;o)

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K.U.

answers from Dallas on

I personally would not be offended by something like that, it takes too much of my energy to be offended by small things! I am a SAHM to 1 year old twins and a 2nd grader. I completely understand how you get so busy and caught up with feeding and taking care of everyone and everything that you forget to feed yourself. Some days I love to sit by myself when the kids nap and enjoy a quiet lunch. Other days, I feel so drained that I don't have an appetite! I also enjoy exercising and take care of my body with a healthy diet and reasonable portions.

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E.M.

answers from Honolulu on

I am so glad I am not the only one!

I always lie and tell other women that I had bad morning sickness and never put on weight, but that is a bold face lie. I am just forgetful when it comes to eating and I now I have 3 kids (the youngest is 18 months and we have lived in 3 houses in his lifetime! Is mommy running around? You bet!)

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, when I am running around I do forget to eat. The problem with that is that I also forget to feed my youngest. Then guilt trip hits when I realize it or she asks me "mommy, why am I hungry?" . I am one of those people that does not look like she just had a baby. My appetite is almost non-existent and I lose instead of gain until the last month or so. I also get those comments about starving myself and the baby. The one thing I hate about how the celebrtities act is they have personal trainers for the most part. My personal trainer this year will be a newborn and a 3 yr old.

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S.H.

answers from New York on

Run around all the time after the kids? Totally believable, I can relate. Foget to eat? Not so much. Would the comment offend me? Yes, as someone who is constantly miserable because I'm constantly hungry and constantly limiting what I eat and how often I eat yet can't seem to lose an ounce, the comment disturbs me. It has been my observation that most thin women make a very conscious effort to eat very little, whether they admit it or not. If you are the exception, I guess I should be extra jeal of you! lol I found the article you mention humorous. I think the writer was trying to be funny - one of those half funny/half serious type things. Clearly, she didn't expect everyone to relate but I'm guessing many did. It's wonderful that you did bf and live a healthy lifestyle. All the best-

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J.R.

answers from Buffalo on

It really has nothing to do with eating. You have to eat all the time to lose weight!! Esp. fruit and veggies. You will gain more weight if you just eat one meal a day. I am Non stop with my Family #3 is a year. I am usually shoveing food in my mouth before i go out the door!!. It all depends on the person you are. If you like to saunter and drink coffee You are probably not going to be more active in daily activities. It is a work out at the park. You can either chose to sit on the bench or pushing kids on a swing does make your body move...cleaning the house with sneakers on or music is going to make your body move quicker!! I lost all my baby weight and I hear" Oh. You don't even look like you had a baby". I say thank you and I excerise and eat !! If I didn't I would still have the baby weight. 3 c-cections and No excuses! I don't let peoples remarks about my weight get to me. I am the way I am because of my Lifestyle!!. Never be ashamed that you lost your baby weight and your friend did not. Walk a mile in my shoes for just one day!lol

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L.H.

answers from New York on

I could never forget to eat, because my body wouldn't let me. I get hunger pains, so I have to eat at least 3 meals per day. I lost all my prego weight gain in 4 weeks...Didn't BF, (I know someone will yell about that, but at the same token they say a BF woman should eat 500 extra cal. for the baby.) I did do the exercises the hospital gave me, (I find that if I do an aerobic exercise video each night, I don't really have to worry about how much I eat.) and ate vegetarian suppers. I will admit to going on the 3-day diet for 2 days. (Can't do the 3rd day, because you get dizzy due to lack of cal.) Here's what I ate to loose the weight and get back to 110 lbs.:

Breakfast: 1 cup coffie, 2 slices of toast with low-fat butter spread and garlic powder, 1 serving of cheese, and fresh fruit with nuts and whipped cream.
Morning snack: 1 granola bar
Lunch: Left-overs from hubby's supper. ( ex: 2 chicken wings, rice, and fruit, diet soda.)
Supper: Water and a salad. (A BIG mixing bowl of 1/2 "head" Romaine lettuce, 1 apple, nuts, raisins, and mayo/dressing.)
Night snack: Popcorn

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't normally "forget to eat" but I do wait WAY too long for lunch, then decide to just wait for dinner.

As for pace as far as "running around all the time" vs. "plodding", I think I would find more insult in those phrases rather than the implication that "running around and forgetting to eat" was impossible. Relative terms, after all. Your running around pace might be my plodding pace or vice-versa.

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N.W.

answers from New York on

I do it all the time. We jokingly refer to it as the "mommy diet". I NEVER eat my kids left overs, yuck! I normally have nothing but coffee (cooled to room temp, of course) all morning, then just grabbing a yogurt at 2pm and then dinner at 7pm.

