This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Lisa Woodie, owner and chef at Homemade Fresh, an in-home meal preparation service located in Charlotte, NC.
Ask the Mompreneur:
I run a growing business and a busy household and don’t always have time to eat. There are days when I suddenly realize I’m starving and exhausted! What advice do you have for mompreneurs like me?
Lisa Woodie:
Eating on the run. Skipping meals. Choosing convenience foods. Relying on caffeine. These are common occurrences in a busy mompreneur’s life.
Food choices can affect your business productivity, so focus on better nutrition to give yourself more energy throughout the day.
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast
The old adage is true, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day for your brain, your energy level, and your metabolism. Think of your body as a car and food is the fuel. Your engine runs all the time, even when you sleep. In the morning, your fuel tank is low, so you need to refuel with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein and good carbohydrates, such as eggs with fresh fruit. This will jump-start your metabolism and give you energy.
Beware of caffeine and sweets because those can put you on an energy rollercoaster with dramatic highs and lows. When you skip breakfast (or any meal), your body will go into starvation mode which dramatically slows your metabolism, makes you store fat, and depletes your energy. To maximize your productivity, eat three balanced meals that include lean protein and complex carbohydrates, along with a healthy afternoon snack. Examples of good snacks are a handful of nuts, string cheese, Greek yogurt, or carrots with hummus.
Plan ahead to eat healthy
Spending a little time on the weekend or in the evenings to plan your meals and snacks will help you avoid the drive-through window and vending machine. If you don’t have time to cook breakfast each morning, boil a few eggs or cook some turkey bacon in advance. Keep quick oatmeal and yogurt on hand.
Wash and individually package fruit and vegetables for grab-and-go convenience. Prepare a large bowl of salad and place in individual lunch-size bowls, making sure to add some protein like turkey, chicken, or tuna. Cook meats in advance and freeze them in family size packages so you can quickly make weekday dinners by adding the meat to vegetables, whole grains, casseroles, etc. Soups and stews are great make-ahead meals that you can freeze and thaw for lunches or dinners.
Eat real food
Real food will make you feel better than processed foods and it tastes better. Real food comes from plants and animals, i.e. vegetables, fruits, and organic meats and dairy. Avoid processed convenience foods that contain more than five ingredients and any that you can’t pronounce. Consider eliminating processed foods from you and your family’s diet to improve both energy and overall health.
And remember, a healthier you means a healthier business!
Jennie Wong, Ph.D. is a syndicated business writer, executive coach, and the author of “Ask the Mompreneur: Small Business Advice on Starting and Growing Your Own Company,” available at www.JennieWong.com. Email your entrepreneurship questions to TheJennieWong@gmail.com. Guest bloggers welcome.
