4 Health Changes That Make You a Better Mom

Being a mom is no easy job. In fact, most moms would probably say it’s the toughest job they’ve ever had. All of a sudden, after just nine months, your life is no longer only about you, your partner, your family or your friends—it’s about this little person that you’ve created and brought into this beautiful world. So, in a nutshell, this might mean your life now revolves more around dirty diapers, daycare dropoffs and waking up multiple times during the night than it does around happy hours, weekend getaways and boozy brunches. And that’s OK—in fact, that’s awesome. Because I can definitely attest to the fact that, while being a mom’s hard work, it’s one of the most rewarding and important jobs a person can have. Since it’s so important, I want to talk about the four simplest things we can do as moms to make sure we’re living our healthiest life and setting good examples for our children. Here are the keys every hard working super mom needs to live a healthy life.

Eat superfoods

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. And that couldn’t be truer—really. I always tell my patients that the ticket to good health starts with a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Make sure to load up on food that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flax seeds and avocado. These anti-inflammatory foods are essential to lowering your risk of diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Cruciferous vegetables should also be go-tos for filling up your plate. Think broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Get more exercise

You might think you get your fair share of movement each day—and maybe you do! But did you know that more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, according to new statistics put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it’s not only about keeping weight off—exercise also boosts happiness levels (and who doesn’t want to be a happy parent!). It’s true—a study by Penn State University found that folks who exercised, even moderately, were more likely to report feelings of excitement and enthusiasm on days when they were more physically active.

Go to the doctor

You may be so preoccupied with all of your kids’ doctors appointments, that you forget to pencil in one for yourself. But that’s a major parenting no-no. If you want to be the best parent you can be and set the right example for your kiddos, it starts with taking your own turn at the docs’. Aside from the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises adults to visit their regular health care provider at least once a year, regular health exams are the only way to ensure you tackle health problems before they begin to take course. By getting the right screenings, access to new and improved services and speaking with your doctor about how you’re feeling, you’re staying on top of your own health and ensuring you’re doing all you can to be around for your child for as long as possible. I typically recommend women in my practice have their hormones checked every 6-months or so. Staying on top of shifts, especially after pregnancy, is so important!

Carve in some “me time”

Another unfortunate aspect of a mom’s over-packed schedule is her forgetfulness to sneak in a little time and tender, love and care for herself. But, remember: You’re a person too! A person who deserves to relax a little now and then, maybe go on a date night once in awhile, and most certainly earn the right to take longer than a 5-minute shower when someone else is around to keep an eye on the little ones. So, this Mother’s Day I give you full permission to treat yourself, Mama. No one deserves it more than you!