The Pressure:
This is a question I hear a lot, and it’s mostly from a mom herself that is trying to balance a life full of twists and turns and hectic schedules. There are days full of responsibilities, tasks and appointments….then those sleepless nights. Whether you are a stay at home mommy or a working mommy, your tasks are just as important and filled with equal amounts pressure and hopefully some red wine at the end of the long day.
The Decreased Physical Activity:
With increased responsibility and less time in the day it is hard for any mom to find the time to take a shower let alone squeeze in a workout and stay healthy.
The Solution:
Finding time for you is always a priority. The more stressed you are, the more your child and family will suffer, and, more importantly, the more your body will suffer. It is important to follow some of these mommy workout guidelines:
1. Workout while they nap
2. Workout in the morning and get it out of the way
3. Workout at night while the hubby has daddy time
4. Find a gym that has child care
5. Workout while your child by going on long walk, playing at the park and getting in some exercise
The WRONG Snacking:
The Journal of Pediatrics recently listed a new study that found that new moms are taking in more calories and more pounds compared to non-parents and even new dads! How much more are these new mommies consuming? According to the study around 370 calories more A DAY! It only takes 3500 calories in a week to gain 1 pound. Don’t worry, I did the math for you….at 370 calories a day that’s 2590 calories a week and almost a pound a week. Actually, if the new mom continues on that path for 1 month she will have gained almost 3 lbs! In 3 months, almost 9 lbs. In 6 months, almost 18 lbs. And in 1 year, almost 40 lbs!!!!! They may seem like small increases of calories over a day, but in the long run they can have your scale tipping in the wrong direction.
The Solution:
Most moms find time an issue. Just as with going to the gym or getting a good workout in at home, they just can’t seem to find the time. But if they really try and look a little closer it is an easy solution.
1. Don’t snack on junk food
2. Don’t quick fix your breakfast, lunch or dinner with fast food
3. Make time to cook your food while dad has daddy time
4. Prepare the weeks food in advance
5. Realize you are setting an example for your child and their health.
Even if you feel you have a lot on your plate at home with responsibilities, tasks and appointments, realize that it doesn’t mean you have to have a lot on your plate at dinner time! Keep moving and keep eating healthy foods in small portions, you and your family will benefit.
Dr Tonya Ingalls, D.C.
Tags: Ask Dr T, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyle, Mommy Health, Mommy Workouts
Categories : Ask Dr T, How To Live
