For mothers, there are barely enough hours in the day to get all the myriad of chores done, which can make it very difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. With so much of their day dedicated to keeping the kids happy and the household in order, it is easy for busy moms to neglect their own well-being.
This is even worse for mothers that still have to fit in a job as well. Add in all the stress that comes with being a mother and it is easy to see why unwanted weight gain can become a problem. However, there are a couple of tips that moms who are too busy to regularly hit the gym can follow to help shed those unwanted pounds.
1. Surround Yourself With Healthy Foods
The urge for a quick snack can strike at any time, especially if you have been running around the entire day taking care of family matters. The last thing any mother feels like is making a mess in the kitchen that will only have to be cleaned again.
All too often unhealthy snacks end up being the solution. However, this can be avoided by banishing junk food from the house and stocking up on healthy food instead. If the cabinets and refrigerator are well-stocked with healthy treats that are easily accessible there is less temptation to reach for the unhealthy stuff for a quick pick-me-up.
Tasty fruits are a good choice, but yogurts, low-fat cheese and almonds or walnuts will also satisfy those cravings in a healthier manner. By regularly snacking on healthy items there will be no binging on fast food when hunger strikes and you realize that you haven’t eaten all day. Regular healthy snacks will take care of the hunger without expanding your waistline.
2. Make Use Of Proper Planning
Stress is a big contributing factor to weight gain, and nothing is more stressful than trying to run around and get everything done on time. Planning ahead can alleviate a lot of the stress and potentially free up some valuable time as well. Obviously it is not always possible to schedule everything, due to how unpredictable kids can be, but a little planning can go a long way.
For example, setting aside some time over the weekends to plan out the meals for the following week will ensure that you know exactly what to shop for and what to prepare. Some meals can even be prepared in advance, which is another time saver.
3. Avoid The Sweet Stuff
It is easy to reach for something that is filled with artificial sweeteners in order to get through a hectic day, but in the long run nothing good will come from it. By foregoing all the sweeteners you will not only find it easier to slim down, but will also feel better.
If going completely cold turkey proves to be too much of a challenge, keep a journal and track everything you consume during the day. At the end of the day check back and you might be surprised by how much, and what, you can cut back on.
4. Grab Every Opportunity To Exercise
After the birth of their kids most mothers are lucky if they can remember what the inside of a gym looks like, but you don’t need all that fancy equipment to stay in shape. Even small adjustments to your lifestyle or schedule can open up opportunities to sneak in some exercise.
For example, when doing your shopping, park the car a little further from the entrance and then walk the distance to get your heart rate up. Avoiding elevators and opting for the stairs instead is another great way to give your muscles a workout.
It is even possible to incorporate exercise with the quality time you spend with kids by engaging in some physical activities with them. The kids will love it and you will be surprised by how many muscle groups you get to exercise just trying to keep up with them! If you can get your entire family involved in exercising, it will be much easier to remain motivated as well.
5. Skip The Comparisons
Losing weight requires a lot of determination and willpower as it is a commitment to not only eating healthy, but staying healthy. Looking at other moms and drawing a comparison is the easiest way to become discouraged and succumb to the temptation of comfort food.
It can be a real blow to one’s self-esteem to see other mothers who are able to slim down seemingly effortlessly, but everyone is different and becoming depressed about the matter will only make things worse. Keep a positive outlook and acknowledge your own achievements instead of worrying about other moms.
