#MOMCRUSHMONDAY

I’m a registered dietitian, a marathon runner, an avid kitchen experimenter, a wife and a mom of two. I left my amazing full-time career as a dietitian at the National Institutes of Health to mostly stay home with my two littles. It’s been a difficult transition for me, going from working full time, being able to use my advanced degree and help people in a very meaningful way (I worked mostly children with cancer needing feeding tubes and or IV nutrition) to being “home” aka on the go ALL THE TIME with crazy schedules and carpool and activities and playdates, etc. I live in SoCal now, and I just love it here!

As a dietitian what are the issues you find that mothers struggle with the most?

I think that moms need help with a few things. First, they need to be able to know what are the basics for providing a healthy, well-balanced meal. Like, what does it mean, and how can you do it easily, without a struggle for you or your kids? Also, I think moms need to know it’s okay to not have perfect meals 100% of the time. Life isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance and happiness, too.

Whats your favorite healthy dish that is quick and easy?

A Trader Joes microwave quinoa bag with steamed veggies and sometimes a protein like chicken or tofu or hey, sometimes it’s chicken nuggets or fish sticks. It’s easy, it’s a protein-packed high fiber food, and the veggies round it out. Very often if the kids are hangry and nothing is ready yet, I pop a bag of quinoa in the microwave (it’s ready in under 3 minutes), I steam up come broccoli, carrots and cauliflower and add drained and rinsed canned beans. That’s just the base. You can make it into anything really. Add avocado and salsa, or add pasta sauce and some cheese… I make the quinoa for breakfast quite often if I’m in a pinch, too. I just use it like an oatmeal and serve it with berries, cinnamon and a dollop of yogurt or something. It’s versatile, easy to make and I don’t feel bad about making it all the time.

What are your biggest parenting struggles?

Making decisions and finding time for myself.

What is your favorite way to show yourself ‘Self Love’

Exercise. I really like to spend a least an hour each day sweating. I use the time to focus on my thoughts, to push myself and relieve stress.

What is your favorite BONUS way to be Selfish? (mani/pedi/facial/workout)

Getting a housekeeper. I always feel guilty getting a housekeeper. I feel like I should be able to keep my house clean since I “stay home all day” but the reality is, I love the help from time to time, and she does a much better job than I do. When she comes every 3-4 weeks or so, I feel more calm and relaxed, if even for a day or two.