Feel like you’re running on fumes? You’re not alone. As a newly postpartum mom of three, this episode could not have come at a better time—and I know it’ll meet you where you are too. I invited functional nutritionist Kim Perez of Root and Branch Nutrition to walk us through why mom entrepreneurs are especially prone to exhaustion and how to reclaim our energy without adding more to our plate.
We dig into the physiological side of burnout and Kim shares incredibly actionable steps to support your energy, nourish your body, and show up with more focus, presence, and joy.
Listen to this episode now:
Search for episode 150 of Called to Both on your favorite podcast player!
Why Exhaustion Isn’t Just About Sleep
Yes, sleep matters, but many women are still dragging through their days even after logging a decent number of hours. That’s because exhaustion has more to do with how we fuel, hydrate, and support our bodies than we often realize.
The Hidden Energy Drains You Didn’t Know About
1. Under Eating and Under Fueling
Chronic under eating is shockingly common among moms, even those who don’t think they’re restricting food. Whether it’s skipping meals due to a packed schedule or internalized diet culture that glorifies 1200-calorie days, the result is the same: your metabolism slows, your focus fades, and your energy tanks.
Kim reminds us that nourishment is not just about calories—it’s about giving your body the nutrients it needs to think clearly, feel balanced, and sustain energy throughout the day.
2. Blood Sugar Crashes
If you’ve ever hit that 3 PM wall or gone from focused to frazzled in minutes, you might be on a blood sugar roller coaster. Starting your day with nothing but coffee or a sugary snack sets you up for a spike-and-crash cycle that wreaks havoc on your energy, your mood, and even your creativity.
Kim’s simple fix? Balanced meals (carbs + protein + fats) and eating consistently every 3–4 hours to keep blood sugar—and energy—stable.
3. Dehydration and Mineral Deficiency
You may be drinking plenty of water, but if you’re not getting electrolytes or mineral-rich foods, your cells aren’t actually hydrating. That’s why Kim suggests adding sea salt or trace minerals to your water and focusing on foods high in magnesium, potassium, and sodium—especially if you’re breastfeeding, sweating, or running on caffeine.
4. Long-Term Mineral Depletion
This is the part that really hit home: our bodies store minerals in our tissues. And with every pregnancy, postpartum season, and stressful launch, we deplete more of those reserves. Without replenishment, our bodies enter “low power mode,” prioritizing only what’s necessary for survival—and leaving us foggy, flat, and fatigued.
Small Shifts with Big Impact: Nourishment Hacks for Busy Moms
The beauty of Kim’s approach is that it’s not about perfection. It’s about real, realistic adjustments that help you feel human again—without a 30-step wellness routine.
Start Here:
- Eat within one hour of waking: A real breakfast, not just coffee. Your body needs fuel to regulate energy and mood.
- Drink mineral-rich water: Add sea salt or use coconut water for natural electrolytes.
- Batch prep snacks: Think oat bites, hard-boiled eggs, or trail mix you can eat one-handed during a meeting or school run.
- Have fallback meals: Kim suggests keeping protein staples on hand—rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, frozen burgers—for when energy is low.
- Use calendar and phone reminders: Schedule meals and breaks just like meetings. Your body deserves to be on your to-do list.
Mindset Shift: You Deserve to Be Nourished Now
One of the most powerful messages in this episode is that nourishment isn’t something you earn by finishing your to-do list. It’s a baseline requirement. It supports every part of who you are and what you do—from how you parent to how you show up in your business.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just off your game, it might not be a mindset issue. It might be a mineral issue, a nutrition issue, or a hydration issue.
And the best part? These things are fixable—gently, gradually, and in ways that actually work for your life.
Find It Quickly
19:45 – Nourishment Hacks for Busy Moms
2:44 – Kim Perez on Energy and Burnout
4:05 – Understanding the Impact of Fatigue
7:26 – Four Overlooked Energy Drains
Connect With the Guest
instagram.com/rootandbranchnutrition
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