45: Exhausted to Energized: Real Nutrition Talk for Real Moms with Laura Lima

Episode Overview

Are you tired of feeling exhausted all the time as a mom? Wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again? This episode is your wake-up call! Join Kristen Parise as she chats with Laura Lima, a holistic nutritionist and soon-to-be mom of four, who's cracking the code on how busy moms can ditch the fatigue and reclaim their energy—without complicated meal plans or impossible routines.

Laura brings real-world wisdom from the trenches of motherhood, sharing practical strategies that actually work when you're sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and just trying to keep everyone fed (including yourself!). If you've ever eaten a protein bar for breakfast while standing in your kitchen, this conversation is for YOU.

What You'll Learn

The Energy-Boosting Essentials That Actually Matter:

• Why that water bottle needs to become your new best friend (and the simple trick to drink more)
• The power of protein and fat combinations that keep you satisfied for hours
• How to avoid the blood sugar roller coaster that's making you feel like garbage

Meal Prep Hacks for Real Life:

• The slow cooker strategy that will save your sanity
• Why boiled eggs in the fridge are a game-changer
• Laura's "anything goes" approach to the newborn phase (because perfectionism can take a hike!)

Breaking the Snack Attack Cycle:

• The truth about why you're craving sugar all day long
• How to eat three solid meals without feeling deprived
• The mindset shift that transforms your relationship with food

Staying Consistent When Life is Chaos:

• Laura's morning ritual that sets the tone for success
• The "future self" technique that stops bad decisions in their tracks
• Why asking "How do I want to feel when my head hits the pillow?" changes everything

Episode Highlights

From Spa Days to Mom Life Laura's journey from aesthetician to holistic nutritionist wasn't planned, but when her then-boyfriend (now husband) spotted an opportunity at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, she knew she'd found her calling. Now as a busy mom expecting her fourth baby, she's living proof that you can feel vibrant even in the thick of motherhood chaos.

The Water Bottle Revolution It sounds basic, but Laura's passionate about this: always have water with you. At your nursing station, in your car, on your nightstand. "When you bring your water with you, you will automatically drink more water," she explains. It's the foundation that makes everything else work.

The Almond Butter Nightstand Strategy Sometimes you need easy wins. Laura's honest about bringing a jar of almond butter and a spoon to her nightstand during the newborn phase. "That's a snack. That's just some extra booster protein that will help get me through the night." No judgment, just nourishment.

The Blood Sugar Truth Bomb "When we rely on things like bars... they just make our blood sugar spike. And when it goes up, it goes down fast. And when it goes down fast, we're feeling tired, lethargic, probably mood swingy." Laura breaks down why those convenient snacks are actually working against you.

The Cravings Mind Shift This is where it gets deep. Laura's approach to emotional eating isn't about willpower—it's about recognizing that "food will not actually make this better. I will not actually feel happier when I eat that food." It's a game-changing perspective that addresses the real root of cravings.

Episode Chapters

00:00-02:22: Laura's Origin Story - From spa life to nutrition passion 02:22-04:05: The Energy Crisis - Why new moms don't have to suffer 04:05-08:04: The Hydration Foundation - Water as your secret weapon
08:04-11:35: Smart Snacking Strategies - Protein and fat combinations that work 11:35-16:55: Blood Sugar Mastery - Three meals, better choices, lasting energy 16:55-21:29: Meal Prep Reality Check - Slow cookers, leftovers, and homemade dressings 21:29-24:42: The Snacking Spiral - How to break free from constant grazing 24:42-28:17: Craving Control - Physical vs emotional hunger 28:17-30:54: Consistency Secrets - Morning rituals and future-self thinking 30:54-32:32: Laura's Practice - Virtual support through the New Mama Nutrition Manual 32:32-35:28: Real Life Moments - Playroom disasters and lived-in houses 35:28-35:42: Theme Song - "Happy Together" by The Turtles

Laura's Top Tips for Busy Moms

1. Always carry water - If it's with you, you'll drink it
2. Stock boiled eggs - Perfect grab-and-go protein
3. Make extra dinner - Leftovers are your friend
4. Keep homemade salad dressing ready - You'll actually eat the salad
5. Add almond butter to everything - Yogurt, smoothies, fruit
6. Use your slow cooker - 20 minutes of prep = dinner done
7. Ask yourself: "How do I want to feel tonight?" - Let your future self guide your choices

Connect with Laura Lima

Instagram: @lauraannlima - Follow for real-life mom nutrition tips, behind-the-scenes motherhood moments, and practical recipes

Online Course: New Mama Nutrition Manual - Get all of Laura's strategies in one comprehensive program at newmamanation.com/courses

Website: newmamanation.com

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Laura's Theme Song

"Happy Together" by The Turtles - Because as Laura says, "As long as we're together, whatever we do, it's gonna be fun today." Family first, always.

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This episode is a must-listen for any mom who's tired of feeling tired. Laura's approach is refreshingly honest, beautifully practical, and proof that small changes can create massive shifts in how you feel every single day.