5 weight loss tips for busy mums

Got a newborn or little ones to look after? With nappies to change, endless laundry, and everything else that comes with being a mum, it's easy for healthy habits to take a backseat.

Fortunately, living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming, and the WW programme is a testament to that with easy-to-use trackers, a barcode scanner, 3-minute meditations, 5-minute audio coaching and plenty of bite-size content in the WW app.

Need some help getting started with healthy habits? We've got your back with these 5 tips:

When life gets busy, it's tempting to just grab something from the fridge or throw something in the oven. Meal prep can help - and with lots of recipe inspiration in the WW app, including a handy meal planner, it doesn't have to take long. Start by devising a weekly meal plan, then once you’ve built up to three or four weeks, combine them into a monthly menu to make your future planning even easier.

Remember, while breastfeeding, your body needs extra nutrients and energy, so it's normal to feel hungrier and you will need to eat more than usual. Find out how many Points to add to your daily Budget when nursing.

Once you've got a plan in place, make a shopping list for your weekly supermarket trip - and stick to it! This can help avoid the temptation of treats as you walk past the bakery or when you're queuing for the till. Or, avoid temptation at the supermarket altogether by ordering your weekly shop online.

Being a mum is tiring, and early starts and interrupted sleep can make it difficult to maintain your energy levels. If keeping regular mealtimes is proving too hard, try to keep a supply of healthy snacks which you can grab when you’re hungry. Chopped fresh fruit, a small tin of canned tuna, or plain fat-free yoghurt can help tide you over until you have some time and energy to make a proper meal for yourself. Try to avoid sugary snacks which can lead to a quick energy hit followed by a slump which can leave you feeling even more depleted.

Batch cooking can be a great time saver. Think of the meals you prepare in bulk (and then freeze) as your personal ready meals – they're healthy, often work out cheaper and can serve the whole family. Get started with these 6 brilliant batch cooking recipes, from casserole to lasagne. When planning and prepping your meals, try to choose foods that are nutrient-dense like leafy green veggies and wholegrains like brown rice. This will help meet your daily vitamin and mineral requirements, and top up your energy levels during this new phase of your life.

If your children are picky eaters, it can be tempting to simply eat what they’re having for ease, rather than cook up two separate meals. However, there are always ways to combine the healthy choices you’re making for yourself whilst feeding the family as well. For example, a homemade tomato sauce will have a fraction of the sugar found in pre-made jars and it gives you the option to add extra veg. Swap the beef for a lighter turkey mince and chances are the kids won’t even notice the change in their bolognese!