"I have been working out and eating healthy - but I struggle on weekends when my kids are around. More food lying around, less opportunity to exercise and so much more stress and demands. In short - I forget about taking care of me, and slip back into old habits. How do I survive a whole summer and stay on track?"
Great question! Congratulations on those great lifestyle changes - and you CAN keep them up - no matter what the summer throws at you! This is something that I struggle with as well, so here are some tips that I put into action to help keep myself in line.
Schedule, schedule, schedule! Have a plan - on paper if necessary - of what, when, where you will be eating each day. Don't get caught out at the park with no snack, leaving you hungry and more likely to grab an unhealthy choice when you get home. If you plan the day around your meals, both you and the children will welcome the familiar routine and it will make it easier to relax and enjoy the day.
Think fruit and veggie trays, not Goldfish and potato chips. If you put it out, they will eat it. Trust me. Put out a platter of fruits/veggies - make a healthy dip (hummus, yogourt etc...) and it will get eaten if they are hungry and expect it. If it helps, leave processed food at the grocery store. If the kids ask for it, tell them that you will need to drive to the store with them. Often this is enough to discourage them, no one hates shopping more than kids in the summertime. In that vein, other foods (such as baked goods, fries, etc..) if you want them - make them at home, as a family! Then the children get an idea of what goes into their food, you get a nice activity to kill some time in the a/c during a hot afternoon, plus - nobody will want to do this every day, so they will remain as fun treats.
Get moving - together! Walk, cycle, skateboard, rollerblade - power yourself to as many destinations as possible - try new parks that are just out of your normal zone, walk to the grocery store, library, etc... Don't just watch your children play, let yourself play! Street hockey, running through the sprinkler, the possibilities are endless. Make a day trip to a local conservation area and explore.
Schedule in some "me" time! An absolute must to keep you all sane. Put aside some time during your day to just be you and not be in "super Mummy" mode. Before or after the kids go to bed, or if you have kids that will allow it, during the day. Read, do your hair, watch a show, surf the new, do a short yoga video, anything that helps you unwind.
Live in the moment. Try to experience every minute, the good and the bad. Then let it go and don;t let it derail your day.
Most of all - remember that YOU are your child's biggest role model. Use that as motivation to make healthy, balanced choices this summer. Live your life as you wish for them to lead theirs. They'll thank you for it. One day.
Find Your CORE!
