Here’s your “It” list to get you in the best possible shape mentally, physically and emotionally so you can plan now…and enjoy the benefits all season long.
Exercise plan:
If you’re not seeing results from your exercise routine, it’s time to kick it up a notch. How about throwing in a few intervals, high intensity bursts of movement, trying a new type of cardio routine or changing your running route? The key to exercise results is consistency along with a dose of “muscle confusion.” When muscles don’t know what to expect, they react. This leads to a sleek, toned look and a faster metabolism.
Visit you local farmer:
Now is the time to search out where your local farmers are so you can enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables near you without the chemicals, herbicides and pesticides that are found on many supermarket varieties of produce. Don’t know where they are? Click www.localharvest.org to find the farmer nearest you.
Hydrate:
When the weather gets nicer, many of us take our fitness routines outside which means even more of a need to keep ourselves well hydrated. What are my top picks? Clean, filtered water and Vita Coco coconut water. Not only is it low in calories, it’s contains a natural source of electrolytes we lose when sweating, it’s thirst quenching and comes in great flavors! My favorite? I add Pure, the regular variety, to my smoothies and always keep the pineapple flavored in my bag-yum! Vita Coco is not from concentrate so it’s the closest thing to sticking a straw in a coconut.Warning-your kids will probably love them too so keep enough of these Tetra Paks around so there’s enough for everyone J.
New sneakers/workout clothes:
Sometimes we need the extra motivation that looking and acting the part can give us. That may mean a new pair of sneakers, a few new pieces of workout clothes, music or anything else that makes you feel ready to hit the road or gym.
Food journal:
Healthy eating begins with the awareness of what you’re currently doing so you can see what may need to change. One of the simplest ways to discover some of your eating behaviors is by keeping a simple food journal. Keep track of the times you eat, your choices, portions and in addition, note your hunger level and if there was any mood that triggered you to eat. Keep it simple by using a number system (1 being not hungry to 10 being famished) and symbols (like a Jto note a happy mood and a Lto identify a meal that was triggered by anger or frustration.)
Self care strategy:
As a busy mom, you’re probably taking care of everyone else and if there’s any time left, you’ll take care of yourself. Unfortunately, by that time, you may not have the time, energy or motivation left for your own self-care. Even finding 10 minutes to drink a cup of tea, read a magazine, call a friend or take a walk to clear your head may do the trick.
Do something new/fun/challenging:
Life is more fun when we’re learning, growing and challenging ourselves…in a good way. It keeps us engaged in life and the idea of novelty triggers the release of dopamine (reward hormones), which are released during anything new. It can be as simple as trying a new vegetable or…well, I’ll leave that up to you.
Plan something:
(a trip, stay-cation, night out/in, excursion). Just the idea of planning something can be fun, exciting and rewarding. It gives us the opportunity to creatively express ourselves (ex: planning a party) while giving us something exciting to look forward to which can be satisfying and fulfilling as well.
Grill:
Food just seems to taste better on the grill! Get the grill cleaned up and ready for your favorite BBQ foods and experiment with new things to try using fresh herbs, spices and vegetables you can start to grow in your own garden right now. The great thing about grilling too is there are less pots and pans to clean. Also, if you have a partner who has grilling talents, grilling gives them a chance to show off their skills while giving you a much-needed break from the kitchen.
Sleep:
When we don’t get adequate, restful, restorative sleep, we’re chipping away at our energy, health and waistline. Quality sleep is vital in any health plan so take the time now to create a sleep routine as well as an environment that will help to get you sleeping like a baby.
Implementing just a few of these strategies now will have you enjoying your summer and all it brings. See you at the beach!
