Raising Healthy Mothers

Tasha D'Cruz
Raising Healthy Mothers

Raising Healthy Mothers is a podcast for mothers, whether you're pregnant, just given birth, or are two years postpartum. If you’re looking for a natural, calm, healthy start to motherhood and you’re after some inspiration to help you get started, then you’re in the right place. I believe the first 1000 days of motherhood - from conception to 2 years postpartum - is vitally important to get right from a health point of view. But it's so easy to get overwhelmed! This podcast is about feeling supported and crafting your very own village so you can embrace motherhood with confidence and joy. Each week I focus on a topic that I think is important for a mothers’ health and wellbeing, and I’ll be bringing guest experts on to talk about how they support new mothers.

  1. NOV 20

    {12.12} Stress-Free Dinners When You’re Running on Empty

    Dinnertime – full of overwhelm and decision making.   The problem is, it's never going to go away. So you might as well find a system that will make it as efficient and tasty as possible within a short period.   In this episode, I’m sharing the secret to stress-free dinners when life feels chaotic – that doesn't involve spending hours cooking elaborate meals with the clearup that entails.   I’m sharing how meal planning saved me during a hectic week, bust some common myths about meal planning, and share three simple tips to make getting dinner on the table easier, even when you’re running on empty.   Plus, I’ll introduce you to my new meal planning resource that i'm very excited to share with other busy mums like me. The guide is packed with flexible ideas, meal templates, and time-saving tips to take the stress out of dinnertime.   In the episode I talk about: Why meal planning doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. Three quick tips for making dinners easier tonight. How flexible meal planning can help reduce overwhelm. This is the episode you need if you're ready to simplify meals, take the decision-making out of the equation and find more time for spending quality time with your family.   To join the waitlist and get the early bird discount join before Tuesday 26 November 2024 at tashadcruz.com/waitlist Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz. Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    25 min
  2. NOV 6

    {12.10} Why I Hate 'Family-Friendly' Meals

    Have you ever felt like “family-friendly” meals are anything but friendly for your family? In this episode, I dig into the pressure mums face around feeding kids, especially when typical family foods don’t fit with our reality. I’m sharing my journey of navigating picky eaters and the myth of “ideal” meals.   We’ll cover: What “family-friendly” means and why I struggle with it Why it’s easy to feel like you're doing it wrong if you don't follow family friendly meals How I’ve swapped perfection for flexibility, creating meal templates that actually work for us A sneak peek into my new meal planning guide, built to help you create healthy, adaptable meals without the stress So if you’re tired of feeling like family meals don’t reflect your family, this is the episode for you. Let’s make mealtime feel less like a battle and more like time well-spent, without guilt or frustration. And don’t forget to join the waitlist for my upcoming Meal Planning Guide if you’re ready for a fresh approach to family meals that works with your family’s context, not against them.   Sign up for the waitlist to be the first to know when the Guide is ready to buy: tashadcruz.com/waitlist   If you can't wait, download my free Hassle-free Template Meals Guide: tashadcruz.com/template Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz.   Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    24 min
  3. OCT 30

    {12.9} Using Instagram to Build Freedom in Motherhood with Kimberly Espinel of The Little Plantation

    This week on Raising Healthy Mothers, I talk to Kimberly Espinel, an award-winning food photographer, best selling author, Instagram influencer and podcaster.   It's no exaggeration to say Kimberly is one of the most influential food content creators on Instagram in the UK. But when she started out over 10 years ago, she was a mum of a young boy, completely unenthusiastic about returning to her previous 9 to 5 job that had her barely spending anytime with her son.   Craving the freedom to spend motherhood on her own terms, she spent the next few years re-training and building new skills and ultimately created an incredible business that has taken her down unexpected avenues.   So I invited her on to the podcast to talk about building her business and how she fits it into family life, and the lessons she has learnt along the way.   In the episode we discuss... How Instagram has evolved over the years and how Kimberly has levereged it The opportunities that running your own business through Instagram can afford the can come unexpectedly The hustle needed to build your own business in the early days, and the rewards you get out of it How to use Instagram as a service provider (like me!) Top tips for a mum thinking about starting a creative business but not sure where to start This was an enriching conversation – very realistic on the intense effort needed to build a business, and yet incredibly encouraging when seen on the backdrop of the life of freedom she has built while working on something she became passionate about quite by accident.   Resources mentioned: Kimberly's Books: How to Make Your Food Famous | Creative Food Photography Free cheat sheet: 6 Essential Free Tools for Instagram   Find Kimberly: Instagram - @thelittleplantation | Podcast - Eat Capture Share | Website - The Little Plantation   Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz.   Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    40 min
  4. OCT 22

    {12.8} The Empowered Menopause: Talking HRT, Perimenopause and Nutrition with Keris Marsden, Nutritional Therapist

