Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also be overwhelming, leaving little time and energy to focus on your own needs, especially when it comes to nourishing yourself.
The problem is that when we aren’t feeding ourselves well, it directly affects our energy levels, mood and physical health. And this can impact how we parent.
How can we feed ourselves well, when we are already maxed out and running on fumes as it is?
Maybe you’re surviving on pizza pops and pop tarts and want to make some changes but feel too overwhelmed to know where to start?
Let’s explore practical tips on how to feed yourself when you're drowning in overwhelm as a mother, so that you receive the nourishment you need to thrive.
Embrace Simple and Quick Meals: When time is scarce, simplicity is your friend. Embrace quick and easy meals that require minimal preparation. Eggs, veg and toast. Canned fish, crackers and veggies. Chicken, rice and veg.
Meal Planning and Batch Cooking: This strategy can be life savers for busy families. Prioritize a bit of time each week to plan your meals ahead of time. Use a calendar or white board to make it easy and visible. Easy batch cooking can be simple. Cook a double or triple batch of a meal and then eat it for planned leftovers later in the week or freezer for another week.
Involve Your Support System: Is all the work around food falling onto your plate? Meals for young families are a lot of work! Think about how you can reduce your workload. Talk to your partner about reevaluating how you’re sharing the workload. Get creative! Consider organizing meal swaps or cooperative cooking sessions. For example - three people make three meals and swap with each other.
Prep Ahead of Time: Right before dinner time tends to be the hardest time to cook! Hangry little ones are very demanding and distracting! Take advantage of any moments available earlier in the day to prep ingredients ahead of time. Wash and chop vegetables, defrost/marinate proteins, get out equipment you’ll need, or even cook all or part of the meal earlier in the day or the evening before if you’ve got a busy day ahead.
Seek Convenient Healthy Options: Try out some meal kits or companies that offer homemade foods for busy families. Look for things like salad kits, rotisserie chicken, prepared protein filled sandwiches, pre cut veggies and fruit in the grocery store.
Prioritize Yourself: Eat the berries. Mothers are often so focused on feeding their kids but will not hesitate to buy and feed them all the good stuff BUT will hesitate to do the same for themselves. It’s okay to eat the berries. You need them too! And not just what’s leftover off of your child’s plate. Feeding yourself well is essential in ensuring you have the energy to care for others.
As a mother, it's so common to feel overwhelmed and struggle with finding the time and energy to feed yourself properly.
However, prioritizing your own nutrition is crucial for your overall well-being and the ability to care for others.
Embrace simplicity, plan ahead, and involve your support system to lighten the load. Remember that self-care is not selfish but a necessary part of being the best mother you can be.
Which strategy will you put to use in your life?
Warmly
Amy
Your dietitian doula
P.S. - Living off of the scraps from your kids plates?
I can help. Send me a message using the contact form below and let’s get you eating better momma.
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