Healthy eating was never an easy task – but it can be simple if you want it hard enough.

In today’s fast paced world, the convenience of unhealthy food has created a massive inconvenience to our wellbeing.

Often, our needs take a backseat, and we resort to opening the fridge and eating whatever is available.  Bread is a staple we all keep at home, and the easiest snack of all is often bread filled with whatever we can get our hands on.

It is possible to eat healthily as a mum.  Even if you are a mum to a newborn, you can still make healthier choices, and with reasonable effort.

Here I have laid out my top 10 tips on how to master healthy eating as a mum.

  1. Stock the good stuff

    Only buy wholesome, healthy food from today onwards.  There are plenty of delicious healthy options to get your hands on.  Out of sight, out of mind!

  2. Get a slow cooker

    You did know I would suggest this, right?
    Not only should you get a slow cooker, but you should get a large one.  Take advantage of the fact that foods cook beautifully in this mean little gadget, with minimal preparation!  So, cook in bulk.  Why cook for one dinner when you can cook for three?

  3. Use your freezer

    This point goes hand in hand with point number 2.  Batch cook, then freeze.  Busy mamas don’t have the luxury to cook every single day!

  4. Prepare lunches

    Always.  Even if you are a stay-at-home mum.  You could work from home, and this still applies.
    Having lunch prepared and boxed will help you stick to your healthy meal plan for the day.  Not to mention helping you stay productive!
    Preparing lunches needn’t be a drag.  Of course I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve! 😉

  5. Have a snack list

    List all of the easy snacks you enjoy.  Not only will you find this handy for inspiration when cravings kick in, but this will ensure you are stocked with all that you need to be able to snack healthily.

  6. Prep some more

    When you’re cooking, take things a step further and prep a little more.  Let’s say, for example, you’re washing and peeling carrots.
    Prepare a few carrot sticks for snacking and store them away in the fridge.  Using tomatoes for a salad?  Chop some extra, add some olive oil, garlic, parsley and salt and pepper, and you have a great addition to add to your avocado snack.

  7. Get inspired

    Keep an eye out for healthy eating ideas.  Jot down snacks in your snack list, and save the recipes you want to try.

  8. Have a healthy replacement list

    Don’t we all crave a little something sweet, or carbs from time to time?  Make that day to day ?
    Here are a few ideas:
    Chocolate – opt for dark chocolate, or if you’re not a fan (like me!) – go for nuts covered in chocolate (better taste, more nutritional value!)
    Bread – wholegrain is best!
    Cheesecake – slather crackerbread with ricotta, some jam (ideally low in sugar content), and a few chopped hazelnuts.  This is heaven.  I kid you not.
    Pastizzi – wait for it…!  Take 2 slices of wholegrain bread, spread a generous layer of ricotta, and pop into your closed toaster.  Close enough!
    Pizza –  have you ever tried a wrap pizza?  It’s easy to put together.  Just take a tortilla wrap, rub half a garlic clove (hello flavour!) across it, and place into a pre-heated oven for about 5 minutes.  Top with the remaining ingredients, and back they go into the oven for a few more minutes.  Avoid any overly-soggy ingredients.  Perfect, guilt-free pizza everytime!

  9. Don’t stray during the week

    If you stick to this rule you’re sure to stay on track.  ‘Just one little chocolate’ once in a while can easily evolve into 4 bars a week if you’re not careful.  Knowing a mid-week treat is a no-no will help you to actually say no 5 times out of 7.

  10. It’s all about balance

    C’est la vie! If you say yes today, say no tomorrow!  Don’t kid yourself into cheating –  the only person you will be cheating is none other than yourself!

That’s your short but sweet, simple yet effective list of strategies for you to master being a mum and eating healthily.  Doesn’t it all sound pretty straightforward?  Yes, you can do it mama!

Love,

Nakita xxx

Disclaimer:  This blog post is based on my personal experience of healthy eating.  It should not substitute medical advice.  Please always consult with your doctor or a trained professional before beginning making any changes in your diet, and never rely on information found on any website, including this, which is not run by a medical professional.