Being a mom today is no simple feat. Children in the 21st century have very different needs to those that came before and, as parents, one needs to adapt to those needs. Something that has been singled out as an important trait of millennial moms is that they focused on providing their family with a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle is easier said than done, so we have compiled some tips to help you be the best possible mom in every situation:
1. Plan your meals
Most millennial moms are juggling careers, parenting, marriage and community work, and that’s excusing hobbies, so thinking up a menu for each day can prove to be stressful on top of everything else. This is why we suggest that you create a meal plan, so you don’t have to stress about your next meal. Time is your most valuable asset so make sure to plan your day beforehand and it will allow you to work within a budget and to make sure that your family gets the right nutrients.
2. Fruit and veggies are healthy and cost-effective
There is a myth that all healthy food items are expensive and while that may be the case for some, there are plenty of options that won’t put you in debt. Invest in organic and fresh fruit and vegetables to add to your meals as well as for snacks. Shop local, such as local grocers in order to get good produce at an excellent price and keep your family fit and healthy.
3. Home cooked is the best cooked
While we are aware that you have a full schedule, home cooked is still a better alternative to fast food. When you or your partner cook the meals, you can make sure that the correct ingredients for the whole family’s nutrient needs are met. You can also make sure that everything is cooked in the correct way, and you have more control over their eating habits.
4. Always read the labels of what you buy
If you are taking your family’s health seriously, you need to be proactive about the products that you buy and the benefits it has to your (and your family’s) health. A quick tip for this is to check the labels of the products that you buy and take note of factors such as the serving size, the number of calories, the percentage of daily value (DV), and the amounts of nutrients that your family might need.
5. Swop the fizzy drinks for water, milk or yoghurt
Although many children enjoy fizzy drinks, it contains large quantities of sugar and calories. The U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention reported that drinking fizzy drinks often lead to weight gain and diabetes. A better option is giving your child fresh water or a portion of yoghurt which is rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.
Danone’s “One Health. One Planet” vision has the company calling for 1 Million South African moms to sign the Pledge for Healthy Change to make sure that their families are living healthy and nutritious lives.
The pledge is simple:
1. Eat breakfast every day.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.
3. Have milk, maas or yoghurt every day.
4. Drink more water every day.
5. Move more every day.
Once moms sign the pledge, they will be supported with tips, the ability to connect with other moms and to get nutrition advice from experts through live chats. Check out the pledge and begin living a healthy family life here: http://knowyouryoghurt.co.za/
This post is sponsored by Danone produced by BrandStudio.24 for W24.