top of page

How to Fit in Exercise and Eating Healthily as a Busy Mum: You’ve Got This!

Laura Meek

Being a mum is an incredible experience, but let’s face it—it's exhausting, overwhelming, and often leaves little time for anything else. Between school runs, laundry piles, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Exercise and healthy eating often fall to the bottom of the priority list, and before you know it, weeks or even months go by without doing anything for your own well-being. But here’s the good news: you can fit in exercise and make healthier food choices, even on your busiest days. It all comes down to planning, flexibility, and a little bit of grace with yourself.


My Own Journey: Finding the Motivation


Like many other mums, I’ve had my battles with dieting, body image, and self-confidence. Pregnancy brought its own set of challenges—I gained weight, and my body changed in ways I hadn’t anticipated. But it was during this time that I began to truly appreciate how important it was to look after my body, not just for me, but for my family too. After giving birth to our little one, I knew I needed to invest in my health—not just to lose the baby weight, but to feel strong, confident, and energized again.


I started working with a Personal Trainer, and within just six weeks, I saw significant results. By the end of my program, I had lost almost 3 stone of pregnancy (and pre-pregnancy) weight. Along the way, I tried resistance training for the very first time—and that’s when I fell in love with fitness!


Now, I’m passionate about helping other busy mums on their journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle. And I’m here to tell you—it’s possible, even when your schedule feels impossible.


Overcoming Time Constraints: Make It Work for You


Let’s face it: time is the biggest challenge for every mum. Between work, school runs, and everything in between, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. But even with a packed schedule, there are ways to make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Here are some time-saving strategies:


1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Meal prep isn’t just for fitness enthusiasts; it’s a game-changer for busy mums. Taking 1–2 hours at the beginning of the week to prep simple, healthy meals can save you so much time during the week. Think batch cooking grains, chopping veggies, and portioning out snacks. Having healthy options ready to grab and go makes it much easier to avoid the temptation of unhealthy takeout or convenience foods.


2. Sneak in Exercise Where You Can

Exercise doesn’t always have to be a full 60-minute gym session. Start with quick, 10–15 minute workouts that you can do at home. You can even make it a fun family activity—take the kids for a walk, do a short yoga session together, or have a mini dance party in the living room. Every little bit adds up, and before you know it, you’ll have developed a habit of moving your body daily.


3. Prioritise Sleep

I know this one is easier said than done, but getting enough rest is essential for your health, energy, and mood. It can be tempting to stay up late catching up on housework or scrolling through social media, but getting 7–8 hours of sleep will make a huge difference in how you feel during the day. When you’re well-rested, you’ll find it easier to stick to your healthy eating and exercise routines.


4. Make It a Family Affair

Sometimes the hardest part is trying to carve out time for yourself without feeling guilty. Involve your family in your health journey! Whether it’s preparing a nutritious meal together or doing a quick workout as a family, turning these activities into shared experiences can help you stay motivated while balancing your family’s needs.


Be Flexible


Life with kids is unpredictable. Sometimes, you might not get to work out when you planned, or dinner might end up being a quick stir-fry instead of your meticulously planned meal. That’s okay! Flexibility is key, and the most important thing is staying consistent over time.


It’s About Consistency, Not Perfection


Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Some days will be harder than others, and you might not always be able to stick to your plan. But that’s okay. Life happens. The key is to stay consistent and be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Remember, it’s the small, sustainable changes that make the biggest impact in the long run.


You’ve Got This


Mums, your health is worth the investment. By prioritizing even just a few minutes of exercise and making small changes to your eating habits, you can start to see amazing results. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up for yourself, making time for your well-being, and embracing a lifestyle that makes you feel confident and strong.


Take it one step at a time, and remember: You are already doing an incredible job as a mum. Taking care of yourself is just one more way you can continue to show up as your best self—for you and your family.


_____________________________


If you would like me to help you with your fitness journey then drop me a message, I’d be happy to help!

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


©2020 by Laura Meek Fitness. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page