Ever find yourself in that familiar “I’m so busy” dance when catching up with friends? It’s the anthem of modern life, especially for busy moms. But amidst the whirlwind of schedules and juggling acts, there’s a crucial question that often gets sidelined: Why is gut health important for busy moms?
Today, I’m diving into practical ways to not only heal your gut but also make tangible progress without letting the chaos take over. Rather than overwhelming you with an exhaustive list of a hundred tips (trust me, I’ve got plenty!), let’s narrow it down to three highly impactful strategies tailored for the “life is BUSY” moments.
*This is a modified transcript of an episode from my podcast, The Nourished & Thriving show. This episode is from May 2023 titled “Healing your gut when life is BUSY! ”, which you can find on your favorite listening platform here.
*This is not medical advice.
First things first, I’m a registered dietitian on a mission to help you increase your impact and legacy on the world while healing your gut and reducing your IBS symptoms. My goal is to inspire you to live vibrantly and provide valuable resources and information that empowers you to take bold action towards your health goals.
It’s such a bustling time lately, isn’t it? Have you noticed how often the response to “How are you?” is a resounding, “Busy”? I found myself stifling laughter at a recent women’s church conference entirely dedicated to the subject of busyness. I mean, we’ve all been there – those casual chats in the lobby where “busy” becomes the default response.
Between juggling soccer, ballet, dance recitals, piano performances, school musicals, and Cinco de Mayo festivities for my daughters, life is an absolute whirlwind. And if that weren’t enough, my family thought it wise to have all three babies birthdays, our own birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day between March and June. Add in the chaos of end-of-school events, teacher appreciation, graduations, and kindergarten roundups, and you’ve got our calendar.
Why is gut health important and how does it impact your day-to-day as a busy mom?
Navigating gut health during this hectic period is a real challenge. It’s easy to put it on the back burner or feel stuck, just making do. When life gets this busy, finding progress in improving your gut health feels like a struggle. It’s tough when your well-being takes a hit, leaving you exhausted, with brain fog, or constantly worrying about finding a restroom amidst everything else going on.
But let’s pause and give credit where it’s due – to you. Taking care of everyone and everything in such a busy season deserves appreciation. So, take a moment for yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths, feel your heart open, and allow your body to relax.
3 tips to help you promote your gut health
Now, let’s dive into some practical tips to nurture your gut health and make progress without letting everything else slide. There could be a hundred suggestions, but I’ll focus on three that stand out as impactful:
Tip #1: Pause and savor at least one meal per day
Firstly, can you choose one meal each day to sit down and truly savor? Amidst the chaos, dedicating just 20 minutes to eat mindfully can work wonders. Make sure to take deep breaths before diving into your meal, allowing your body to enter a restful state. Then when eating, make sure to chew your food to applesauce consistency.
Even if you don’t have a chance to do this everyday, prioritizing this action can help you improve your gut health and relationship with yourself and your food.
Tip #2: Map out your week (even if it’s jotted on scrap paper!)
Secondly, planning meals around your schedule is crucial during busy times. Spend a brief window on a Sunday or any free moment mapping out your week. What are the activities? What are the meetings? What are all the things that you need to be at? What days are heavier and what days are lighter?
On lighter days, opt for easy meals that you can cook in batches or with leftovers for the heavier days. You can also cook a double batch of protein that you can easily throw with a salad or some veggies later in the week. Make cooking work for you, not against you.
Tip #3: Create your own “go-to meal guide”
Lastly, create a list of go-to meals for quick, simple dinners that are enjoyed by most of those who will be joining you around the dinner table. These tried-and-tested dishes reduce decision-making stress.
These might not even be true “recipes” – Maybe it’s a grilled cheese or quesadilla with side salad.
Whateever you put together, make it super easy on yourself. If you’re doing a digital shortlist, you can make your list in a Google doc or the notes app in your phone and put a hyperlink next to it. If it’s in a recipe book, write the recipe book and the page number.
Keep this list handy, whether it’s on the inside of a cabinet door, in a recipe binder, or as a digital note.
Bonus tip: Re-fill your cup
Remember, finding fulfillment amidst the chaos is equally vital. Find ways to get fulfilled and filled up during the season when you’re pouring yourself out a lot. Whether it’s through music, hugs, or small moments of joy, nourish yourself emotionally during this busy season.
Conclusion
Humility is the acknowledgment of our limitations as humans. Recognizing that we can’t do it all is a form of humility. Overextending ourselves only worsens our well-being, including gut health.
So, let’s take manageable steps, fill ourselves up, and savor this season, knowing it will eventually pass. Share these tips with others feeling stretched thin – extending compassion and grace to ourselves as we do to others.
If what I’ve been saying resonates, if you want some support in reducing your IBS symptoms, if you’re tired of trying to do this on your own, please reach out with any questions here or apply for a free discovery call here. I’d love to talk with you.
