I don’t know about you but I sure find it hard to always fit in a workout in the crazy life of being a mom. I know I am better not only physically but mentally when I get a chance to work out but finding the time is so hard.
I recently had the opportunity to ask Co-Founders Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty of Fit Mom Diet, some questions about how they stay fit while being a busy mom. Kim and Shannon started Fit Mom Diet to help bring together a community of moms dedicated to supporting each other eat and live healthy and active lifestyles. Their passion to help moms who have a desire to get fit and find balance is so inspiring to me and thought I would dig a little deeper and share with you.
Q: Have you both always been fit? What inspired you to live fit lifestyles?
A: No, we haven’t always been fit. Like many girls in their teens and twenties, we were athletic and active; however, after the birth of our children we found ourselves run down, over weight and out of shape. It was at that time that we committed to changing our lives. While the impetus for each of us was a bit different, the result was the same. By learning to eat clean, surrounding ourselves with a support system and taking on fitness challenges we were able transform ourselves not only physically, but also mentally.
Q: What advice do you have for moms who struggle to fit exercise in their routines?
A: There are two things we always tell moms who ask us about how to achieve success when it comes to fitness. First, you have to believe in yourself and know that you are worth it. If you don’t believe you are capable of becoming healthier and happier than you will not be successful so incorporating ways to improve your self-esteem and self-confidence are equally as important as the physical aspect. Second, you need to make fitness a priority, be prepared and make a public commitment. Doing those things go a long way to achieving success. Beyond that, finding a support person or group that will help you stay accountable and assist you in learning how to balance is incredibly helpful.
Q: How have your workouts changed since having a child?
A: They often involve things we did as kids. Because we are moms we try to stay active with our children as a means to staying fit. We run around the park, we play sports and we participate in activities as a family. All those things make staying fit much easier. For both of us, we also realize the importance of a well-rounded workout. Often younger people stick to one type of exercise, such as running. Our workouts vary from yoga to weight lifting to sports and Pilates. We aim to consistently try new things to stay fit.
Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
A: Funny you should ask! Kim is naturally drawn to cardio. She’s a runner and while she does it to stay fit, it is also important to her as it is one of her passions and a way for her unwind and gain perspective. Shannon loves weight lifting. She truly enjoys being on the weight room floor lifting and often does that in solitude. That said, both of us incorporate cardio and strength training into our routine.
Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
Kim: Definitely weight lifting with no cardio mixed in, especially done alone.
Shannon: Abdominal exercises!
Q: Do you have any tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
A: The 10 minute rule. Show-up. Even if you tell yourself you will only spend 10 minutes doing it. The hardest part of any workout is starting so release the pressure of thinking every time you work out it’s has to be your all-time best and simply commit to doing something. Once you get started usually your motivation kicks in.
Q: What is your go-to snack food?
A: We both love unsalted cashews. They make a great on-the-go snack. We have to be mindful though not to eat too many so we pre-bag them in single serving sizes.
Q: What is your favorite fitness activity to do in the beautiful Arizona outdoors?
Kim: Trail running. Arizona has a wonderful climate and I love to explore the outdoors while running.
Shannon: Hiking Camelback Mountain and trail running.
Kim and Shannon also love supporting healthy eating habits for the whole family by sharing recipes and tips. Here is a recipe from their collection that is a must try. Yummy!
Mini Cranberry Zucchini Protein Muffins
By: Fit Mom Diet
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1 whole egg
½ cup granulated, sugar substitute (steiva)
1 ½ cups oat flour
½ cup vanilla protein powder
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups shredded zucchini
½ cup cranberries
Non-stick Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, eggs and sugar substitute. Blend and set aside. In a small bowl combine dry ingredients, flour, protein powder, pecans, baking powder & cinnamon. Add to wet ingredients, then stir in zucchini and cranberries.
Coat mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until muffins are cooked.
