Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty, from Fit Mom Diet, are living proof that busy working moms can be fit, healthy, and full of positive energy. In this issue of inspire health, this dynamic duo shares their top secrets for maintaining fabulous health and positive energy.

Fuel Your Body with Healthy Foods

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not eating the right foods to fuel the body. Providing the body with a steady stream of nutrients throughout the day helps maintain

blood sugar levels and keeps energy high. Your body cannot perform at an optimal level if you are feeding it junk. Eat nutrient-rich, balanced meals each day, which include complex carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats.

Move Your Body

It might seem that moving the body requires a lot of energy, but in actuality being physically active has been known to increase energy levels. If you are just starting a new exercise plan, do enough to feel refreshed, but not extremely fatigued. Remember to be consistent with your exercise routine and find ways to make exercise fun. Participate

in a family or community event, find a workout partner or take up a new activity. When it comes to increasing your fitness abilities, set achievable goals and work on them regularly.

Kim says: “I find it easy to stay on track when I let my family and friends know what my health goals are, this allows them to support my endeavors.”

Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the leading factors in daytime fatigue! Staying hydrated is absolutely essential to maintaining good health and energy. The easy part is that increasing your water intake is very simple to implement. Carrying around a water bottle is worth the effort; proper hydration helps prevent headaches, hunger, and lethargy. Being properly hydrated will help you maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. If you struggle with getting enough water, try adding fresh fruit, veggies, or lemon juice to your water for enhanced flavor.

Get Adequate Rest

Never underestimate the value of a good night’s rest. Many aspire to eat better, get fit, and live a happy balanced lifestyle, but if adequate rest is lacking, these aspirations can become very difficult to achieve. For a well-rested mind and body, aim to get at least seven to eight hours of rest each and every night.

Shannon says: “Whenever possible, I take 10 minutes during the day to just close my eyes. I find that short power naps do wonders, helping me to feel rejuvenated.”

Live in the Moment

In today’s society, it’s all too easy to continually try to do more, more, more. But, sometimes, less is more. Rather than do more work, focus on ways to achieve better work. This theory can be applied to all areas of life, including work, family, and fitness.

When spending time with family and friends, make it count. Practice being completely present and thoroughly enjoy the time you have with loved ones; try to avoid interruptions, especially those of an electronic nature. Despite being busy, resist the urge to multi-task all the time. When it comes to work, aim to be involved in fulfilling projects, rather than all the small things that amount to very little. When it comes to fitness, be mindful during exercise. Pay attention to each movement and how it affects your body. A thirty minute focused workout is much better than an hour spent moving without intention.

Show an Attitude of Gratitude

It is very easy to expend precious energy on negative emotions like worry, frustration and fear. One of the best ways to get a handle on negative emotions is to focus on gratitude. Being grateful requires thinking about things for which we should be thankful. Start a gratitude journal and take five minutes each day to write down the things for which you are grateful. Focusing on all the wonderful things you do have versus what you do not, can help you feel happy and thankful, resulting in positive energy.

If you follow these six steps, despite being a busy wife, mother, or even grandmother, you really can feel happier, healthier, and more energetic! Get inspired to join Kim, Shannon, and women everywhere that are taking time to invest in themselves, and experience the amazing benefits of healthy living.