Moms spend a significant amount of time rushing from one commitment to the next. Weight-loss efforts often stall with trips through the fast-food drive-through, skipped meals and lack of exercise because of busy schedules. Fitting in exercise and healthy eating amid the soccer practices and PTA meetings is possible with strategies tailored for busy moms. A healthier lifestyle gives you more energy and gives your kids a mom who can keep up with them.
Plan Meals
Plan meals for your family to increase the chances that you will cook a healthy meal at home instead of picking up take-out. A blank calendar page works well for planning your meals a week or a month at a time. If you tend to skip breakfast or lunch, plan those meals as well. Post your meal plan in a prominent location to remind yourself to eat. Write out your meals to make it easier to create a grocery shopping list.
Pack Water and Snacks
Drinks sold in individual bottles, such as soda and juice, are often high in calories and sugar, which can hamper weight-loss efforts. Parenting magazine recommends carrying a water bottle with you every time you leave the house. This gives you access to water, which keeps you hydrated and feeling better, and can prevent you from grabbing a high-calorie drink just because it is convenient. Stash healthy snacks in your purse or diaper bag, instead of splurging on fatty, calorie-laden snacks from vending machines or convenience stores. Good healthy snacks are fresh fruit, granola, trail mix, energy bars and dried fruit.
Schedule Exercise
Schedule time for exercise, along with your appointments and errands. Look at the schedule for the week, including both your own commitments and those for your children. Identify blocks of time when you can fit in at least 10 minutes of exercise and write in the exercise session on your calendar. Seeing it on your calendar may increase the chances following through with the exercise. UAB Medicine recommends walking while you wait for your kids to finish practices. Walking to pick up your kids from school or to pick up a few groceries at the store also allows you to multitask while squeezing in exercise.
Organize Active Playdates
If playdates with other moms and their children are part of your routine, suggest a form of active entertainment for the group. Socialize with other parents while squeezing in your exercise for the day. Walking around the neighborhood, hiking local trails or biking to a park for a picnic are ideas for active playdates.
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