September is here as is the fall in Canada. Our children are returning to school, our own vacations are over and so our busy schedules begin again.
Life can get hectic at this time of year. If you are someone who is trying to eat well and engage your family in a healthy lifestyle, this time of year can seem very stressful. Kids are back to school, have homework, extra curricular activities in the evenings and of course birthday parties and sleep overs. So, how do you as a busy parent ensure your family is still engaging in healthy habits? Here are 5 ways to maintain your healthy lifestyle for you and your family while ensuring everyone is happy and healthy.
- Plan ahead. I can’t stress this enough. Planning ahead can take so much stress out of your day if you already have plans for a busy evening. If it is healthy eating you are trying to achieve, then plan for it with a finger food meal that is healthy but also tastes good. If you are at one of your child’s ball games or other events, planning ahead with healthy snacks might just save your day, as your children will have healthy snacks rather than be full of sugar and salt.
- Don’t stress about it. If you have the odd day where things are just crazy and you slip up on your healthy lifestyle habit by purchasing fast food for dinner, don’t stress over it. It is okay to allow yourself to flounder from time to time. Go back to #1 for the next busy day and just move forward.
- Engage others. Ever thought about engaging your family in the planning, cooking or activities that you are interested in? If not, then try it! You might be surprised by how eager your children or partner might be to join you in cooking a yummy supper or going for an evening walk around the neighbourhood. Taking your child to a birthday party? Let your child enjoy a piece of cake, but maybe also have your child help prepare a veggie and fruit tray to take to share with others. Kids love when they get to have something from anyone so even if it is fruit, your child might be surprised how much the other kids will love it.
- Take the dog for a walk together. Does your family have a dog or know someone who has one? Likely one of these scenarios is true. So why not take a family stroll after dinner on the evenings that you do not have kids sports or other events? Going for a walk or even bike ride as a family with a puppy will certainly have your kids excited (likely more than a walk with just you lol). Take your dog or borrow your neighbours dog and encourage your kids to learn how to care for an animal and get some unconditional love that dogs love to give! Not only are your kids having fun, but your own healthy lifestyle needs are being met too!
- Make sure life is enjoyable. Life may be busy but that does not mean that it can’t be enjoyable. Think outside the box if needed to get your fitness in and find fun ways to eat healthy foods. Making your goals enjoyable can certainly make them more attainable and make you feel that your goals are being accomplished even on those crazy busy days. Remember that even a busy day can be a fun day!
If you are facing the fall with increased activities and kids events and worried about how you will maintain your healthy lifestyle, don’t stress. Just remember there are ways to take care of yourself and ensure your healthy living goals are being met too.
Written by: Barb Schutz
Picture from Microsoft Stock Images
www.twinlifecoaching.ca info@twinlifecoaching.ca
