By: Tara Tan, Health Coach – www.thefitfoodiemommy.com, IG: @fitfoodiemommy – FB: /fitfoodiemommy, YouTube Channel
Motherhood is a tough gig, and it truly is the most difficult job in the world. However it’s also the most rewarding, most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. Looking back at my 5 plus years of being a mom to a spirited little boy, I have learned that being a dedicated mom doesn’t mean rejecting our own well-being. In fact, it’s equally important for us to take care of ourselves first, so we can better serve our little humans.
Self-care is such a buzz word these days. You probably read it in almost every wellness or motherhood blog. Different people have different interpretations of self-care. For me, it’s simply having that “ME” time and being unapologetic about it.
I used to judge myself whenever I felt like wanting to have some alone time or quiet time from my toddler. But as I’ve gradually embraced the whole idea of self-care and self-love, I’ve also felt the benefits it has on me and in my way of parenting. And I want for you to have that too so I want to share some ways that I fill my love cup and rejuvenate myself in the midst of being a busy mom.
- Movement. Everyday, I take at least 20 minutes to get some physical activity, either through an interval home workout, a light run outside of our house, or a type of focused stretching on my mat. My idea of exercise is not so much as to lose weight, but to just get my blood pumping to give me that surge of energy and adrenaline rush. Never underestimate the power of a good stretch, even if it’s just 5 minutes!
- Outdoors Time. Next to regular exercise, I love heading outdoors especially in the mornings right before my little boy wakes up or after I drop him off to school. There’s something about being out in nature that just makes me feel more alive and vibrant. Whenever I’m feeling stressed out, I just take a quick 10-minute walk in the park or lake near our place, and it instantly brings me a sense of peace and calmness.
- Girls’ Day Out. Every now and then I really crave for some time out with my girlfriends. Some of them are also moms like me and it just feels good to get out of the ‘mom’ world for a short while and just talk all things girlie. Whether it’s a networking event, or a casual coffee catch-up with friends, it never fails to nourish my soul to have those adult conversations! We all need that, don’t we?!
- Home-cooking. \I’m a foodie at heart, and the kitchen has become one of my comfort spots at home. Whenever I’m having a not-so-good day, I find myself walking to the kitchen and creating some comfort food like a delicious dessert (but still healthy) with some dark chocolate in it. Dark chocolate never fails to elevate my mood!
- Time for Quietness. Meditation is something I’ve also come to embrace more and more. Before I do my exercise for the day, I just try to sit quiet on my mat for a few minutes, listen to a guided meditation (I love Gabby Bernstein), and just be in the moment, be present, and be grateful for yet another day. Times for quietness means also deep breathing for me. Right before sleeping, I do some simple deep breathing exercises which has also helped me get better quality sleep.
So there you go, those are some ways I find time to rejuvenate myself as a mom. I’m still a work in progress and there are days I get to do these, but there are also days that I don’t. And that IS OKAY. I don’t beat myself up, and I just try again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after.
Self-care is also a journey and not a destination. It’s what we become in the process that truly matters. It’s when we learn to love ourselves a little more, be kinder and more compassionate to ourselves, that we become better moms. And it’s also when we are able to set an example to our kids to do the same.
Salted Dark Chocolate Granola
I always love a healthy snack and a staple in my kitchen is a good jar of homemade granola. Here’s my ultimate fave recipe which is super easy to make and is also kid-friendly.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup cashews, raw and unsalted
1/3 cup pecans, raw and unsalted
1/3 cup slivered almonds, or raw almonds (roughly chopped)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons raw cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons pure honey or pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, mix your oats, whole nuts, seeds, cacao powder, cinnamon. Add your coconut oil, pure honey or maple, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix with a large spoon or by hand. Using a spatula, press down the granola against the tray so this creates a cluster-like effect on your granola.
Transfer the granola mix into the tray. Bake for a total of 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, take out the tray and flip the granola using a flat spatula and press it down again. This ensures it gets cooked to perfection and makes it even crunchier.
Once cooked, take out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes without stirring. Again, this will let it continue to cook and create clusters and more crunch.
Lastly, add your chopped chocolate, and another sprinkle of sea salt. Store in an air-tight container and enjoy!
This can last up to 6 months in your pantry if stored in a cool, dry place. Otherwise you can also store in your fridge.
ABOUT TARA, CERTIFIED HEALTH AND NUTRITION COACH
What makes me jump out of bed? To help MOMS like you take control of your health and your life by teaching you the exact how-to’s to achieve a healthy body that you’re confident of, and a lifestyle that you love (even when it seems impossible).
I’m also wildly passionate about helping women build a soulful, rewarding business to create the freedom and abundance that they aspire, and fulfill their biggest dreams in life.
I’m not here to preach, but instead to guide you to make better food and lifestyle choices. From creating easy, healthy, delicious meals to finding balance between being a mom and a career woman, and learning to look after yourself much better… that’s what I’m here to help you with.
You already know what you are supposed to do. I’m just here to remind you to do those. Consistently. And with gumption!
www.thefitfoodiemommy.com, IG: @fitfoodiemommy – FB: /fitfoodiemommy, YouTube Channel