As a mother, finding time to focus on your own personal goals can be a challenge and at times feel impossible. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the desire to lose weight can seem overwhelming, but I am here to tell you that it is possible to achieve both. I found that this balancing act was not so hard with 1 child but after the birth of my son I felt helpless. How would I EVER find time to get back into shape? Then it occurred to me, I may not be able to always find time to workout but I can absolutely achieve weight loss through calorie restriction. Here are a few tips to help you balance motherhood and your weight loss goals:

Prioritize self-care (even if it’s little things): Taking care of yourself should be a priority, as it will not only help you feel better physically and mentally, but it will also enable you to be a better mother. Now this is easier said than done. I found it helpful to save nap time for ME time. Not for catching up on household cleaning or laundry. You can do that at a later time. Taking that 45 minutes to 1 hour to yourself can make all the difference.

Find a supportive community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who are also working towards their own fitness goals can provide motivation and accountability. I would love to say that this could be found in your spouse or best friend but too often I hear that their is little support in the four walls of your house. THAT’S OKAY, you are not alone! Consider finding an online community of mothers who are also trying to balance motherhood and weight loss can be so helpful. Many women I am friends with online I have never even met in person but we are constantly supporting each other on our personal journeys.

Find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine: Instead of trying to fit in dedicated workout sessions, look for opportunities to be active throughout the day. This could include going for a walk with your children after dinner or doing a quick yoga session while your little ones are napping.

Monitoring your calorie intake is KEY: It's important to remember that in order to lose weight you must be at a calorie deficit. You can lose the majority of weight you want to lose without even working out. Tracking your calorie intake for the day will ensure you are setting yourself up to succeed.

Make it a lifestyle change, not a short-term fix: Losing weight and getting in shape should be a long-term goal, not just a quick fix. Instead of trying fad diets or intense workout plans that may not be sustainable, focus on making small, healthy changes to your lifestyle that you can maintain in the long run.

Balancing motherhood and weight loss goals can be difficult, but it is possible. I hope these 5 points will help guide you on your journey to a healthier and happier you.