I surveyed some of the busiest Super Moms I know and asked for them to share some of the simple things that they do to keep their family healthy. Here is what they had to say:
1. Put together a weekly meal plan.
I try to carve out 10 minutes on a Sunday to put together a rough meal plan for the week. This makes my life so much saner and puts healthy meals on the table for the family. Allison Gibson, IT Executive
2. Get the kids to make their own lunches.
From a young age, I have been getting the kids to make their own lunches. I give them a basic guideline to follow (one vegetable, one fruit, one protein, etc.), and this way they learn how to create a balanced meal as well as make their own healthy choices. And when they pack it themselves they tend to eat it too, which means less waste! Sue Bader, Dentist
3. Love your kids unconditionally.
I hug my daughter (she rarely hugs me back~ ha ha!) and tell her I love her everyday. Teenagers need to hear this and need emotional contact with their parents (even if they don’t think so). Maryanne Castle, Executive
4. Connect to your true self.
Take time often to connect to the sanest place in you, the one that is beyond trying to be super or anything else for that matter. Get quiet, find out who you really are, and live that. There is no better tool for filling your days with meaningful simplicity and deep connection. Caroline Marie Dupont, Holistic Nutritionist and Spiritual Advisor
5. Make sure your cup is full.
The number one thing that I have learned is that I must put myself on the list of “priority projects”. Ultimately, if we do not take care of ourselves, it is next to impossible to support the wellness of those around us. Sue-Anne Vincze, Teacher
6. Connect through family meals.
I ensure that we have at least one meal together as a family. I believe this has been somewhat lost in the day-to-day busyness of families today. We laugh, we catch up, we have serious discussions, we have carefree discussions, we make decisions together. We spend time sharing a meal and enjoying each other. It is the way we connect each and everyday as a family. Marie Wright, Registered Nurse
7. Take time for yourself to get fit or stay fit.
One of the best things you can do for your family and your sanity is to keep yourself fit. Keep active and find a group of people to do it with. It is much more fun and so much easier than doing it by yourself. Everyone benefits when you have energy and are feeling good about yourself. Katy Bartlett, Stay-at-home Mom
8. Ditch the sugar.
Challenge your family to 3 months without sugar. Instead use fruit, honey or maple syrup to sweeten your favourite dishes. You’ll be amazed at what you and the kids find sweet tasting and what the kids will enjoy eating once their sugar-loving taste buds have simmered down! Leisha Ostrowski, MD
9. Add variety and don’t give up.
Keep introducing vegetables in different ways. Your family may surprise you and like something you would never imagine. Brussels sprouts are a favourite in our house! Lisa Okazawa, Teacher
10. Feed the kids early.
My advice would be to feed the kids as soon as they get home from school. I have dinner ready for my two active kids as soon as they walk home or get off the bus. Eating a substantial meal after school prepares them for whatever activity they have going on in the evening and avoids needless snacking. Lynn Howard, Professional Clown
11. Ask for help.
Get the rest of the family to help out with laundry and other tasks around the house. I now make my 6 and 9 year old put away their own laundry, and make my husband do his own! This gives me more time to prep healthy meals and energy to deal with all of the other details! Andrea Gregory, Bookeeper
12. Sleep!
Even though there are a million things to do, I make sure I get to bed by 10pm. My kids are up by 6am! If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Susan Baker, Holistic Nutritionist
13. Play together.
Find a family physical activity that you can all do together. Joining a ski club was the best thing we ever did. The kids love it and it gives us tons of outdoor family time together. Michelle Biase, IT Executive
14. Just eat real food!
I decided many years ago to always cook and bake from scratch, using fresh, organic ingredients. I feel I gave my kids the best start by making my own baby food. In the summer, I plant my own vegetable and herb garden so we can enjoy food right from our own backyard. The kids know and feel the difference! Sue Bogner, Stay-at-home Mom