Danielle Binns

Let’s face it.  Motherhood can be exhausting, stressful, sleepless, and bring out the not-so-pretty-side of us.  While we may not ‘see’ it happening, our demanding days take a toll on our health in so many ways:  we get sick more often, can’t think straight, are forgetful, and can’t muster up energy to exercise.

We feel lousy but we ignore it.  Because our kids come first.

We spend so much of our time worrying about our little one’s health and development (which makes us wonderful moms) yet spend less time nourishing ourselves with good food, staying active, and getting some downtime.   If we are not feeling 100%  – or even 80% – how the heck do we expect to give our kiddos the best of us?  If we feel sluggish, brain is foggy, and we’re not loving the body we are in, we can’t possibly be the BEST mother we want to be for them, our partners, and for ourselves.  

As a Pediatric Nutritionist, I speak with mothers everyday who are looking to help their children thrive, grow, and eat better.  However, virtually every mom realizes they aren’t doing so hot either.   I remind them that they can’t put themselves on the backburner.  Here’s why:

  1. We are their role models – Our little ones see what we eat (and will often want the same), how we move, and they sense our stress.  So if we’re not operating at 100% we can’t expect them to be.
  2. They need us – Our kids need us to be the happiest and healthiest version of ourselves because we project our bright and colourful side onto them.  When we are blah or feeling ick we don’t have the energy to be fun, nor do we have a clear head to discipline rationally.

Mommy mantra

Healthy and happy kids need healthy and happy parents.  It’s tough to have one without the other.  That’s why I am also a Health Coach for Moms and keep a close eye on her wellbeing.  I was that mom a few years ago, running at 50%.  I was a person I did not love, nor did I want my kids to remember.

Now, as a mother with two awesome little girls, I need to take my own advice.  I’ve been busting my butt with my nutrition business, staying up late, speed eating while bouncing a baby, and navigating unhealthy cravings.  I am just not feeling as fabulous as I should and know I need a reset.  After all, I’m a Nutritionist for goodness sake!  I know exactly what I need to do, I just need to do it.   So this week I am reigning things in with the Whole 30 and getting more sleep.   That explains why I’m eating a honking organic turkey leg versus gluten-free cookies at the Farmer’s Market.

Here’s where I need you (because moms need to help each other).  If you get an email from me after 10 pm, respond with the words “GO TO BED!”  If you see me with a glass of wine, I give you permission to take it from me.

While we are taking care of our kids, let’s try to take care of ourselves too.    Whether you need a complete health reset or just a little nudge, check out the “Feel Alive & Survive” motherhood package to be the best version of you.

Energy boosting and stress-busting solutions for moms