By: Lauren Minkoff
Being a mom is a full-time job, and adding in a career can be daunting. You juggle so many responsibilities that it’s no wonder you often forget about yourself.
That's where time management comes in. By being efficient with your schedule, you can hit your weight loss goals without giving up your favorite foods or activities.
When I first started my fitness journey in high school, I didn’t have a whole lot of responsibilities. I had all the time in the world to spend hours working out at the gym, making hot dinners for myself every night, and having plenty of time to sleep.
But now, as I help my finance run our online transformational fitness business, my time has become SOOO much tighter. Between taking care of my highly active pups, cooking, cleaning, and working constantly on the biz- I went through a period where I struggled to eat healthy and move my body.
It started impacting my mental health. I felt depressed and anxious all the time. I actually lost weight because I was losing muscle and felt like I looked “skinny-fat”.
I realized after a year that I could either let my schedule run me (into the damn ground) or start prioritizing my schedule so that I was actually on it.
Time management became the most important thing for me to focus on. Over a 6-month period, I looked at my schedule and relentlessly worked on my time management habits so that I could essentially get it all done and feel like a rockstar at the end of the day instead of like a strung-out zombie.
When it came to mastering time management, I failed A LOT. But that also meant I tried a lot of new things and learned so much along the way.
Here are my top 5 time-management tips for busy moms (and career women) who want to lose weight without sacrificing their the things that they love most:
- Plan, Plan, Plan
The key to any successful time-management routine is planning. Start by writing out a weekly schedule of your work hours, family time, and exercise time. By knowing what the week looks like, you can plan all of your meals and workout times for maximum efficiency. This is the first step when working with women who are doing it all because once you see where all your time is really going, you can find pockets for your own self care.
- Meal Prep Is Your Bestie
Meal prepping can seem daunting, but it will save you hours of time throughout the week. Spend an hour or two on Sundays cooking and packing your meals for the week. OR if you prefer to mix and match your meals, batch prep some proteins (our go-to’s are ground chicken, pre-made tenders, and ground beef) along with some carbs (rice and potatoes are our favs) so that you can have some variety during the week while still hitting your goals. You'll be grateful during the busy workweek that you don't have to waste time making lunches and dinners every day.
- Workouts Don't Have to Be Long
Time is of the essence when it comes to being a busy mom. But you don't have to spend hours at the gym to see results. Short workouts are just as effective. Look to do resistance-based strength training 3-4 times a week that can be done in just 30 minutes. It’ll speed up your metabolism and give you the toned body you’re looking for without feeling as though you’re living in the gym or missing out on precious time with your family.
- Indulge in Moderation
If you love wine or other adult bevs, pizza, or ice cream, don't give them up entirely. Instead, indulge in moderation. Enjoy a glass of wine a few nights a week, but stick to one or two. Have a slice of pizza or a bowl of ice cream, but keep it to once or twice a month. Do your best to incorporate whole foods as much as possible but always know that a “diet” that forces you to give up your favorite foods is not a plan that you can stick to forever. Remember, everything in moderation.
- Get the Family Involved
Getting your family involved in your weight loss journey not only helps you bond, but it also saves you time. Cook meals together, go for walks or bike rides together, and plan active family outings. Instead of feeling like you're taking away time from your family for your weight loss journey, make it a group effort. It also teaches your little ones healthy habits that they will grow up to continue!
Time management can be the difference between achieving your weight loss goals and falling short.
By planning your week, meal prepping, keeping workouts short but effective, indulging in moderation, and getting your family involved, you'll be able to hit your weight loss goals without sacrificing your favorite indulgences or quality family time.
As a busy mom, it's crucial to make the most of your time, and these tips can help you do just that.
Remember, you have the power to reach your goals, so stay focused and keep pushing forward!!!
If you’re interested in learning more about our Signature Metabolism & Mindset Reboot System that can help you finally lose 20+ pounds without giving up the things in life that you love most, >>>CLICK HERE<<< to see if our MMR System is right for you!!