Moms and Health

SuperMoms, Are You Taking Care Of Yourselves?
Busy SuperMoms Reflect

Moms are Supermoms! They get everything done, for everyone, sooner
or later, and still make time for more things to get done. They take care
of kids, feed the family, cook, clean, run errands, drive everywhere to
drop off and pick up, pay the bills, work, advance in their careers, plan
events, give therapy, love, love and love, give lots of hugs, give
encouragement, fix things, make things, think, think, think of solutions,
and think quick to fix last minute changes in plans, and smile through just
about everything even when things are really tough. That of course is just
a few of things that the SuperMom does. We know the list is endless.
Given all the daily tasks, some that are mundane and monotonous,
Moms often forget or forego something that is most valuable--time for
herself and her health. With the daily responsibilities and demands of
life, Moms just don't get the time or motivation to make health and "me
time" a priority as often as they would like.

Healthfulfilling.com wanted to ask Moms about how they handle a busy
life and find time for healthy habits. Read the enlightening stories of
three North Texas SuperMoms; Nicole, Jill and Juli, who share their
insights about how they juggle busy lifestyles, family, work, and how they
try to fit in time for their health and wellbeing.

Nicole

Number of Children/Age Range: 6 kids, ages 1yr to 16yrs

Occupation/Profession: At home mom

Do you currently try to involve healthy habits into your busy life?
If so, please list the types of healthy habits (healthy eating,
exercise, stress management, "me time," etc.)

With such a busy schedule having 6 children sometimes it is
hard to incorporate all aspects of these healthy habits into our
lives. Of the listed healthy habits, healthy eating is probably the
one that gets the most attention in our household and it took time
to get back on track with that after our 6th child was born. We fell
into the bad habits of eating out dinner for convenience and for
time management with such a hectic schedule.

I am still guilty of eating out for lunch mostly as a comfort thing.
But I have always packed my kids lunches daily in place of
school lunches so they would be eating healthy. It really isn't too
difficult to do. A variety of fresh fruits daily, whole grain
sandwiches with lunch meats that are natural and nitrate free,
organic peanut butter and jellies without all the added sugar.

Things like low-fat cottage cheese, low fat cheeses, hard boiled
eggs, peanuts, organic low sugar energy bars are all simple to do
and healthy too!
We tend to stay away from foods that are processed and full of
sugar. Even yogurts are hard to find without so much added
sugar and we do not do artificial sweeteners, so buying plain
yogurt and adding fruit works too. We even pop our own
popcorn in olive oil with light salt and it is so much better than
microwave popcorn.

We grill a lot and eat meats that are lean like chicken, tenderloins
and fish along with fresh salads and vegetables, too. We eat
whole grain pastas, rice and breads that are not enriched. Even
rolled oats instead of instant because they haven't been stripped
of their nutrients. We even add flax seed to oatmeal or cereal. We
have added fish oil supplements with the omegas 3s and a
natural multivitamin with trace minerals for the kids.

We do enjoy things like sodas, ice cream and eating out but our
main goal is eating healthy as a family. Eating out can also be
healthy if you know how to do it.

Exercise is on hold for me as I just don't have enough time with
the children to do it. I plan on getting to that point as I used to
run and play indoor soccer and miss doing those things.

Me time happens when time allows. Right now during the day
"me time" consists of reading in the car pool line while the little
ones sleep or engage in reading themselves. I know that sounds
funny but you do what can and get what you can when you can!
You have to be creative sometimes. My husband is also great
and will allow me time when I need it and take care of the kids. He
is an equal help with the kids so it makes a world of difference!

Do your family members also practice healthy habits?

The kids are pretty good about following good eating habits.
They are picky about certain vegetables but there is such a
variety that they will get the benefits from the ones they do enjoy.
When it comes to exercise the kids get more of that than we do.
They are involved in sports and of course P.E. or athletics at
school. My husband gets to work out at work a few times a week
when time allows.

How important is health to you on a scale of 1-10? (10 being most
important) For you? 10

Your family? maybe an 8.

When did you start healthy habits into your lifestyle?

Probably as a young adult when I became more aware of things. I
was active in running and soccer but those are on the back
burner as of now! As a child I ate healthy but it wasn't until after
college and getting married that we could afford to really eat
healthy. I believe processed foods are cheaper than buying fresh
fruits and veggies, and lean meats and fish so it became easier to
eat this way. As we got older and could afford to eat healthier.

What made you start living a healthy lifestyle?

Eating healthy became a bigger issue once we had children and
saw the effects that some of the additives, chemicals, and
artificial things could have on their behaviors. We stay away
from things like red dye #40 and artificial sweeteners. I know it is
hard to avoid everything but the simpler you make things the
less "garbage" you put into your body.

Do you see your healthy habits translate to your children and
family?

At times, they know we don't buy certain foods and I explain why
we don't eat all those processed foods that are mostly artificial
this and that. At times I do buy things that are not "healthy" like
cookies or whatever the kids will eat it up quickly. But, overall I
think the kids know we mostly eat a certain way and hopefully as
they grow into young adults they will translate that into their lives.

