10 Reasons Your Kids Are Making You Fat

Ah, children. They are a joy to have around, and they teach us so much about life. Whether we are cooking some delicious food with them, or throwing them insane birthday parties, we always have fun with our kids. True, they may be a bit messy, and raising them may be hard work, but we love them just the same.

Click here for the 10 Reasons Your Kids Are Making You Fat (Slideshow)

Having kids brings a lot of changes to your life, and it even makes changes to your body. We're not just talking about pregnancy — whether you're a man or a woman, raising kids can leave you heavier than you were before. You might notice that since you've had a kid you've been putting on a few pounds. One day you might just look in the mirror after playing with your children and realize that you're heavier than you were a few months ago.

Truthfully, there are a lot of reasons why raising kids could be causing you to gain weight. Anything from stress to lack of sleep can alter your metabolism and make your body retain fat. But never fear; the weight that you gain can be worked off with a few simple tips. The trick is to know what you can and can't do with your schedule, and to work your health choices around that. Dr. Sue Decotiis, medical weight loss specialist, says, "Parents need to evaluate the stress in their life and be realistic about what they are able to handle and what they can't. 

Luckily, we've talked to a couple of nutritionists who have let us in on the secret reasons that your kids are making you fat. As they say, knowledge is power, and knowing these downfalls can help parents avoid them in the future. Read on to find out more.

You're Eating Whatever Is There

Everyone underestimates how tough it is to raise a kid. Sometimes we just need to feel better about ourselves, so we reach out to things that comfort us. Dr. Paul Hokemeyer says, "9 times out of 10 what they [parents] grab is food. And they don't reach for celery sticks. They reach for comfort and junk food that may be delicious but is terrible for their health."

You're a Bit Stressed

We've already said it, but we'll say it again, raising kids is hard work, and it can be stressful. Stress, unfortunately, is something that happens naturally, but it can cause serious damage to our bodies. Dr. Decotiis explains that stress, and not just "stress eating," causes chemical changes in our body that cause us to retain fat. Chronic stress can cause "lack of motivation, weight gain, late night hunger, and slow metabolic rate."

Click here to find out what other ways your kids are making you fat.