(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Medical experts cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining an optimal weight. Unfortunately, way too mothers are struggling with obesity because they have limited time to spare for exercise. And, this is not to mention how difficult it is for mothers to prepare meals for their young children. This leaves very little time and patience for preparing special meals for yourself. With the tips listed below, you will be able to reach and maintain optimal healthy weight.
Do Housework
It is a fact that hardly anyone likes housework. Well, if you are a young mother on a strict schedule, you could benefit greatly from performing household chores. Mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry, and dusting are household chores that will help you burn calories. Now, this is not to say that performing these duties daily is necessary. In fact, you can split them up and do some of them on specific days of the week. For example, on Monday, you can dust your décor, furniture, and other accessories all throughout your home. On Tuesday, you can sweep, mop, and vacuum your entire house.
Performing household chores daily will help you maintain a healthy weight. So, if you do not have enough time to go outside and walk around the block, you can do chores inside of your home instead.
Plan Healthy Meals
If your children are old enough to eat adult food, you are in luck. You can plan one meal for your entire family, one that consists of vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in protein, nutrients, and vitamins. It is much easier for mothers to prepare one meal than multiple dishes for her family. The easiest way to do this is to sit down and prepare a 7-day meal plan. Include foods that are healthy but enjoyed by everyone in the family. Eating healthy will ensure your partner and kids maintain healthy weights as well as you.
Avoid Takeout
To maintain a healthy weight, you will need to eat foods that are rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. No matter how overwhelmed you get, it will be in your and your family’s best interest to avoid takeout. If you do treat yourself to takeout, you should choose a restaurant that offers low-calorie, low-fat dishes. This will ensure you do not fall off the bandwagon, resulting in weight gain.
Take Time For Yourself
Raising children is time-consuming and challenging. This is especially true for single mothers. Some mothers, even though they have a partner, are sometimes left with all of the responsibilities. When the father is out of the home the biggest portion of the day, mothers are left alone to take care of their children, clean house and prepare meals.
If possible, you should try to save a little time for yourself. In most cases, mothers are given a little me-time once their children retire for the night. This is the ideal time to enjoy a healthy snack, such as low-fat yogurt, peanut butter celery sticks, and cottage cheese and peaches.
During me-time, you can watch a romantic movie, listen to music, or play online pokies. Even if you only have an hour to spare for this purpose, it will rejuvenate your mind and body. So, you are fully prepared to face the challenges of the following day.
Home Gym
Most mothers do not have time or the energy to visit a gym. Instead of going to a commercial gym, you can create a small workout room in your home. You do not need to invest in expensive exercise equipment to maintain optimal weight. You just need a kettle ball, gym mat, and exercise ball. These items will help you stay active and healthy.
Enjoy Play Time
Most moms enjoy playing with their children, especially when they are old enough to walk. As soon as your child is old enough to be physically active, you can teach him or her how to play kickball, swing, ride a bike, and jump rope. There are so many activities that you and your children can share together. By joining in on these activities, you will be able to burn calories and stay fit. Only 15 minutes of exercise will go a long way in making you and your children feel healthy and energized.