Let's add 'healthy lifestyle' to the baby registry.

A recent study found that parents of young children—particularly moms—were more likely than nonparents to eat poorly and skip exercise. Notably, mothers in the study tended to have higher BMIs (body fat) than women without children. And (despite the shortcomings of the BMI methodology) higher BMIs are correlated with a host of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Given all the demands of new parenthood, it's easy to see how even the most careful eater and conscientious exerciser might slack off for a while.

So what's a busy mama (or papa) to do? It's obviously important for us to take care of ourselves, even if we're often too busy to do so. But why do many of us still think that healthy food has to be complicated or that exercising is an indulgence? Maybe it's time to stop thinking about physical activity and good eating as luxuries.

I've found it a bit easier to eat better and exercise more if I treat these goals like training and racing goals. No going to the grocery store without a list. No vague plans to "work out." I made concrete plans (more fresh veggies and whole grains, 12 weeks to a half marathon). Then, I got the right tools, sought my husband's support and found a routine that usually works. Sometimes it doesn't (nachos for dinner, lazy jogging), but I try not to dwell on it. I'm not perfect. But I do try to stay honest about what I need to do better. And I start fresh the next day.

Believe me, I know how difficult it can be to squeeze yet another thing into a busy-parent schedule, especially for a brand new mama who doesn't want to spend too much time away from her newest love or a busy working mom who feels like she's barely keeping up with the demands of work and home. Nursing a colicky baby all night isn't the greatest set-up for a morning run, and looking at a disastrously messy kitchen with a whiny toddler at your heels can nix all motivation to put together a fresh and healthy meal. I've been there.

But I can also attest that a good run or a decent yoga session can do much to neutralize stress and calm the mind. And life is still there when I get back. I just feel better about taking it on. And I like to think I'm modeling good habits for my little one.

When I got back from my run this morning, my kiddo showed me his latest trick (courtesy of dad), which he now does all the time. "What's running?" we ask him, and he swings his arms back and forth while huffing and puffing loudly and grinning. Now that's my kind of coach.

© 2011 GUF

Now that's bouncing back.

A big "You go, mama!" to my running mama hero, Kara Goucher, who finished fifth in today's Boston Marathon. About eight months ago, I met her and her baby bump at an expo the day before I ran my first postbaby half marathon. Seven months ago, she had her little boy. Today she PRed at Boston. If that's not motivation for a mere mortal running mama like me, I'm not sure what is. Congrats, Kara!


Watch more video of 2011 Boston Marathon on flotrack.org


© 2011 GUF