Our 4-Step Plan for Moms to Start the School Year Energized (2024)

Back-to-school season is upon us… how are you feeling about it? Craving a good plan and a little more energy to tackle it all maybe?

My favorite functional nutritionists are here with us today to give us a fail-proof 4 pronged plan for getting there!

Summer? What summer? You’ve been a full-time chef, a part-time referee, a chauffeur and a housemaid up to your knees in laundry. Days have never been longer and balance is a thing of the past. You get tipsy just thinking about it.

When your stress hormones are kicking and your temper is short, you might find yourself wondering, “What happened to that easy-going mom I planned to be, and that that relaxing summer we planned on having?” You’re not the only mom living for back-to-school.

And how about those mood swings? There is a physiological reason for that: you are living in a state of overdrive, so consider yourself off the hook.

We aren’t the party poopers here to complain about the season we look forward to from January-May, but the reality is your days are longer (are anyone else’s children up at least an hour later at night and earlier in the morning?), and you are the last person that gets taken care of.

We want you to know that a) you are not alone and b) we’ve got a plan for you. Now doesn’t that sound like a breath of fresh air?

It’s time to make yourself a priority, break the stress cycle, and get back to feeling like yourself so when school starts you don’t look some stranger in the mirror (that’s you we’re talking about).

Tip #1 – Take a deep breath

Not just metaphorically. Stopping to take just five deep breaths can help you press the pause button in life, to break that stress cycle. Go on, try it. You’re going to be shocked.

Tip #2 – Fuel your body!

We love whole foods and they work wonders when it comes to balancing the chaos inside our bodies. If you are new to eating a whole food based diet, we’ve got all the support you need.

Our favorite quote: The more alive your foods, the more alive you’ll feel.

This next program is all about whole foods (aka, alive!) where we give you all ‘the whys’ and support behind changing up the way you eat. Even on your own, the smallest efforts to choose whole/real foods when and where you can will change your energy and moods in ways you might not expect!

Where can you sneak them in?

• Throw spinach in a smoothie
• Add chia, hemp or flax seeds to your morning oat, cereal or porridge bowl
• Make your own easy, delicious salad dressing (see below)
• Are you a coffee drinker? Add a little full fat coconut milk and some cinnamon or cardamom…even coffee can become a superfood (AMEN)

Tip #3 – Make some time for you

What do you need to feel satisfied? Maybe it’s a walk with a friend or even a shower without your kiddos repeatedly yelling, “Mom!”.

Make space in your life for Y.O.U. The best way we can model living balanced lives to our children is to show them self-care. It’s not selfish – it’s being a good role model.

Tip #4 – Get your immune system in fighting mode

We all know that back to school, can mean ‘back to bugs’… the more you do the above, the better equipped your body will be to fight the good fight.

Two immune building tips:

1. Eat fermented foods – The live flora promotes a healthy immune system.
2. Get plenty of zinc from sesame and pumpkin seeds –Zinc will not only help keep illness at bay, it will drastically increase your recovery time.

——————-

Creamy Tahini Dressing

SERVES 1.5 CUPS

• 1⁄2 cup tahini
• 1⁄2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1⁄4 cup water, or more for thinning

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blend on high until completely smooth. Add water if needed to thin, it will thicken as it chills.

RECIPE NOTES

We love this dressing, sauce, dip…whatever you want, it works.

When using as a sauce (like on ourmushroom lentil tacos) or a dip, you’ll want to keep it on the thicker side.

Works great as a dressing on the thinner side. This is also a snack unto itself – just use it for carrots and celery and BAM you’re good to go.