Being a mum is amazing and one of the most rewarding jobs…but it’s also one of the most challenging and demanding things you’ll ever do!
Mums often put everybody else’s needs before their own and unfortunately self-care can become a very low priority. But it actually is important for you to look after yourself for the benefit of your family, as self-care is what keeps you going. This is your little reminder that it’s not selfish to do something purely for yourself.
It’s OK to take time out for yourself and do something that benefits you. It’s also OK to ask for help. You don’t have to figure everything out or do everything on your own. If you’ve decided you need some help with feeling a little healthier and are starting your Jenny Craig journey here are my tips, as a Dietitian and a mum to two gorgeous boys:
Enjoy family meals together
- Don’t separate yourself from the rest of your family.
- Cook the same veggies that you’ll be having with your Jenny meal and serve them at the table for everyone to help themselves.
- Try basing your family’s dinner on what you’re having, e.g. if it’s Beef Lasagne on your menu, the family can also have lasagne.
Use time wisely
- Having your family’s meals planned out for the week saves you a lot of time and makes shopping easier as well.
- If you haven’t discovered it, try online grocery shopping to save you time.
- Make use of convenient items such as frozen veggies and pre-prepared salads.
- See our blog post on shopping tips for more ideas to save you time on shopping.
- Spend some time on a Sunday (or any day that suits) cutting up your veggies for the week. It’s a small thing that saves you time at the end of the day when you’re preparing dinner.
Be creative with activity
It can be hard to find the time to fit in activity, but it’s important to include for your general health as well as your mental health and wellbeing.
- Involve the kids by having active play with them.
- Break up your activity into 3 x 10min slots that you can fit in around your schedule.
- Find an activity that can double as ‘me time’.
See your consultant each week
Like I said before, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own and your Consultant is there to help you out. If there’s something you’re struggling with, they’ll have strategies and tips to help. It’s also some time out where you get to reflect and focus on yourself for at least 20 minutes a week!
Practice positive self-talk
This is so important for your kids to see and hear as well. They learn so much from you, including how to talk to themselves, so lead by example.
- Start a habit of stopping negative thoughts and comments in their tracks and saying at least one kind thing to yourself each day.
- Try not to talk negatively about the way you look, your size or your weight – it doesn’t make you the person you are and your kids love you regardless of these things.
- Celebrate and acknowledge all of your successes that aren’t related to your weight. Write them down and remind yourself of them often.
- Don’t compare yourself to other mums, we are all going through our own journeys.
Most importantly, always remember to be kind to yourself, you’re doing the best you can. You’ve got this!
