As summer draws to a close, families are preparing for the upcoming school year. August is a busy time and no doubt about it, sticking to a healthy diet or weight loss program will require a serious commitment of time. Most of us struggle with balancing and prioritizing the different areas of our lives; the burning question is, where do you find that extra time with your crazy back to school schedule?
With an active family life, busy work schedules and the daily stresses of life, you may wonder how you are going continue your new healthy lifestyle and be successful. Below are some ideas to help make your weight loss journey successful, no matter how overwhelmed you feel.
Planning is essential
Make a grocery list including everything you will need for the week, then you will have healthy food readily available and won’t need to make unnecessary trips. Pick one evening a week to prepare your snacks and meals for that week. Make extra so you can always have prepared food in the refrigerator/freezer. Don’t forget to stock your refrigerator at the office too!
Keep it simple
Family meals don’t have to be elaborate to be healthy and effective. Come up with easy ways to balance your meals with protein and simple vegetable side dishes that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, communicate your food plan to your family and others in your household to help keep you on track.
Go frozen
Frozen vegetables and meat can be a real time saver. Frozen grass-fed beef, chicken, and wild-caught salmon can easily be thawed overnight and cooked the next day. Buying frozen foods can be cost effective and staying stocked up can help you to avoid the last-minute hectic grocery store stops.
Carry snacks with you
Even when you are rushed, skipping meals is a bad idea. You might find that when you finally do eat, you either overeat or make unhealthy food choices. To avoid being stuck in these situations, stash snacks in your car and handbag, along with your water so you stay hydrated. Be sure to fill your water bottle whenever you are near water fountain or sink and keep it with you.
Get moving
Take the stairs, walk instead of driving or park at the back of the lot so you will walk more, get up from the computer and stretch regularly, walk the dog. You may think you are too busy, but there are many ways to exercise and get moving while you are doing other activities.
Get a good night sleep
No matter how busy your schedule becomes, remember to make sleep a top priority. Selling yourself short when it comes to sleep will zap your energy and will make you more vulnerable to temptation with your food choices.
Go easy on yourself
Despite the best planning, unexpected things will happen. Don’t let small setbacks derail your routine, just try your best to adjust and move forward.
It seems like life is moving at light speed and we are expected to keep up. Take a minute to breath and think of the beginning of a new school year as the perfect time to set the stage for the upcoming year and to create new healthy habits for the entire family!