Should Working Moms Strive for a Healthier Lifestyle? Is it Worth it?

Should Working Moms Strive for a Healthier Lifestyle? Is it Worth it?

Should a working mom take out precious time away from her busy schedule and learn how to be a healthier mom? As a working mom myself, I say absolutely go for it.  I know our life gets a bit chaotic and, it would seem almost impossible to find the time to sit down and do this type of research. But I am here to persuade you and convince you that yes, it is all worth it. Here is a quote that I often see, “A healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.” This is the root of my reasoning on why you should lead a healthier lifestyle. Once you start making strides towards being healthier, you will see your energy levels increase.  Wait, what? More Energy? Yes, that is one of the greatest benefits you will get in return. As working moms, we are desperately needing more energy to live through our busy days. Our kids are constantly sending us through different roller coasters. In addition to our kids, our jobs are demanding and consume a lot of our energy. As moms, we are always on the go.

This brings me to my main topic. When we eat unhealthy, do not exercise and are in an unhealthy weight range, we will most likely have insufficient energy levels. We will get drained much quicker. As a result, we will not be our maximum productive self. Here are some motivational benefits in becoming a healthier mom:

• Works as an antidepressant.
• You will feel better.
• You will sleep better.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• You will have fewer body aches.
• Stronger Heart.
• Reduces allergies.
• You will be stronger.
• Adds years to your life.
• Makes you respect your body.
• You will feel more confident.
• Strengthen bones.
• Improves self-esteem.
• Both your mind and your body will function better.
• Your junk food cravings will go down.
• You will lower blood pressure.
• Reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Reduce the risk of heart disease’s.
• You will think more clearly.
• Reduce the risk of having cancer.
• You will look younger than your age.
• You will have stronger immune system.
• You will pay less for healthcare costs.
• You will feel more creative.
• You will have less menstrual issues.
• You will have a better posture. 
• You will be able to keep up with your children.
• You will prevent disease’s.

I can keep going on and on with the list. Just imagine, the quality of your life can improve. You will be more efficient and achieve much more in a day. You will have the strength to tackle daily tasks in a much calmer pace.  Your kids will also see and feel the difference in a positive way.

There are two major changes you need to make in your life. First, start making healthier food choices. Second, start exercising. These two go hand in hand. To be more energetic and healthier you need to improve in these two areas. You will need to get rid of bad food habits and find tricks and tips on how to overcome food addictions. Don’t believe in food addictions, try not drinking coffee for 1 week. I’m still battling that one.  Here are some additional reasons I found on Beyondfitmom.com on why you as a mom should start exercising:  

• Because a baby is not an excuse
• Because you want to take care for yourself
• Because you want to be a good example to your kids
• Because you want to be around to see your grandkids
• Because you hate mom jeans- and want to rock skinny jeans
• Because all moms need some “me” time
• Because it feels good
• Because it gives you energy
• Because you want exercise to become a habit
• Because you promised yourself that you would
• Because you’re tired of being tired
• Because you want to feel good in your clothes
• Because it improves mental alertness
• Because it releases endorphins (and makes you happy)
• Because it increases your mental & muscular strength
• Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
• Because you’ll regret skipping your workout later
• Because it helps you sleep better and easier
• Because it gives you a reason to be proud of yourself
• Because it helps reduce stress
• Because it increases your energy
• Because it decreases depression
• Because it improves your heart health
• Because it reduces your risk of cancer
• Because your body was made to move
• Because you want to stay healthy as you age
• Because it boosts your immune system
• Because you’re more likely to eat better when you exercise
• Because you are worth it
• Because it increases your productivity
• Because it makes you feel confident
• Because it boosts your metabolism
• Because even the busiest mom has at least 5 minutes to spare

Let’s talk more about food addictions. Food addictions is when you are addicted to junk food and have very little control over how much you eat. It is very much the same as drug addicts being addicted to drugs. Both addictions involve the same areas of the brain. The symptoms you experience are very much alike. Healthline.com posted a list of 8 symptoms of food addiction:

8 Symptoms of Food Addiction

1. You frequently get cravings for certain foods, despite feeling full and having just finished a nutritious meal.
2. When you give in and start eating a food you were craving, you often find yourself eating much more than you intended to.
3. When you eat a food you were craving, you sometimes eat to the point of feeling excessively "stuffed."
4. You often feel guilty after eating particular foods, yet find yourself eating them again soon after.
5. You sometimes make excuses in your head about why you should eat something that you are craving.
6. You have repeatedly tried to quit eating or setting rules (includes cheat meals/days) about certain foods, but been unsuccessful.
7. You often hide your consumption of unhealthy foods from others.
8. You feel unable to control your consumption of unhealthy foods, despite knowing that they are causing you physical harm (includes weight gain).

Does this sound familiar? Any apply to you? If you can relate to 4 or 5 of these then you have a food addiction. To help you get started battling this addiction, here are some tricks and tips Healthline.com provided on how to break food addictions:

Trigger Foods: Write down a list of the foods you tend to crave and/or binge on. These are the "trigger foods" you need to avoid completely.

Fast Food Places: Write down a list of fast food places that serve healthy foods. This is important and can prevent a relapse when you find yourself hungry and not in the mood to cook.

What to Eat: Think about what foods you're going to eat. Preferably healthy foods that you like and are already eating regularly.

Pros and Cons: Consider making several copies of your "pros and cons" list. Keep a copy in your kitchen, glove compartment and purse/wallet. Sometimes you will need a reminder about why you're doing this.

Pros might include: I'll lose weight, I'll live longer, I'll have more energy and feel better every day, etc.

Cons might include: I won't be able to eat ice cream with my family, no cookies on Christmas, I might have to explain my food choices...

 If you relapse, don’t give up. Seek help from professionals or support groups. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to give up, keep going it is all worth it.