Can You be a Fit Mom?

Are you a mom who stays home with your kids all day? Do you want to be fit and a mom but don't know how to fit it in or feel like you don't have the time to exercise? Well I am a mom of 2 young girls and completely understand how you feel. It can be a battle to clean the house, make meals, do laundry, run errands, and of course be with your kids 24/7. It can be hard. I would like to share some things that help me be fit for my family that hopefully can give you ideas. 

I stay home all day and maybe you're a mom who works outside the home...I am not an expert on mom's who work full time because I haven't been there and if I decide to work then it deals with fitness so it's not difficult for me to get in a workout. But maybe this can give the working moms some ideas as well. 

#1 Prioritize

Make a decision to make fitness and eating healthy a lifestyle for not just you but your whole family. If you have a relationship with Jesus then give Him this area of your life and ask Him to help you make it a priority for you and your family. He will help you find opportunities to fit exercise and the will to choose healthy foods. 

#2 Have Fun

Exercise can be FUN. I know some of you think I'm crazy but working out is not confined to a gym or track. Most people I talk to are either going to get a gym membership or start "couch to 5k." That's great if it works for you but guess what? NEITHER of those work for me. I ran once this year for the first time in about 3 years and hated it after 10 minutes. If exercise was just running for me then I probably wouldn't do it. If you're the same then find what works for you. Experiment. You have your whole life to figure things out and try new stuff!! 

Get a pedometer or a calorie tracker that you wear (if it motivates you) and just go outside and play with your kids for goodness sake! What do most of our kids want us to do? Play with them. So chase them around the house and run up and down the stairs. With summer here I have been putting on my swim suit and running through the yard with the sprinkler on, jumping in the kiddie swimming pool, chasing Abby, swinging on the swing set, going down the slide, etc. Playing with your kids can burn calories if you decide to get off your booty and play with them instead of sitting in your chair watching them. Plus those are the memories they will keep forever...and I imagine you will too. 

#3 Eat Smart

We all know what we should be eating. Can we just agree that we all know?? Vegetables, fruits, meats, and staying away from processed food and sodas. Get a Pinterest account and pin away healthy recipes...but actually try them. Don't make it too complicated though. If you shop somewhere like Super Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or a local organic store then it's pretty easy to pick out fresh snacks. Raw vegetables with hummus dip, fresh salsa, or guacamole are great snacks. The more simple you make it then the better. I find that my most healthy meals are quick and easy. Grilled chicken marinated something flavorful with steamed broccoli and sweet potato fries....umm we are talking 3 ingredients (besides the simple marinade) full of vitamins, minerals, and energy. 

#4 Your Time

If you are like me and enjoy exercising alone or with friends then make time. Have a friend come over with her kids and watch all the kids while you do a workout and then return the favor. Maybe get up earlier than your kids in the morning, or after they go to bed at night. Or maybe after dinner have your husband spend "daddy time" with them while you hit the gym, run with a friend, try a new class, or put in a workout dvd in another room...with the door locked! Maybe you have the money to pay someone to come watch your kids regularly to workout and shower. Whatever you decide, get your time in. 

#5 Family 

Make a healthy lifestyle fun for your family. You don't have to declare that you want the family to be healthy (I do sometimes but that's me. ha). For some families that will bring negative attitudes on. Find activities that require movement and not just sitting in front of the tv. Bike ride together, go on walks, hike, swim, play volleyball at a park, kayak, ski, etc. All of those will create fun memories and you don't even have to think about the potential workout you're getting. We were made to move, so enjoy doing it! 

These are things I incorporate into my life. If you feel just worn out and like you're too tired then it's time to make the commitment because the more active you get, the more energy you will have...and that's a fact. You can DO THIS :)