As a work-at-home mom, having two websites to run, but more importantly two beautiful girls to take care of (including a great hubby and home) it’s not always easy to be healthy. I’ll be the first to admit often times it’s easier to pull up to the drive-thru window than it is to pack a lunch or drive all the way home to fix a healthier option meal. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not important to me, or that it’s not something I am continuously trying to get better at. I have the healthy vs. busy conflict, does this sound like you too?
Check out my most recent interview with Bobby Demuro here: Interview on Feb 25th. (It was too big to put on here, sorry!) Bobby is the Founder of FusionSouth, and also the Founder and Executive Director of NoFizz Charlotte. Among those jobs he also hosts a radio show on RadioExiles.com called the 7 Day Challenge. I had a great time talking about my struggles being a mom, but also my accomplishments and efforts at being healthy too!
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that have helped me are pretty simple, but you may not think about in your day-to-day. Hope they assist you on your road to health and please feel free to comment with your own tips, Lord knows I need as many as I can get!
1. Pack a meal, and definitely snacks beforehand. Like I said, not always the easiest thing to do, but often times it’s cheaper and always much healthier than fast food. Preparing even the night before can even help you get out the door faster and have more time for play or errands that you’re running that day.
2. If you must go fast food be wise. I don’t know if I ever really “HAVE” to go with fast food, but sometimes it feels like a last ditch effort. So, being a little health conscious, I try to at least keep baked chips or SunChips in the car to snack on as a healthy alternative to fries, and when there are healthier menu options we always opt for fruit and white milk. I do wish however that more fast food restaurants offered grilled chicken on their kids menus or better “main food” options.
3. Make a Meal Plan. Let your kids get in on this one, have them choose which veggie you’ll be having each night that week and be sure to get them involved in the cooking process, the more involved they are with choices and preparation the more likely they are to at least try the food. Plus, meal plans make shopping trips faster instead of having to think about what you’ll want to serve that week you already have your ingredients written down. Check out this fun Meal Planner from Disney’s Family Fun Site: http://familyfun.go.com/printables/meal-planner-703254/
All-in-all it’s a lot of proactive planning and if you’re good at it you can save yourself a lot of stress, and calories, if not it’s always something to work towards right?
What do you or your family do to stay healthy when you’re busy??
I loved your tips on what you have learned as a mom. I think meal plans work better since it is a plan and you have to stick to the plan, which also shows your kids how important it is to eat healthier and eating at home together as a family. It might help them later on in life when they are making a choice to eat at home or eat fast food. I enjoyed reading your tips.
Thanks Janette! I’m always learning along the way and am glad to share the few tips I know, in hopes I can learn and share more as I go.
Great tips!!!!
I really need to work on this. I do take the easy way out too often. Your tips are encouraging though. Thanks!
Perfect tips, we do ALL of those!!
Great tips! We are a water family so I make sure we always have water handy! When I am out I can’t stand paying for bottled water so if I am really thirsty I reach for the soda. Having water on hand is a huge help!
These are great tips and its amazing how when you plan ahead and have healthy things to eat both at home and on the go, you feel better because you are fueling your body with what it needs most. Same holds true for our kids and that makes all the difference for them to be their best self in attitude and temperment. Thanks!