Balancing work and family life can be challenging for any mom, especially when trying to prioritize health and wellness. Whether you're working from home or at the office, finding time to focus on nutrition can seem overwhelming. As a veteran working mom of over ten years, I've learned a few practical ways to take care of myself and my
family through the food choices we make. Here are some tips that can help you make mealtime more manageable and healthier for everyone.
1. Plan Meals:
Meal planning for the entire week allows you to not have to make decisions each day when feeding your family. This will keep you from eating takeout and allow you to choose healthier ingredients for your meals. When planning meals, search for recipes that can be quickly baked on a sheet pan, thrown in a slow cooker, or prepped on the weekend to be reheated. Choose one day to write your meal plan for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners and make your grocery list. When grocery shopping, opt for curbside pickup or delivery to
save time.
2. Prep Food:
After grocery shopping, it is helpful to prepare recipes or ingredients that may take more time and it will allow you to quickly put together meals each evening. This can include chopping vegetables and cooking meats or sides. Allowing your family to help you in the kitchen can help reduce stress of trying to "do it all" and allow for fun, quality time together!
3. Snacks, Supplements, & Smoothies:
Being on-the-go, you will want to have healthy options to take with you. Having a meal replacement protein shake for lunch or grabbing a smoothie from that freezer that you prepared the evening before are easy ways to ensure that you stay fueled. Using supplements (think superfood greens, powders, and probiotics!) are also a great way to increase your nutrition and feel your best. Look for recipes for healthy snacks that are low in added sugar or high in protein. Other simple snack options include fruits and vegetables with healthy dip such as guacamole or nut butter.
4. Stay Hydrated:
You might have your favorite cup or bottle, but you may not always love drinking water. Adding cut, fresh fruit to your water, flavored sparkling water, or unsweetened tea can help you enjoy your drink and help you stay away from sodas that can hurt your
overall health. Keeping a pitcher of fruit-infused water or unsweetened tea will also allow your family to have something different to drink at mealtime.
With some planning and preparation you can make your week easier. By integrating these simple tips into your routine, you'll find that mealtime becomes less stressful and more nutritious for you and your family. Remember, every small step you take towards healthier eating
habits contributes to your overall well-being. Embrace the process, and know that it's okay to take things one step at a time!
Comments