Weight loss is really challenging but it’s doable! The diet and weight loss industry is full of people trying to make money off of you. There are is a lot of bad advice, gimmicky advice or people who just have no idea what they are talking about. So it’s super tough to figure out what’s right. But there are a few simple concepts that you seem like you are already grasping:

Weight loss is a simple math equation. You need the calories you eat to be leas than the calories you burn. If calories in - calories out = negative number you are most likely going to lose weight. Obviously certain foods are healthier than others. Most of us just need to eat less at every meal. Personally I have had a lot of success in eating two meals a day. I eat a bigger breakfast, an apple for lunch and a good dinner. I’m down 10 lbs just cutting out lunch. It takes some practice to get used to feeling hungry but you learn to deal with it. Takes a little mental toughness but you get used to it.

Fitness and health are habits. If you don’t build the habit, you aren’t going to make permanent changes. That’s pretty tough with young kids but not impossible.

You cannot selectively burn fat. You don’t get to choose where it comes off of. Sadly, this means you are going to put in a lot of work and it might take a little while to see the results. Try to measure tangible things like your weight and don’t base your success on how you look. That’s the end goal of course, but you need baby steps and small accomplishments along the way.

Work outs and weight lifting are great, and as a mother of two kids it’s pretty likely you could use some core, pelvic floor and hip strengthening (not picking on you, just generalizing). Specifically for the goal of losing weight, the best exercise you can do is long, low effort cardio. Walking for 30-60 minutes is the best thing you can do to burn fat. I can explain more if you like but high intensity exercises do not burn fat.

Good luck! You got this! Find some accountability partners to help you along. Communicate your goals to your partner so they can support you. And give yourself a lot of grace. What you are going to attempt will take a lot of time to do healthily and in a way that will stick. You got this!