From holding children to holding down a job, no one experiences the stresses caused by constrained time and energy like a modern  mother. And, as if caring for family isn’t burden (and joy) enough, you’re also supposed to eat properly and stay in shape. Right?

It’s a difficult expectation to meet, but one diet and fitness pros say is essential to the wellbeing of mothers everywhere. We collated  their ideas into the following tips for busy Super Moms.

EAT WELL
Keep it simple. That’s the first piece of advice from nutritionist Lynn Grieger, also a columnist at iVillage.com and the mother of two teenaged boys. Try to cook at least dinner at home. It doesn’t have to be a big production. Cook a simple, balanced meal and make it a rule in the house that this is dinner and everyone’s expected to eat it.

Be aware of quantity
Your metabolism doesn’t run with the same crazy energy as that of kids. Limit your carbohydrates tocondiment size and fill up on fiber-rich green vegetables instead.

Eat breakfast
Ensure you eat the greatest amount of protein and carbs in the morning so you burn them off the rest of the day.

Don’t eat your kids’ food
Children of pre-school age frequently eat only part of their meal. Resist the temptation to eat their leftovers, especially on top of your own serving.

Don’t skip meals
You’re more likely to overeat and/or go through a drive-thru when hunger strikes.

Pack healthy snacks
Grab high-protein snacks or a whey protein drink as you race through your day. It’s a pick-me-up or, in a snap, it’s a [meal] replacement.

Exercise well
Incorporating your children into your exercise routine and being aware of opportunities to exercise around their schedule are the keys to staying fit as a mom. Some high schools allow you to workout in the weight room while the kids are doing their activities. It’s better than being stressed out in traffic.

Be inventive
Small children fit into strollers, backpacks and baby joggers. Older children can join you in aerobics,spinning, and other group workouts at the local gym.

Hire a personal trainer
Develop a repertoire of at-home workouts based on different durations and intensities. You can choose the right workout depending on your mood and time limit.

Learn isometrics
There are exercises for your abs and glutes that you can do while driving.

Group up
Form a babysitting co-operative with other mothers for support and motivation.

Don’t let dad off the hook
Enlist the help of your spouse. If you have one, use him, even if it’s just for half an hour a couple of times a week.

Bottom line: You’re important, too.