The kids are going to back to school, summer is over and it is time to get back on track! Along with the new school year comes the challenge of new schedules, different time demands and the need to set new routines. The new school year always poses a challenge to us to either make or keep our health a top priority. With a little planning, you can make sure that you and your family’s health comes first! Here are a few tips to help you own the new year!
Master Calendar: The first tip is to create a master calendar and post it where the family can check it regularly. List everything… practices and games, parent meetings, dentist appointments, vet appointments, school programs and work related events. Anything and everything that you know about in advance should make the calendar. This will help the whole family plan accordingly so things like rides, homework time, workout time and healthy meals won’t get sacrificed due to a lack of planning! A weekly family meeting to go over the calendar for the upcoming week is a great idea to go over changes or potential trouble spots or highlights for the upcoming week.
Pre-Prepare: One of the easiest ways to combat the “I’m too tired to cook, let’s order in a pizza” syndrome, is to do some meal preparations ahead of time. Set aside some time before the busy week begins and pre-make meals, snacks and lunches so healthy eating is easy. I love Sunday afternoons at my house. I usually make a batch of organic brown rice, chicken breasts and boil up some organic eggs so I know I have a few options for my late nights. I take a lunch every day to work, so I will pre-package snacks like strawberries, carrots, snap peas and pears. That way when I go to pack up lunch in the morning, I simply need to reach for a baggie of the snacks of choice and I’m good to go! Another quick tip: Ziplock steamer bags! These are a lifesaver for busy folks! You can create steamed veggies in about 2 minutes and can steam up your protein of choice in 2-7 minutes. Chicken, steak and seafood can all be steamed and seasoned in one bag. Delicious home cooked meal in 10 minutes…it’s a no brainer and a must have!
Set Up for Success: Whether you are trying to set up a new exercise routine or trying to stick to a current one, the key to success is adherence. And the key to adherence is accessibility. Nothing is more accessible than having the equipment you need in your own home. Make sure that you have some basic equipment at the home front that will allow you and your family to get in a workout no matter what the crazy school year schedule throws at you. There are tons of home exercise equipment options that can meet virtually any budget. They key is to find a piece or pieces that everyone can use and that will allow for variation to your work out. Equipment for resistance training as well as cardio will set you up nicely in making health a top priority! Get the biggest bang for your buck by purchasing quality equipment from a reputable dealer that will not only help you select what best fits your needs, but that also provides service. Lastly, look for equipment that allows for a lot of variation and that will grow with you!
