I know you've got a lot on your plate (literally and figuratively), but it's time to talk about what's on your plate. Let's face it, taking care of your family while juggling work and everything else can be challenging, and it's easy to fall into the trap of relying on fast food and processed snacks to get through the day. But changing a few of your eating habits is the ultimate self-care gift and your body will thank you later!
Here are some tips for busy moms to make healthy food choices and fuel their bodies with nutritious foods:
Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to make healthy food choices is to plan ahead. Take some time at the beginning of the week to plan out your meals and snacks for the week. This can help you avoid the temptation to grab unhealthy snacks or fast food when you're in a rush.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
When you're busy, it can be easy to reach for unhealthy snacks like chips or candy bars. Instead, keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, or hummus and whole-grain crackers. These snacks are not only nutritious but also portable, making them perfect for busy moms on the go. My personal favorite snack option is a simple granola bar.
Cook at Home
Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients in your meals and can help you avoid the added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium often found in restaurant meals. Try to cook meals that are simple and easy to prepare, such as stir-fries, roasted vegetables, and grilled lean proteins. A way to make this sometimes-daunting task a bit more fun is to find a healthy cookbook! Do a little research and find out if your favorite celebrity has written a cookbook. When I’m looking for a new recipe I grab this cookbook and always find exactly what I’m looking for!
Make Smart Swaps
Small changes can make a big difference in your diet. Try to make smart swaps, such as swapping white bread for whole grain bread, or swapping soda for water or herbal tea. These small changes can help you reduce your intake of unhealthy foods and increase your intake of nutritious foods.
Read Labels
Reading food labels can help you make informed choices about the foods you eat. Look for foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Make sure to read the ingredients list as well to ensure that the food is made with real, whole ingredients.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for keeping your body hydrated and can also help you feel full, preventing overeating. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and consider carrying a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Especially if you are a nursing Mama, you need extra hydration (currently 17 months into my own nursing journey & water is my best friend).
Practice Moderation
It's okay to indulge in unhealthy foods occasionally but try to practice moderation and balance it out with healthier choices the rest of the time. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation but try to make healthier choices most of the time.
As a busy mom, making healthy food choices and fueling your body with nutritious foods may seem like a challenge, but it is possible with a little planning and preparation. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. And who knows, maybe you'll even get some of your picky eaters to try something new!
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