    This week I welcome Keris Marsden onto the show. Keris is a nutritional therapist, personal trainer and yoga teacher and she is probably the person that completely inspired my journey to becoming a nutritional therapist.   I invited Keris on to talk about perimenopause after she experienced early menopause in her late 30s and went on a journey of discovery around her health and wellbeing to uncover the best way to manage her symptoms so she could thrive instead of just surviving.   In this episode we discuss... What perimenopause is and what else it can be confused for The role of nutrition and lifestyle in improving symptoms of perimenopause and menopause HRT and body identical hormones – and how to know whether you need it The essential health practitioners that can support a healthy menopause The Empowered Menopause Hub - how Keris has taken her experience and knowledge to build the ultimate guide through your menopause This was one of those discussions that could have gone on for 3 hours if we'd been able to! I have admired Keris's practical approach for years and feel so honoured to have finally had a chance to have her on the show.   I have had a sneak peek into the Empowered Menopause Hub and it's incredibly comprehensive so if you're ready to learn how to thrive through your menopause, then I highly recommend joining.   Resources mentioned: Newson Clinic Aura App for meditation Spiced Pear Health Find Keris: The Empowered Menopause Hub (affiliate link) Instagram | Facebook | Website | Fitter Food Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    1h 2m
  5. OCT 15

    {12.7} How to Feed a Fussy Toddler and a Hungry Baby

    Today I answer a question from a mum who feels guilty that her younger baby is not getting a good exposure and variety to food at mealtimes because of her toddler's fussy eating. I totally sympathise, because this is exactly the experience I'm having with my younger child. I offer some tips to help expand her toddler's exposure to food in a safe and fun way, as well as suggesting ways to maintain a good variety of food for the baby without having to spend much more time cooking multiple meals. I discuss: The positives of a child eating well at a a childcare or school setting, even when they don't at home How to maintain a family-style way of eating, without over-catering for a fussy child Collaborating with fussy eaters on planning meals for the week Introducing fun and play into mealtimes How to maintain a positive, pressure-free environment around food at home. As a mum of a fussy eater myself, I know exactly how frustrating and stressful it can be when it feels your child just won't eat anything. It's why my How to Feed a Fussy Toddler workshop focuses on creating calm mealtimes, that will help reduce the stress for you and encourage curiosity in your child. To learn more and get instant access to this workshop, click here. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz.  Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    21 min
  6. OCT 8

    {12.6} How to Support Loved Ones Recover from an Eating Disorder with Deirdre Reddan of SupportED Families

    TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode of Raising Healthy Mothers we discuss eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. This may be upsetting or triggering for you if this is in your or your family's recent history. If you are not ready to listen to a discussion on eating disorders then please do not listen to this episode.   What do you do as a parent when your child stops eating in the way you have come to expect? What do you do if you suspect an eating disorder but your child won't talk to you? And what about if you struggle with your own body as a mother and start changing your attitude and behaviour around food?   As a nutritional therapist I have noticed a recent surge in disordered eating patterns in my clients, whether in their past or recent history. This is outside my expertise, but I wanted to understand more about eating disorders and so I invited Deirdre Reddan onto the show to talk about supporting loved ones through eating disorders.   We discussed... The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating Eating disorders as an illness rather than a choice How to spot the early signs that a loved one may be struggling with food Recovering from eating disorders and how it happens How to get support for disordered eating patterns The central role parents play in their child's recovery The risk of developing eating disorders in motherhood and how to get support. In many ways this was a difficult topic to discuss, but much needed. It's a topic that is not talked about as often as it should given the statistics on occurrence, and so I hope recording this episode will help to remove the shame and taboo around it, as well as bring awareness and – most importantly – hope to those struggling, whether themselves or their loved ones.   If you are in the UK and would like any immediately help with any of the topics discussed on this episode, please contact your GP or call Mind, Samaritans, SANEline or CALM. In an emergency, please call 999.   Find Deirdre: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    40 min
  7. OCT 1

    {12.5} When Gentle Parenting Is Far From Gentle on Mums: My Honest Experience

    In today's episode, I bare my soul on my experience on gentle parenting after nearly six years of being a mum. I explore the wonderful aspects of this approach but also the immense pressure it can place on mums.   I discuss... The core principles of gentle parenting that drew me in the first place The one mind-blowing fact about brain development that changed my whole perspective on behaviour The unrealistic expectations gentle parenting can create for mothers and the pressures from social media and parenting groups What it truly means to set boundaries in a gentle framework The struggle of balancing your own needs with your child's Why self-compassion is important   Gentle parenting is never about perfection, despite what social media tells you. At the end of the day, it's about maintaining connection and remembering that no matter what happens you are always doing your best as a mother. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

    17 min

About

Raising Healthy Mothers is a podcast for mothers, whether you're pregnant, just given birth, or are two years postpartum. If you’re looking for a natural, calm, healthy start to motherhood and you’re after some inspiration to help you get started, then you’re in the right place. I believe the first 1000 days of motherhood - from conception to 2 years postpartum - is vitally important to get right from a health point of view. But it's so easy to get overwhelmed! This podcast is about feeling supported and crafting your very own village so you can embrace motherhood with confidence and joy. Each week I focus on a topic that I think is important for a mothers’ health and wellbeing, and I’ll be bringing guest experts on to talk about how they support new mothers.

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