We all have our days when things aren't going great, so how do
you motivate yourself to keep up healthy habits?

Right now, with such a busy life and family I find it harder at times
to keep up healthy habits constantly for myself.

Amongst the chaos and busiest time of the day, how do you
manage to put a healthy meal on the table (with a "thumbs up"
for taste)?

Simple is always easiest. Since we grill a lot it is easy to grill up
some chicken breasts or lean cuts of meat like tenderloin and
fish. Add a salad and a vegetable and we are good to go. Also,
things like whole grain/wheat pastas and sauces that are healthy
and low in fat and sugar are very easy, quick and healthy.

Many of us try to keep healthy but it just doesn't happen
consistently. If you are not able to practice getting healthy habits
into your life, what are things that are not making it possible?

Just being so busy keeps me from being as consistent as I
would like. If I plan my meals out weekly it is much easier to
achieve consistency.

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Jill

Number of Children/Age Range: 2, ages 3 to 9

Occupation/Profession:Homemaker

Do you currently try to involve healthy habits into your busy life?
If so, please list the types of healthy habits (healthy eating,
exercise, stress management, "me time," etc.)

I try to exercise 2-3 times a week. I walk with a neighbor; walking
with someone keeps me motivated because I do not want to let
her down and cancel on her. We walk in our neighborhood for
about 45-60 minutes.
I eat 3 meals a day and nothing past 7pm. I make sure to include
fruits and veggies. I do this because I want my children to see me
eating healthy so they can make healthy habits later in life. My
children always have fruit/veggies at lunch and dinner. We really
limit the sugar and "junk food" intake our children have. We feel
that there are plenty of healthy alternatives and then if you are
still hungry (1) sweet item after is OK.
We encourage our children to get out and play. We cannot sit still
inside on a pretty day!
I think a great way for following healthy eating habits is to limit
fast food. As a family we hardly eat out. I discourage happy meals
because I do not serve fries to my children!

Do your family members also practice healthy habits?

Yes

How important is health to you on a scale of 1-10? (10 being most
important) For you? 9

Your family? 7

When did you start healthy habits into your lifestyle?

After my 1st child.

What made you start living a healthy lifestyle?

When I was pregnant with my first child I gained 65 lbs. I carried
50 lbs with me for 2 years. I did not like the way I felt and looked. I
decided to change my lifestyle and have never turned back; that
was 9 years ago and another baby since.

Do you see your healthy habits translate to your children and
family?

Yes.

We all have our days when things aren't going great, how do you
motivate yourself to keep up healthy habits?

It is very hard!!!! My husband helps. But I admit I "cheat" and
splurge on indulgence to make the day better. Going to bed
earlier and not watching telelvision helps. This way I am not
tempted by food that is everywhere. I will also clean a lot.
Cleaning is very relaxing to me and helps get frustrations out.

Amongst the chaos and busiest time of the day, how do you
manage to put a healthy meal on the table (with a "thumbs up"
for taste)?

At times I will make 2 meals because not everyone likes what I
cook. I do a lot of crockpot meals and grill. We also at times make
"skillet meals" that are frozen and add extra frozen veggies.

Many of us try to keep healthy but it just doesn't happen
consistently. If you are not able to practice getting healthy habits
into your life, what are things that are not making it possible?

My family and I get off track of healthy habits when "life" gets in
the way. For example, sport events every evening. If we fall off
schedule or I fall off the routine of exercise I get back on as soon
as I can. Do not let a little blip on the road stop you and keep you
off track forever. I try to keep skillet meals on hand for these busy
nights. I can still cook a healthy meal, we are not eating out and
getting the vegetables.

***********************************************************************************

Juli

Number of Children/Age range: 2 eight year-old girls

Occupation/Profession = Certified Life Coach and Online Marketer

Do you currently try to involve healthy habits into your busy life?
If so, please list the types of healthy habits (healthy eating,
exercise, stress management, "me time," etc.)

Actually, I must admit that I struggle with this. Currently, I
generally watch my family's intake of fats and carbs, trying to
regulate or balance their diet. But, it is difficult!

Do your family members also practice healthy habits?

They would if I could find ways to be more health-conscious and
find an easy way to include more healthy habits in our daily
routine.

How important is health to you on a scale of 1-10? (10 being most
important) For you? 10

Your family? 10

When did you start healthy habits into your lifestyle?

Years ago, I was very involved in good nutrition and exercise
habits. But, I have to admit my life was much easier then. I didn't
have as many of life's responsibilities as I do now.

What made you start living a healthy lifestyle?

When I was in my 20's, I was a Shaklee Distributor.

Do you see your healthy habits translate to your children and
family?

I do see one of my children being very calorie-conscious, but I
would like better health habits so that I could be a better model
for them.

We all have our days when things aren't going great, how do you
motivate yourself to keep up healthy habits?

I don't.

Many of us try to keep healthy but it just doesn't happen
consistently. If you are not able to practice getting healthy habits
into your life, what are things that are not making it possible?

Too many things to do every day!

If you want to start maintaining a healthy lifestyle, what are a few
things you think can make it start happening?

Changing habits in a way that fits into a busy schedule.

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Updated 6/2010