I'm a single mother of 2 little girls, so I'm a passenger of that boat you're in.  I find that when I actually make out a grocery list based on snacks/dishes I'd like to eat throughout the week, its a quicker trip to the store - and much easier to stick to buying healthier foods. You shouldn't have a separate list for your foods and the foods you serve your family. Make the entire family's diet better and it will set a great example for your children, you'll feel better about the foods you feed them, everyone will be healthier, and you'll shed the pounds.  You can use everyday items around the house as substitutes for the expensive gym equipment. Family-size cans of soup are typically around 32 oz, which makes for a great 2-lb dumbbell. Play outside with the kids - who doesn't like to jump rope or hoola hoop? Or use the kids as 'weights'.  My girls love when we play 'airplane'.  I lie on my back with my knees pulled in, they place their outer belly/pelvis area on the bottom of my feet  and I hold their hands as I lift them up and down.  You'll get a great high-calorie burning workout while spending quality time with your boys.