How To Stay Fit And Healthy As A Busy Mum

When you’re a busy Mum, being fit and healthy is somewhere on your list of priorities, but it may be, well, very close to the bottom. And this is OK, because you probably have got the busiest schedule of all time, but it’s also important to remember that your kids usually follow in your footsteps, and if you’re not making a little bit of an effort to remain fit and healthy, then your kids won’t think that it’s a part of normal life. However, you don’t need to do hours of working out a day. In fact, there are many easy options out there.

We’ve put a few of them down here, for those busy Mums!

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Be clever about family days out

Family days out are perfect for staying fit and healthy as a Mum, and running around after your kids is probably enough for you to have all of your weekly exercise in one. Whilst the weather doesn’t always allow this, you should try your best to make sure that your days out are those that are outside, somewhere that you and your kids can all get in some exercise. Parks, forests, beaches, and all other kinds of natural wonders are all good for the soul, and the body, so use your family days to make sure that you’re all getting in a little bit of exercise where you can.

Cut out processed foods

One of the main ways to stay healthy is to be a little bit more conscious about what you’re putting on your plates, and this can be a difficult one. Sometimes, you just don’t have the time to make something elaborate, but there are many recipes out there that are cheap, and easy. Whilst fast food may seem that it’s the cheaper option at the time, fresh vegetables and staple foods are the cheapest way to go, especially if you’re cooking for a big family. Avoid processed foods wherever you can, and you’ll be doing your health a big favour in the long-run as a result.

Make the most out of fitness DVDs

OK, we know what you’re thinking. But hey, there’s something to be said for the fitness DVD, and we’re on board with anything that we can do from the comfort of our own living rooms. There are plenty of different DVDs out there for any level of fitness lover, and you don’t have to have any gym equipment for most of them. In fact, you just need enough floor space, so make sure that there are no pieces of Lego that you could stand on, and that the cat is not within a 3 metre radius. Apart from that, you’re all good to go, and exercising from home has never been so easy.

Eat healthy snacks

When you’re always on the go as a busy Mum, you just grab the nearest snack and you probably put these things in your kids’ lunchboxes, too. There’s nothing wrong with a treat every now and again, of course, but trading some of your unhealthy snacks for their healthy counterparts will really make a difference to the health of you and your kids. Fruit and vegetables – like carrot sticks – are always a good option (although some kids categorically reject them) but there are plenty of low fat and sugar choices out there, so have a look for them when you’re in the snack aisle at the supermarket!

Look for a healthy hobby

If you want to make sure that you’re staying fit and healthy, getting a hobby that allows you to do so is a good idea. Perhaps you go to a cookery class to learn some healthy meals (and a few naughty ones, too…) or you take up a role as a personal trainer, which will get you a bit of extra cash, too. All you need is something like an OriGym certification, and you’ll be well on your way to having a fun, and healthy, hobby. Of course, it can be hard to find this time for yourself, especially if you need a babysitter, but an hour a week is enough to learn some new skills, and have fun.

Walk to and from work

Whilst this isn’t possible for every busy Mum (and there are some freelancers amongst us) walking to and from work, or going for a walk in your lunch break, is a good idea. Sometimes, it’s only the little things that help you to stay healthy, and walking for 30 minutes a day will really make a difference to how you feel. You may have to give yourself a little bit more time in the morning – and we know how painful it can be to wake up even earlier – but this is definitely worth considering if you’re not a big fan of the gym, and you want to stay healthy the easy way.

Never skip breakfast

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and going without it can make you feel sluggish and lethargic throughout the day. You always make sure that your kids are prepared for the day, so why should you miss out when it comes to getting in a yummy breakfast? Getting your energy levels up before you take on the day is really important, so if you want to make more of an effort to be fit and healthy, then try your best not to skip that bowl of porridge, and you’ll be reaping the benefits for many hours to come.

So…

If you want to stay healthy as a busy Mum, try out some of these simple tips. From being clever about your family days out, to ensuring that you always make time for breakfast, there are plenty of ways that you can fit in some little things, to make yourself feel great. Of course, you don’t have to get it right every time (hello chocolate…) but some small changes could really make a big difference to the lives of you and your kids. Good luck!