The internet is overflowing with wellness advice, and as busy moms trying to do it all, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. With your to-do list that never ends, the constant demands for snacks, the "Mommy, mom, mama, MOMMMMMY!" of course you don’t have time to sift through wellness advice and know what’s real and what’s not.
Unfortunately, the internet (and sometimes even well-meaning friends or family) spouts off a lot of misinformation about what it means to be or look “well”.
How the heck are you supposed to know what is legit? As a nutritionist, personal trainer, and mom, let me give you the real real.
Myth 1: You Need to Spend Hours at the Gym to Get Fit
Reality: It’s so easy to get into a mindset that if you don’t have an hour to workout why bother? In reality, who has time for that? Adding something like the gym can just seem impossible. The truth is, you don’t need marathon workout sessions to stay fit. Short, effective workouts can be just as beneficial. Try a 20-minute HIIT workout during nap time or a quick yoga session before the kids wake up. Consistency is key, not the length of your workout.
Myth 2: You Must Follow a Strict Diet to Be Healthy
Reality: Let’s be real—strict diets are not sustainable, especially when you're managing a family but people love to start them and rarely see them through. Unfortunately, the actual stuff that is going to bring you genuine wellness isn’t quite as sexy as “keto” or “paleo”. Most people don’t want to hear it but focusing on nourishing foods 80-90% of the time, drinking enough water, going to bed earlier, and managing your stress, are the things that are actually going to get you there.
Myth 3: Self-Care is Selfish
Reality: This is a big one. As moms, we often put ourselves last, feeling guilty for taking time for ourselves. But here’s the thing: self-care is essential, not selfish. I guarantee no matter who you are, or how many kids you have, whether you work out of the house or stay home, you are a better mom when you take a few minutes to yourself every day. Think about it for a second, and you know I’m right.
Myth 4: You Have to Do It All Yourself
Reality: Nope! You don’t have to be Superwoman. It’s okay to ask for help. Whether it's enlisting your partner, a family member, or hiring a babysitter for a few hours, getting help can give you a much-needed break to focus on your wellness. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to take better care of your family.
Myth 5: Wellness is All or Nothing
Reality: Wellness is not something you do once and then never think about again, it’s a process. It’s about making small, manageable changes that fit into your lifestyle. Maybe today you drank more water, or you managed to squeeze in a quick workout. Celebrate those wins! It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress.
Myth 6: You Should Look Like You Did Pre-Baby
Reality: Let’s get one thing straight: your body created a human! It’s normal and natural for your body to change post-baby. In the Nourished Mama community, we focus on non-scale victories. The scale does NOT tell you the whole story and strength, energy, and mental well-being are much more important than fitting into your pre-baby jeans. Celebrate your body for what it has done and continue to care for it with love and respect.
Myth 7: Wellness Requires a Lot of Time
Reality: Time is a precious commodity, especially for moms. The good news is that wellness doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Incorporate small changes into your daily routine. Drink water throughout the day, take deep breaths when you’re feeling stressed, or do a quick 5-minute meditation. Every little bit counts and adds up to a healthier you.
The Bottom Line
Moms, let’s cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters: taking care of ourselves in realistic, sustainable ways. You don't need to become a kale-chomping, yoga-glowing goddess overnight or ever to be on top of your wellness game. Ditch the myths, embrace the realities, and remember that wellness is about progress, not perfection.
You’ve got this, and don’t have to do it alone.
Is there a wellness myth you believed or still do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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