This article about easy ways to diet for the time-poor mum was last updated in 2024.
With the amount of weight loss options and ideas available today, dieting can be complex. It can also be time-consuming, which is the reason why many mums find it hard to succeed.
They simply DON’T HAVE TIME.
Yet, if you cut through the crap of recipe programs and laborious calorie recording apps, there are some really easy ways to lose weight, which work alongside your busy life.
Our list of five easy ways to diet for the time-poor mum talks you through long-term weight loss, without the time-wasting.
8 Easy ways to diet for the time poor mum
1. Food delivery services
For mums who lack time to cook or prepare delicious, healthy meals, food delivery is the answer. With the click of a button, you can have your next week’s groceries on their way to your doorstep without leaving the house… and not just any old groceries, but meal plans crafted by nutritionists and chefs.
Even if you love cooking and find it relaxing, who has the time or energy after a long day at work and running after the kids?
Meal kit delivery services take the guesswork and labour out of meal preparation so you can have more time for the things that matter most whilst shedding weight.
There are lots of food delivery services to choose from that will deliver Australia-wide. We love Weightwatchers which lets you customise meals around your lifestyle and preferences. You can start with familiar recipes (but healthier) to help you stick with a routine.
Ease of dieting: 5/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: As low as $4 per meal
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: One of the simplest ways to lose weight and save time, you get to eat familiar foods with a healthy twist
Your chance of success and why: 4/5. You need a certain level of commitment to healthy eating in order to succeed.
2. Meal replacement shakes
Meal replacement shakes are shakes that replace one meal or more each day, helping you save both calories and cooking time. Perfect for the busy mum, right?
Meal replacement shakes do work when used in conjunction with healthy eating plans and exercise. But the results are not instantaneous (surprise, surprise); you still have to put in the time.
Originally designed for hospital patients, meal replacement shakes are now one of the most popular diets. A shake typically contains multivitamins, macronutrients, milk, sugar, soy protein, inulin and different flavourings. They are designed by nutritionists to be balanced and portion-controlled to help you reduce overall calorie intake. Because they’re high in protein and fibre, you feel fuller for longer.
We’ve reviewed some popular shakes here, and one standout is The Lady Shake, a meal replacement shake specifically designed for women. We love the fact that it has up to 84% less sugar than other meal replacement shakes.
Ease of dieting: 4/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Starts from $1-2 per shake
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: Drink a yummy shake to lose weight and save time on meal prep.
Your chance of success and why: 4/5. Drinking your calories instead of eating them can take some getting used to.
3. Weight loss tablets
The worldwide obesity epidemic is alarming, to say the least, and it’s no wonder many mums are turning to fad diets and desperate solutions. If only there were a pill to make us all magically thinner … oh wait, there is.
Weight loss tablets promise the world … pop a pill or two each day and watch the fat melt away. You know what they say: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But what’s the real deal?
Weight loss tablets are usually designed to be taken in conjunction with low-calorie meal plans and regular exercise. Taking these pills while eating normally and ignoring exercise just won’t work. When you read the fine print, you’ll find that success stories involve more than just taking brand X and include diet changes and increased activity.
If you’re still keen on weight loss tablets after reading that, we recommend something that is at least regulated and made from all-natural ingredients. Thinco’s Yummy Mummy Pack has everything you need to get back on track with your health. If you follow the plan religiously and take the pills as directed, you’ll save calories every day and won’t have to prepare a complicated diet meal for yourself.
Ease of dieting: 3/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Anywhere from $20/bottle to $250+ for bundles
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: You take diet pills, in conjunction with low-calorie meals and exercise, to lose weight.
Your chance of success and why: 3/5. If you have a hard time sticking to low-calorie diets, it can be difficult to lose weight with any diet pill.
Easy ways to lose weight (cont.)
4. Weight loss accelerators
For busy single mums juggling multiple responsibilities, weight loss can feel like an uphill battle. Well, weight loss accelerators speed up the process. These tools, ranging from supplements to workout programs, aim to boost metabolism, curb cravings, and enhance fat burning. They can provide that extra push needed to see results amidst Mum’s hectic schedule.
These easy ways to diet come in various forms, all aiming to give your weight loss efforts a boost. Think of them as little helpers that speed up your metabolism crush those cravings, and help burn fat faster. You've got your metabolism-boosting supplements filled with natural ingredients like green tea extract or caffeine, giving you that extra kick to burn calories. Then there are meal replacement shakes or bars, perfect for busy days when cooking seems impossible. They're packed with nutrients and keep your calorie intake in check.
The X50 Green Tea is perfect if you have just started your weight loss journey. It cleanses the body and boosts metabolism. We love that each pack comes with free access to an Accelerated Weight Loss Program (AWLP), which offers helpful lifestyle tips, meal plans, and easy recipes.
Ease of dieting: 4/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Anywhere from $23/pack to $120+ for bundles
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: It's easy to make and can be taken on the go.
Your chance of success and why: 3.5/5. You'll probably be hungry most of the time because of the boosted metabolism so you have to curb cravings often.
