Moms are always busy on any given day of the week, and if they are working moms, life gets even more hectic. Who has time to think about healthier lifestyles and good nutrition every day? However, healthy eating is a must for any mom. After all, she has to take care of energetic children and carry other responsibilities. Taking care of your nutrition means planning healthier meals to maintain a healthier lifestyle, which means finding the right way of eating for your health and lifestyle. The good news is that with careful planning and some nutrition tips, planning and maintaining a healthy diet does not have to be challenging.
Let’s examine some practical nutrition tips that can help busy moms follow a balanced diet and healthier lifestyle.
Nutrition Tips for Busy Moms
Understanding your health needs and lifestyle go a long way toward understanding what way of eating will work for you. For example, some research suggests that intermittent fasting may be more beneficial than other ways of eating for people with conditions like arthritis or asthma because it can reduce inflammation but it is not for everyone. Some people with autoimmune diseases may benefit from a grain-free diet, but eliminating grains may unnecessarily limit nutrient intake so this way of eating may not be for everyone. It’s hard to know who to trust, since most “diet studies” are sponsored by one side or the other. Whatever diet or way of eating you choose, whether you choose the paleo diet, the Mediterranean diet, the carnivore diet, the keto diet, or some other popular way of eating, be sure you know how to ensure you are getting all of your nutrients in.
Planning and prepping ahead
To save precious time and effort, have a weekly plan for groceries and meals. If you already have all three meals planned and prepped for the whole week, right from the ingredients and other necessities listed and bought, it can support your goal of having nutritious, healthy meals every day. There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “Failing to plan is planning to fail…” When you don’t have a plan in place, you are more likely to be tempted by unhealthy last-minute choices.
Shop for the required groceries and do all the chopping and marinating in advance. If you’re a busy homeschool mom like me, meal prep is a must! If you’re a scattered sanguine mom like me, it can be SO hard! It is so important to teach kids to meal plan and prep and as they get older, they can help keep you, and the whole family, on track!
Purchase healthy foods
While it is best to buy and prepare healthier meals, sometimes, sitting is not always possible. In that case, look for healthy food options when you are short of time. Make a list of quick and easy options according to your way of eating. If you’ve chosen a paleo lifestyle, then having fresh berries, almonds, and celery sticks around is key. If you’ve chosen a carnivore lifestyle, then having boiled eggs, canned tuna, and jerky available is key.
Keep Snacks Ready
Having snacks prepared ahead of time is an essential part of staying on point with any way of eating. It is too easy to go off rail when there is nothing prepped to nosh on that is “on plan” and and you’re left to find snacks last minute.
Involve family in simpler cooking
Cooking healthier meals need not mean spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You can involve your family in meal preparation and opt for a make-ahead one-pot meal or sheet pan meals that save time and effort but are packed with nutrition. Focus on quick and easy recipes that are fun to prepare together and provide quality family time.
Avoid emotional eating
Busy moms have to deal with life pressures and struggles every day. It is no surprise that they often struggle with their tough routine and turn to food for comfort. However, one should realize that emotional eating can soon turn to mindless eating, and there is only a downward spiral from there. Be aware of the dark moments in your life when you can turn to food to express exasperation and hopelessness. Instead of eating, do some other activity to keep your mind busy. Journaling, prayer, meditation, phone-a-friend… whatever the case may be… just have a plan in place to avoid emo-eating because it can sabotage you.
There are a few simple changes you can make for a healthier life, and ensuring you’re getting adequate nutrition is one of them. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your nutrition, when making any major changes in your way of eating, or before adding supplements if you take prescription medications.
