Motherhood is an endless cycle of love, chaos, and responsibility. As a mom to a 5-year-old boy, my days are full of movement—from school prep and playtime to cooking, cleaning, and comforting after falls or tears. To keep up with this beautiful but demanding life, one thing I’ve learned is how important my diet is.
The food I eat directly impacts how patient, focused, and energetic I feel. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve found a routine that nourishes me without being too time-consuming. In this blog, I’ll share what I typically eat in a day to stay energized and present for my child—from morning to night.
Morning Hydration Ritual
Before anything else—before breakfast or even brushing my teeth—I drink water. One tall glass of room-temperature water with a few drops of lemon is my daily ritual. It wakes up my digestive system and gives me a fresh start.
Some mornings, I add a teaspoon of honey and a slice of ginger to warm water for extra digestion support. This small habit helps me feel refreshed and ready before the real work of the day begins.
A Protein-Rich Breakfast
After my son has his breakfast or starts playing, I prepare mine. I never skip breakfast because I’ve noticed how important it is for my morning energy levels. I try to include protein, good fats, and a moderate amount of carbs.
My top three breakfast choices:
1. Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana
Cooked oats with milk or water, topped with sliced banana, a spoonful of natural peanut butter, and a few flax or chia seeds.
2. Eggs with Whole Wheat Roti
Two boiled or scrambled eggs with a roti or paratha and some fresh cucumber slices on the side.
3. Greek Yogurt with Fruits and Nuts
A bowl of thick yogurt, some chopped apples or berries, and a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds.
I usually have a light milk tea or a cup of green tea alongside.
Mid-Morning Snack to Maintain Energy
Around 10:30 AM, while doing chores or helping my son with his learning activities, I start to feel a little hungry. Instead of reaching for fried snacks or sugary treats, I go for light but nutrient-dense options.
My go-to mid-morning snacks:
- One boiled egg with a date
- Roasted chana or puffed rice
- A banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter
- A small smoothie with banana and almond milk
These snacks are quick and help maintain steady energy without making me feel too full.
Balanced and Nourishing Lunch
Lunchtime is when I prioritize real nourishment. I make sure my lunch has vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates. This gives me enough strength for the rest of the day, especially the busy afternoon when my son is most active.
Some typical lunch combinations I prepare:
1. Dal, Rice, and Vegetables
A bowl of red lentil dal, some plain rice, and a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables like lauki (bottle gourd) or spinach. Sometimes I include a boiled egg or a piece of grilled chicken.
2. Quinoa Bowl
When I want variety, I cook quinoa and pair it with roasted vegetables, paneer, or grilled chicken, and a drizzle of yogurt or lemon juice.
3. Roti with Chicken or Egg Curry
Whole wheat roti served with a mild chicken curry or egg curry and a side of fresh salad.
I drink water at least 30 minutes after eating to help with digestion.
Afternoon Tea and Light Snack
By 4 PM, I start to feel tired, especially if I’ve had a busy day with errands or my son has been extra energetic. I sit down for a cup of tea—usually with milk—and a small snack.
Afternoon snack options include:
- A handful of mixed nuts
- Murmura (puffed rice) chaat with tomatoes, onions, and lemon
- Homemade besan ladoos or date energy balls
- One or two pieces of jaggery
This tea break gives me a few minutes to myself and helps me reset before the evening rush.
Light and Easy Dinner
I try to finish dinner by 7:30 PM. Heavy meals at night make me feel bloated and interfere with sleep. Since my son usually goes to bed around 9, an early dinner also gives me time to relax afterward.
My usual dinners look like this:
1. Khichdi with Ghee and Veggies
Simple moong dal khichdi cooked with carrots or spinach, topped with a teaspoon of ghee.
2. Vegetable Soup and Whole Grain Sandwich
A warm bowl of soup with carrots, peas, and capsicum, along with a sandwich made with whole wheat bread and egg or paneer filling.
3. Roti with Stir-Fried Vegetables
Roti with quick stir-fried seasonal veggies and a bowl of plain yogurt or buttermilk.
Sometimes, if I feel hungry after dinner, I have a small bowl of fruit or warm milk with turmeric.
Listening to My Body
What I eat in a day isn’t based on any strict diet. Instead, I focus on eating foods that make me feel good—energetic, light, and focused. I allow myself flexibility and listen to my hunger cues.
Some days I need more food, especially when I’ve had a rough night or a very active day with my son. Other days, I eat lighter. The goal is not perfection—it’s nourishment.
Habits That Help Me Stay Energetic
Over time, I’ve adopted small habits that make a big difference:
1. I eat regularly – Skipping meals used to make me moody and tired. Now I eat smaller meals throughout the day.
2. I stay hydrated – Drinking water helps with digestion and energy. I try to drink at least 7–8 glasses daily.
3. I include protein in every meal – Eggs, lentils, chicken, yogurt, and nuts keep me full and focused.
4. I avoid too much sugar – It gives a quick energy spike but then leads to a crash. I prefer fruits or jaggery.
5. I keep meals simple – I don’t chase trendy diets. I eat mostly homemade food that’s easy to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How do you manage cooking so many meals with a 5-year-old around?
I keep meals simple and plan ahead. I often cook extra dal, rice, or chicken to reuse in another meal. My son eats most of the same meals I eat, just with a few changes like less spice.
Q2. What do you do when you don’t have time to cook?
On busy days, I rely on quick meals like boiled eggs, khichdi, or a yogurt bowl. Sometimes, I prepare food the night before. Keeping a few basics ready in the fridge really helps.
Q3. Do you follow any specific diet like keto or intermittent fasting?
No, I don’t follow any strict diet. I eat based on how I feel. My goal is to stay strong and energetic, not to follow trends.
Q4. How do you avoid junk food cravings?
I don’t fully avoid them—I just try to eat small portions. I keep healthy snacks handy like nuts or roasted chana. Drinking water also helps reduce cravings.
Q5. What do you feed your son during meals?
Most of the time, he eats a smaller version of what I eat. I try to keep his meals colorful, soft, and slightly less spiced. He loves rice, dal, and boiled eggs.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of a young child requires more than love—it requires stamina. By focusing on balanced, homemade meals, I feel more in control of my energy, mood, and health. Eating well doesn’t mean fancy food—it means fueling your body with intention.
If you’re a mom constantly feeling tired, start small: drink more water, eat breakfast, and choose whole foods over processed ones. A little planning and mindfulness can go a long way in helping you stay strong, happy, and full of life for your little one.