5. Water with a difference
You might not know this, but sparkling water is one of the most affordable but easy ways to diet. It's a zero-calorie beverage, so it is an excellent alternative to sugary sodas and juices that can contribute to weight gain. By replacing high-calorie drinks with sparkling water, you can reduce your overall calorie intake.
Sparkling water can help with satiety - the feeling of fullness. The carbonation in sparkling water can create a sensation of fullness in the stomach, which may help curb appetite and prevent overeating. Drinking sparkling water before or during meals can help you feel satisfied with smaller portions. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can support weight loss by promoting proper digestion and metabolism. Since sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water, it can help keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. This reduces the urge to snack on high-calorie foods.
The Sparkling Protein Water from Muscle Nation is our favourite. Not only does it have zero calories, but it is also free from dairy and sugar. Plus, it comes in yummy, refreshing flavours!
Ease of dieting: 4.5/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Starts at $69.99/12-pack
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: It makes you full right away while keeping you hydrated and providing your protein requirement.
Your chance of success and why: 4/5 Sparkling water alone won't magically melt away pounds. You need to incorporate it into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
6. Protein powders and supplements
We know how essential protein is for supporting muscle health and keeping hunger at bay during busy days. Protein powders and supplements are convenient products that offer a quick and easy way to boost protein intake.
Protein supplements can help single mums meet their daily protein needs without spending hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals. You can easily add a scoop to your smoothies, mix it into oatmeal, or even bake protein-packed treats (with less guilt!).
Even the busiest mummy can blend a protein shake in minutes for a nutritious on-the-go breakfast or snack. With options ranging from whey to plant-based protein powders like those from Supplement Mart, there's something to suit every dietary preference, lifestyle, and, most importantly, budget. By incorporating protein powders and supplements into their diet, busy single mums can stay fueled, satisfied, and one step closer to reaching their health and fitness goals amidst their hectic schedules.
Ease of dieting: 3/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Starts at $2.99 (1 serving) to $139.99 (40 servings)
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: These supplements offer versatility and flexibility, especially for busy mums.
Your chance of success and why: 4/5 Although protein supplements are very filling, consuming too much might cause bloating, so only take the recommended serving.
7. Fasting
Fasting or intermittent fasting is a popular diet for a reason. It is a way of eating where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Instead of focusing on what you eat, it's more about when you eat. There’s no meal prep involved, no buying shakes or weight loss tablets; you’re just reducing your calorie intake by not eating during certain hours of the day. For example, you might eat only during an 8-hour window each day and fast for the remaining 16 hours. This approach can help control calorie intake and improve metabolism.
What could be simpler, especially for time-poor mums?
There’s the 16:8 diet, the 5:2 diet, and the 24-hour fast. With the 5:2 Diet or the Fast Diet, you eat normally five days of the week while restricting calories to 500-600 per day on the other two days. No special foods are required, just restrictions on when you can eat.
Most people lose weight on this diet because they consume fewer calories and are less likely to have a big meal before bedtime. But like any lifestyle change, jumping into a new diet that significantly reduces calories even for just two days can throw your body for a loop and cause hunger pangs, fatigue, dizziness and irritability.
Ease of dieting: 4/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: $0
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: Cheap way to lose weight and great time-saver, if you stick to the schedule.
Your chance of success and why: 4/5. Drastically reducing calorie intake can cause some side effects and might lead to overeating on non-fast days.
8. Healthy eating and exercise
Last (but definitely not least) on our list of easy ways to diet - healthy eating and exercise.
Good old healthy eating coupled with increased physical activity is the most sustainable diet for most people and the lifestyle approved by health practitioners.
This can be as easy as eating three healthy meals a day, ensuring you include a good mix of food groups. For easy calorie counting, try a diet meal program that does it all for you. Stick to healthy snacking, limited alcohol and plenty of water. Add to this regular exercise to get your endorphins and heart pumping.
Anything that is sustainable for your lifestyle will yield the most successful results that will last for the longest period of time.
Ease of dieting: 4/5
Cost to do this easy weight loss idea: Cost of your usual meal
Our favourite thing about this easy way to diet: Very sustainable if you are committed.
Your chance of success and why: 4/5. Success depends on your mindset/habits, commitment level and current lifestyle.
Summary: 8 Easy ways to diet for the time poor mum
For single mums juggling a million tasks, finding time to focus on their own health can feel like mission impossible. They are often stretched thin between work, household chores, and taking care of their children. Finding time to plan and prepare healthy meals is also a major challenge, and that leaves little room for self-care activities like exercise.
Budget constraints can also make it difficult for single mothers to afford nutritious food options. Healthy foods are often more expensive than processed or convenience foods, so we can’t blame them if they opt for cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. You may or may not be aware of this, but the stress associated with being a single parent can sometimes lead to emotional eating. Turning to food for comfort can sabotage weight loss efforts and start a cycle of unhealthy eating habits.
We hear you, Mama.
But do you know? Despite these challenges, many single mums find ways to overcome obstacles and make positive changes to their health. With determination, it's possible for single mothers to achieve their health and wellness goals while balancing the demands of solo parenting. Our list of easy ways to diet will help you kickstart your journey to a healthier you without adding extra stress to your plate (and your wallet!).
