Being a mom is tough!  It is incredible and amazing, but it is tough.  Taking care of yourself while being a mom is even more challenging.  As a woman there are so many things we are responsible for everyday, and one of them is our health.  Raise your hand if you do not take as much time for your health as you should?  You can’t see me, but I am over here raising my hand too!  It is so easy to not pay attention to ourselves and only pay attention to everyone else in our lives (i.e.- tiny human that needs us to survive).  I struggle with this DAILY.  D-A-I-L-Y y’all!  I want to share a few small habits I try to incorporate into my daily routine to help me stay healthy.

Taking a walk-  Now that is it not 100* outside here in Texas, I really try to get out and walk at least 3-4 times a week.  The weather is turning, the leaves are changing, and it feels so nice out in the fresh air.  This is an awesome time to take Millie out in the stroller and show her the beauty of the outdoors. I love to point out the animals we see and the pretty flowers and leaves.  Even at work I will try to take 15 minutes a day to step out of my therapy room and walk around to get some movement time in!  It helps me destress too!

Getting enough rest- Haha!  This is a funny right?! Getting enough sleep as a mom, especially a NEW mom!  It is so hard, but it is SO important.  I would get so mad when people would tell me, “Sleep when the baby sleeps”.  No, it is impossible, and STOP saying that to me.  But you can ask for help so maybe you can sneak in a 10 minute nap!  Or try to go to bed a few minutes earlier each night.  I know it is hard, but getting enough sleep is important for being a functional mom and not a mombie (mombie- zombie mom).

Getting the right nutrients- This is a challenge, let’s be honest.  Making sure to eat healthy all the time can be hard! Did you know the majority of women are calcium deficient? Your body can’t make calcium, so it absorbs it from your diet and from supplements, then stores it.  Also, if your body is not getting enough calcium it begins to take it from the bones, decreasing bone mineral density which can eventually lead to osteoporosis. These are some crazy facts!  This  is where my favorite supplements come in.  Viactiv Chews!  Your bones are constantly changing over the course of your lifetime, and calcium is key to supporting these changes so your bones support you.  I am still in my 30’s, but after your 30s, your body produces less new bone, and you experience more bone loss. But, you can slow down bone loss and help reduce your risk of osteoporosis with proper nutrition and exercise.  Aside from building strong bones, your body needs calcium to handle other important tasks: to move muscles, send messages through the nervous system, help release hormones and enzymes, and circulate blood.  Making sure you are getting enough calcium as a pregnant women, mother and aging women is imperative!

Every day I take two Viactiv Calcuim Soft Chews. Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in either delicious milk chocolate or caramel flavors. While both are delicious, I really love the caramel flavor!  I love Viactiv calcium chews and compared to other calcium gummy supplements, Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews have 30% more calcium, ½ the sugar and ½ the calories.  Who doesn’t love that?! They are easy to find as well because they are available nationwide supermarket, drugstores and major retailers, including CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart.  You can check out where else to purchase them here.

You can check out their products and the social pages: Viactiv Facebook; Viactiv Instagram;

These are a few things that help me try to stay healthy and get the calcium I need as a mom and a woman. It is a daily struggle to be balanced, but incorporating these few activities into your life can help! Is there anything you do that really helps you for your day?  Do you already take Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews? Is so what is your favorite flavor?  Let me know in the comments below?

*If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

****I received Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews of chocolate and caramel flavors for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience. Please talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to see what is best for you****