E.D.

answers from Seattle on

I don't have a large appetite (unless premenstrual, pregnant, or breastfeeding). Hunger, to me, is a funny thing. For me it's a low level hum and I can simply forget to feel it, similar to a back ache, or an annoying noise in the background. I just don't pay attention. It's not a conscious choice but something I find I've done after the fact. All of a sudden I realize it's 4:00, I haven't eaten, and I'm nauseous and unable to focus, or I lay down at 1:00am intent on shutting off my brain and going to sleep and suddenly realize I'm in intense pain, or all of a sudden I realize someone is calling my name, the faucet is dripping, or there is a construction being done outside.

When I am relaxed, I feel hungry. I feel relaxed...very, very occasionally. Mind you, I don't feel stressed out all the time - that's not it. I am amped UP almost all of the time. It's not bad, it's just...stimulating. My brain doesn't take very many breathers, I have a difficult time sitting still (and focusing - I can focus if I'm engaged in conversation, doodling, or have something to fiddle with, but not just sitting). I don't stand still when I'm talking, or thinking, or, or, or.

It's slippery.

I'm trying really, really, really hard not to forget to eat. When I prepare food for my kids I take bites standing up. I'll be in the middle, get distracted, and stop eating. A few hours later I remember, take more bites, etc. I eat fatty, protein filled stuff so that my bites count for more. I cut spinach into *everything*, PBandJ included. I cut up fruit and leave it on the counter so that every time I walk by I can grab a bite as I go onto my next thought.

Yes. I legitimately forget to eat and have trouble staying focused on eating. Unless I'm relaxed, and then I have a big appetite and can tuck some good calories down. I do a LOT of night time eating because that's when I can be most still.

It's not that I'm *actually* running around more/less than others. It's the way my brain works. My brain is running circles and doesn't want to stay put for food.

Other folks don't need to believe me. It's not their body, and bodies are different.

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K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I read the piece you are referring to. I think the author was sort of kidding, and to me it seemed like she WISHES she could forget to eat! I feel that way too - there is no way I'm going to forget to eat. I totally understood when she said something along the lines of "you're feeding your kids all day long, how can you forget to eat?" If you're making a PB&J why wouldn't you make one (or a different sandwich) for yourself? To me, it sounds crazy to "forget" to eat. Maybe too BUSY to eat makes more sense? And many of us moms have that issue where we eat whatever the kids haven't finished. I wish I didn't do that. I just can't stop myself sometimes! Half a cheese stick and chicken nugget doesn't "count" if you're eating it standing up, next to the kitchen sink, right?! Ahhhh, if only I could forget to eat. You lucky mamas :)

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C.L.

answers from Sacramento on

I forget to eat all the time. My co-workers used to remind me when I was pregnant to go eat something. I just get hyper-focused on whatever it is I'm doing and completely lose track of time.

I didn't read the blog post, so I'm not going to comment on that.
Would I be offended if you said you forgot to eat? Heck no... you saying so would probably remind me to eat something.

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L.B.

answers from Boston on

I read that same post earlier. I had some similar thoughts to you. I thought it was quick to judge to assume that someone was lying. I am a very busy mom of 4. With an infant at home, I keep busy spending as much time as possible with her and when she sleeps, I am cleaning, washing bottles, etc, and seemingly the to do list never is empty. On my busiest days, taking time to eat doesn't happen. (I guess you can call that forgetting.. so busy making sure everyone else has eaten, had snacks, etc., I put myself last.) If I'm out running errands, my baby will get fed, but unless I'm starving, I will wait to eat when I get home to save on time. I know I should take more time for myself and I've been trying to do this. (skipping meals isn't healthy)
With a busy home, many things have me moving quickly and I don't eat leftovers on plates. On nights when we are all moving in different directions (soccer game, dance lesson, etc.) I would rather wait till later and sit down with a meal when it gets quiet and I can enjoy the food. I maintained a fairly healthy diet before pregnancy and continue to do so (in moderation)
I was at my pre-pregnancy weight 4 -5 months after giving birth and I attribute it to my lifestyle as described.

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I forget to eat all the time. For me, it's a form of an eating disorder and it has contributed to many health problems as well as hypoglycemia, that could turn into diabetes as I age if it goes unchecked. Having children has helped, as I have to remember to feed them, and so I try and force myself to sit and eat too, but even then it is hard.

So, for one person to make a sweeping statement that *all* people clean off plates and can't lose weight b/c they eat too much, well that's just silly.

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