Being a working mother is no small task. With the added stress of being at work, then coming home to be with your children and family, as well as managing household chores and cooking, it may feel as if there is no time for yourself. It is important to remember that you are important too, and taking care of your health should be high on your to-do list. This guide will walk you through how you can take charge of your health and make it a lot easier for yourself.
Table of Contents
- Set realistic goals
- Follow a nutritious, balanced meal plan– and don’t skip meals!
- Involve the kids and family
- Track your intake
- Incorporate movement
- Make meals less stressful
- Stay hydrated
1. Set realistic goals
It is very possible that many women are stuck thinking about their past bodies. But, consider what your body has been through– creating life is no small feat. It may not be, or may never be, the same as it was before children. The good news is, it is never too late to take charge of your health. Creating a healthy lifestyle is key, as opposed to short-term weight loss. Being aware of this, in the beginning, can help you understand that setting goals and changing your habits will be even more beneficial in the long run. Start with smaller goals, like your first 5 pounds, then the next as opposed to the bigger picture. This will prevent you from setting yourself up for disappointment and will allow you to also be kinder to yourself in the process.
2. Follow a nutritious, balanced meal plan– and don’t skip meals!
First, you’ll need to understand that skipping meals does not benefit you in any way. You’ll be sluggish from lack of food, and you’ll be hungrier afterward. This unfortunately tends to lead to overeating, since you’re likely more hungry than usual from skipping meals. Once you come to terms with that, you can then create a balanced meal plan that incorporates whole foods, protein, and foods that are high in fiber. The Healthi app is a great tool for this, as it takes your specific information into consideration to create a plan that works for you, while also providing you with fun recipes that you can try out.
3. Involve the kids and family
Incorporating a healthy lifestyle for the whole family can be tremendously beneficial. Kids can tend to be particular about the food they eat, so involving them in meal planning and preparing keeps them more likely to enjoy, and actually eat it. This benefits you as well, because not only will you get to spend extra time with your family, but it also relieves you from some of the work. This will also give you the chance to encourage healthy snacks for the whole family. Sit together to plan out meals and snacks, and even do the grocery shopping together. All of this can help you stay on track, especially having the family involved.
4. Track your intake
Tracking your meals and snacks will be highly beneficial because it will keep your progress in check. You can count your calories, thereby tracking your intake, while also noting down feelings, places, and people associated with the food that you consume. This can help you identify potential patterns on which you can work. The Healthi app not only can track your calories but also delivers a BITE system- where food is given a numeric score, which shows you better, more nutritious choices you can make.
5. Incorporate movement or exercise
Try to get at least thirty minutes of exercise or movement daily when you begin. It can be easier to get your activity done in the morning so that you aren’t worried about when to fit it in later on in the day. Once you get used to this routine, you can start challenging yourself. If you started with walking, maybe move to jogging. If you started with 2-pound weights, move 5 pounds. Try involving the family as well. Take walks together, do some yoga, and go swimming. Whatever it is, be sure that it is something you enjoy. The more fun the process is for you, the more likely you are to stick with it.
6. Make meals less stressful
Being a working mom, getting out the door in a timely manner in the mornings may seem impossible. Getting yourself and the kids ready while also juggling breakfast and packing lunches, it may be a long list. It may be easier to run through a drive-thru, but creating a better routine that fits your new healthy lifestyle will be key. Meal prep some freezer breakfasts so you can grab, reheat, and eat. Meal prepping lunches to keep in the fridge for the week will also help you stay on track. Fill them with healthy proteins, fruits, veggies, and complex carbs to help keep you full throughout the day.
7. Stay hydrated
While staying hydrated is key, it’s also important to focus on what you are drinking. Sugar-loaded carbonated drinks and alcohol are not nutritionally beneficial, which is why you’ll want to cut down, on or avoid, these particular drinks. Water has been proven to be beneficial in a weight loss journey. Among the many health benefits, staying hydrated can also help cut down on snacking.
Remember to be patient with yourself and consistent in your journey. Being a busy, working mom does not have to define the outcome of your weight loss journey. With this guide, along with the Healthi app, you can go into 2023 with the confidence of achieving better health.
