5 simple, healthy and eco-friendly ways to be a "Supermom" without overdoing it
Time for a quick reality check: How many of us suffer from “Supermom” syndrome? Oh, you know what we’re talking about: The do-it-all mom who believes she can get everything done perfectly, on time, every time—breastfeed while prepping dinner, clean the house while helping with homework, bring the kids to soccer, dance class and gymnastics all on the same day—while still looking well put-together and in control. Sound familiar? Well, we’ve got good news for you: You don’t actually have to try so hard to be a Supermom, you can be #justamom. [bctt tweet="You don’t actually have to try so hard to be a Supermom, you can be #justamom." username="@ATTITUDEliving"] As moms, we’re organized, competent and resourceful multi-taskers. But what we often forget is that we also have limitations. The reality is that there’s no such thing as a perfect mom. In real life, the house is left mostly untidy, laundry and dishes pile up, baths are forgotten, to-do lists go unchecked—but that’s OK! Yes, you heard right: It’s OK! Take a break and give yourself a pat on the back for all the extraordinary things you accomplish on a daily basis. There are many ways you can be a “Supermom”—or at least the best mom you can be! —for your kids and for the environment. With just 5 simple and small lifestyle changes, you can green up your family’s daily routine without having to completely change your habits. Remember: Small, everyday changes make a big difference!
1. “Hide” veggies in your little one’s food
Starting today, turn your blender into your new best friend. You probably struggle to get your kids to eat their daily intake of veggies and greens, but there are many ways you can sneak in servings of vegetables without them even realizing. A simple trick? Serve them up in delicious smoothies for breakfast or as a snack. Try whirring up raw veggies, such as carrot, kale, spinach, avocado, zucchini or cucumber with bananas, oranges and strawberries. If you’re making pizza or pasta, try mixing in shredded zucchini, mushrooms and carrots, and adding extra tomato to your sauce. Your kids won’t notice a thing!
2. Stop panicking: Plan your week ahead!
While it may feel daunting to plan an entire week’s worth of meals and snacks, meal prepping can actually save you a lot of time during a busy week, especially if you have kids. And it doesn’t have to be boring! Take some time on a Sunday to prepare for the week ahead, and get your kids involved in the process to make things more enjoyable. Start with a base of organic foods and snacks that you use on a weekly basis, such as fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, yogurt, fruit juice, etc. Wash, chop and seal the veggies in airtight containers (try to avoid using plastic bags). For main meals, bake a sizeable portion of organic chicken, fish or meat, and roast different kinds of vegetables in the oven. Get creative by cooking meat or poultry to have on hand to prepare different meals (you can turn chicken into pulled chicken sandwiches or grilled chicken wraps, or serve it with rice, for example).3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! For the brave, why not compost?
Household waste is an issue that has a major impact on the environment, from our waterways to our forests. We all know the 3 Rs of waste management, but how well do we apply them in our daily routine? A great way to start reducing your waste (if you haven’t already) is to look at the products you already own and ask yourself: What don’t I use or need? Which products can be substituted for natural and more sustainable alternatives? Recycle glass, metal and paper from bottles, cans and cardboard as much as possible. For moms who are feeling a little adventurous, consider composting. Compost bins have become a huge trend in the last few years—and for good reason! Not only does composting help reduce waste, it also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, helps your plants to grow better in your backyard (compost enriches your soil) and ultimately reduces your carbon footprint. Check out this link for the list of things you can and can’t compost, and how to compost.
4. Buy wisely: Look at what’s lurking behind product labels
We sometimes forget about or overlook less obvious threats to our family’s well-being, such as the ingredients found in our household and personal care products. Most of them contain cancer-causing chemicals and contaminants that may impact our health*. Before purchasing a product, read the labels carefully and look out for ingredients of concern such as 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde and nitrosamines (check out our latest blog post on misleading labels for more information). Instead, opt for eco-friendly and biodegradable products that contain only natural and mineral‑derived ingredients. If you’re concerned about the ingredients in your personal care products, we recommend checking out the EWG’s Skin Deep® Cosmetic Database. It features the ingredients used in most personal care products on the market, with a toxicity rating for each one, allowing you to make better informed decisions for you and your family.5. Ask yourself the “killer question”: Do I really need it?
Be water-wise: Leave some for the fish
Family households create piles of laundry every week, and there’s no getting around it. But heavy loads use a lot of water. So, before throwing your clothes in the laundry pile, ask yourself: Could I wear this again before washing it? Also, wash your clothes in cold water (hot water uses a lot more energy) and run full loads, since most washing machines use just as much water regardless of load size. In addition, to reduce water consumption, make sure you turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, install a low-flow showerhead if possible, and avoid taking long showers.