A frequent topic of conversation in the Bb office is how to get/stay fit and healthy with limited time. Let’s face it, you look after you’re little one, you look after your partner but how about YOU? We asked Nutrition Fitness and Lifestyle Writer, Lucy Miller to put together five healthy habits that will help you feel better, look better and more importantly function better! We’d love to hear your top tips too, so leave us a comment letting us know what you do to take care of your own nutrition and fitness needs.
All about Lucy…
A level 3 Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and former National Gymnast, Lucy is a Freelance Fitness Editor for the likes of Health & Fitness Magazine, Glamour, BodyFit, Weight Watchers and Waitrose Magazine. She is also an expert in Pre and Post Natal fitness and had her first child in January, so is making sure practises what she preaches and keeping her mind and body in the best shape possible whilst looking after her new bundle of joy.
1) Always have breakfast
It’s easy to get up, feed the baby, do some chores and then have cuddles on the sofa before putting them down for a sleep, by which time it’s mid-morning and you haven’t had a bite to eat, let alone a drink! Start the day with a hot water with a slice of lemon to help boost your metabolism and then grab something to eat – preferably something protein based, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Boil some eggs the night before and then have them with a slice of toast or chop some fruit and have it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. You’re energy levels will thank you for it – and so will your waistline. Breakfast is scientifically proven to help you lose weight – especially if its eggs.
2) Go for a walk
Do you find that some days you haven’t even left the house? Well time to change, as fresh air, sunlight, and nature are believed to be critical mood enhancers for women. Wrap yourself up, snuggle your baby up in their pram and get outside for a walk. You can listen to an audio book or music as you walk or simply enjoy the peace and quite and let your mind switch off as you release some endorphins, which make you feel happier and less stressed.
3) Drink more water
You’ve heard it before, but water is so important! Loading up on H20 will give you energy, help fight the baby weight and also help with breastfeeding too. So fill up that water bottle first thing, and don’t let it leave your side. You take food and drink out for your baby, so why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself? Some early signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, dark urine, constipation, dizziness, headaches, and muscle weakness.
4) Plan your meals
Planning your meals will stop you from one being hungry and from two, ordering that emergency take away when your partner comes in from work. Keep your meals simple, yet healthy, with the fewest ingredients as possible, and make a list for the week, list your upcoming dinners on a whiteboard, so you know exactly what you are having and what you need. I find doing this on a Sunday night and then spending an hour chopping and making salads and soups saves you so much more time when it comes to cooking in the week – it will keep your diet in check too.
5) Learn to say no!
In between shopping trips and mother and baby groups, have you scheduled in any rest and recovery? Before saying yes to another activity or coffee morning, ask, “Can I do this?” and “Do I want to?” If the answer isn’t yes, then listen to your body and take some you time. Parenting is physically and emotionally demanding, and you need all the help and rest you can get. Ask others to pick help by making lists of tasks and chores, then split them with your partner. There’s nothing – besides breastfeeding – that he can’t do – and besides you aren’t Super women, despite what others might think.
Do you agree with these? Anything to add? Contact us on Twitter to let us know what you think.
You can read more from Lucy by keeping up to date with her blog: www.fitnessandthebump.com
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