Easy Health For Busy Moms: Baby Steps
By Contributing Writer, Kelly Crawford
As I get older, I am more convinced of the importance of good nutrition and health. It is, after all, part of our basic obligation as stewards of the one body we have been given.
Furthermore, as women raising and shaping the next generation, we need to be physically optimal to keep up with the demands of our Kingdom building work. It is also part of our job to protect the health of the family we are raising.
(Disclaimer: I am not a “health nut.” Nor do I believe that if we only eat healthy, we shall never be sick. I think our odds are much better, but I don’t think nutrition is always a guarantee.)
With that said, I’m also a very busy mom living on a budget who still wants to give my family the best nutrition possible. Here are some practical ways I try to implement a healthier diet without breaking the bank or spending all my time sprouting wheat berries:
1. Eliminate the really bad stuff. Over time, we must discern the good, bad and the ugly which seems to always be changing among nutrition specialists. We personally try to avoid, when possible, on a regular basis, the following among other things:
- artificial sweeteners
- excess sugar (candy, soft drinks, etc.)
- MSG
- margarine (use real butter or coconut oil)
- over-processed foods loaded with preservatives
- boxed mixes/canned soups/canned biscuits
2. Get plenty of sun. The lack of vitamin D seems to be an epidemic due to the overuse of sunscreen and the indoor habits of our culture. The benefits of Vitamin D?
- It is crucial for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous.
- It is an immune system regulator, helping to fight common disorders like the common cold.
- It may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. (Department of Neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center at Oregon Health and Science University)
- Vitamin D may have a key role in helping the brain to keep working well in later life.
- More: linked to maintaining healthy body weight, helps reduce risk of arthritis, reduces chances of developing cancer.
3. Replace snack foods with nuts, raisins, fruit smoothies, dark chocolate, etc.
4. Make as many sauces and mixes from scratch. It’s really not that hard (there are great recipes on the Internet) and it’s much more affordable, I think.
5. Add fresh-squeezed lemon to your water each day. It is a super-easy way to alkalize your body’s pH, an important part of staying healthy.
6. Exercise, but make it doable. I think many of us are waiting to gear up for that inspiration to become part-time athletes, instead of just taking baby steps. If all I can do is walk to my mail box and back each day (approx. 1/4 mi.), I have done more than nothing. A rebounder is a fantastic way to detox your cells (I didn’t make that up) and get a 5-minute-a-day super charge.
Baby steps, just like with financial improvement, goes a long way to physical improvement. Just get started–cut something unhealthy out, add something healthy in, soak up some sun and do a little something physical each day. Get the momentum started!
Be sure to check out my ebook, Easy Health for Busy Moms, loaded with more practical ideas and inspiration to improve your health affordably and easily.
