When you live your life within reaching distance of Dino Nuggets and Sunny D it’s hard to eat healthy; when the soundtrack to your day is Cocomelon and Baby Shark, it’s hard to motivate yourself to exercise; and when your to-do list drags on like an angry text from my ex, it’s hard to find time for fitness. Being a parent is a unique obstacle in people’s weight loss journey. But it’s one Mind Pump has thought about at great lengths. Within this blog, we’ll give you the blueprint to burn fat as a busy mom.
Dietary Considerations:
When you’re juggling the demands of parenting, counting calories might not be realistic, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead, focus on this one basic dietary principle: eat whole foods.
More specifically, aim to include plenty of protein and fiber-rich foods, as they help keep you feeling full longer, which can aid in managing hunger and reducing the temptation to snack on less healthy options.
Having “go-to” meals and snacks that are both convenient and nutritious can make a big difference. Prepare easy, healthy options that you can quickly grab when you’re short on time. The key is to stay prepared; most slip-ups occur when we’re caught off guard by hunger or a lack of options. By always having a healthy meal or snack on hand, you can maintain better control over your eating habits, even on the busiest days.
Short Sessions from Home:
For busy moms, finding time for a lengthy workout can be challenging. Instead, break your exercise into short, manageable sessions throughout the day. Just ten minutes here and there can add up, offering a significant amount of exercise without the need for a long, uninterrupted block of time. This approach allows you to stay active even with a hectic schedule.
Opt for equipment-free exercises or use minimal equipment such as resistance bands and dumbbells. These exercises can be performed at home or even at the park while keeping an eye on your kids. Simple moves like squats, lunges, and push-ups can be highly effective and require little to no gear.
Consistency Over Perfection:
Tailor your workout routines to fit the ebb and flow of your busy life. Have a plan that can roll with the punches. If you have a large block of free time today but not a moment to breathe the next two, take advantage of it and cram in extra volume! This flexibility helps you stay on track regardless of how unpredictable your daily schedule might be.
It’s important to accept that some days might only allow for a quick 15-minute workout due to unexpected events. Make the most of these shorter windows by focusing on compound movements that deliver results in the least amount of time.
Strength Training and Metabolism:
Incorporating strength training into your routine is crucial for increasing your metabolism and supporting long-term fat loss. Unlike lengthy cardio sessions, strength training requires less daily time and is highly effective at building muscle, which in turn boosts your metabolism.
Resistance training not only helps with calorie burning during the workout but also continues to burn calories throughout the day. This extended calorie burn makes strength training a valuable tool for busy moms looking to maximize their fat loss efforts.
Stress Management:
Regular exercise can significantly enhance your ability to handle stress, a common challenge for parents. When we lower stress, we sleep better, train harder, and have better hormone profiles – all of which promote fat loss.
Practical Advice:
Consider workout programs specifically designed for busy schedules, such as “MAPS Anywhere.” These programs are tailored to fit into a tight schedule and require minimal equipment. Additionally, they offer flexibility in intensity and duration, adapting to your daily needs.
It’s not often I feel comfortable giving a mom advice seeing that I am a childless man who couldn’t be trusted to babysit a potato. But I do feel comfortable giving them fat loss advice. It’s something I’ve had firsthand experience teaching with countless clients. Hopefully this blog can give you the blueprint to reach your fitness goals, no matter how busy your schedule gets.