MOM HACKS: 5 Fitness, Health, and LIFE tricks I'm loving lately

I've had my skin in the "mom game" for four years now. While I'd love to tell you I feel like I have a handle on any of it- the truth is 98% of the time I feel like I'm screwing up in some way, figuring out a solution to "make it through" or dealing with my anxiety in a band-aid-over-the-rushing-blood fashion (too honest??)

-That being said, I'm always figuring out little ways to make things easier.

-My mind is always running trying to figure out tips for my clients.

-I'm always trying to make my kids happier.

-Best of all - I'm ALWAYS learning from my clients and hearing good advice about ways to parent (Baby powder at the beach to get sand of hands - genius Amanda!!)

Here are 5 quick and easy mom hacks (fitness and life related) I'm loving lately!! 

1. SAVE YOUR CORE DURING PREGNANCY - PROP YOURSELF UP AFTER LAYING DOWN 

A safe easy hack that I’ve seen make or break your rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) during pregnancy? Going from laying down to sitting up without thinking!!

I see a lot of women stress over pregnancy-safe workouts, spend hours scanning the internet about “How to get fit after pregnancy”, and then go from laying down to sitting straight up every time they sleep or go to a doctor appointment. If you think about how many times you do this in your pregnancy, it is the equivalent of doing crunches a lot. 

Instead of going straight from laying down to sitting up do this: Roll over onto your side and push yourself up with your arm. It can make a huge difference!!

2. BREASTFEEDING AND YOUR BACK IS BUGGING? USE STACK PILLOWS UNDER YOUR BOPPY.

I see so many women who have horrible shoulder strain from the combo of breastfeeding, rocking, feeding a baby with a bottle, etc. And while most people use boopys to feed - they often aren’t at the right level. 

Next time try this- a babies head should always be in line with your bra strap line when you are holding them horizontally ( you should always bring the baby to you not lean down to them)...so instead of using one boppy, prop them up with multiple pillows until they reach boob level.

3. THE HAIR-TIES FOR WATER BOTTLE REMINDER

I drink a ton of water in the morning or at night (so great for sleeping soundly - not) but forget to touch it during the day when I’m running around with my kids.

I also have no mental space left ever (general but true statement) so I can never remember how much water I have drunken in a day... Anyone else with me? 

I now have a water bottle I’m obsessed with that tracks my water (dm me) but it's expensive. So why not try this:

Calculate how many ounces of water equals 90% of your body weight in lbs (120 lbs - try about 100 ounces of water a day) and then calculate how many times you should be refilling the water bottle you currently use. Is it 4 times? Put four hair ties around your bottle. When you finish the bottle take one band off and put it around your wrist.

4. BABY POWDER VS SAND 

My kids always love the beach - but it's hell to get them there because they complain they will “Get sandy” a recent trick my client Amanda told me?? Bring baby powder to the beach - it gets sand off of skin easily. Genius!!

5. PLAN YOUR PROTEIN THE DAY BEFORE 

A lot of my clients really struggle to get used to tracking calories/using an app like my fitness pal. While I don’t think this tool is for everyone (It can be really dangerous for people who struggle with disordered eating etc). I do think it's a great tool for some to practice and learn. 

The reason most moms struggle with tacking is- because they have no GD time to bring on a new task. I do get it - it's really easy to get caught up in a day and forget to track what you neat - then be stuck in the afternoon trying to figure out how to squeeze 90 grams of protein out of 50 remaining calories. - that sucks. 

Next time try this: If you are choosing to track commit to it. But plan out your protein the day before. Making sure you are getting enough protein is the biggest step to hit first (in my opinion). Plus it really creates the building blocks for meals. Plan your protein the day before helps you go into the day with a game plan - then you can fill the other macros around it.