I saw a very funny, quote the other day:
“90% of parenting is just thinking about when you get to lie down again.”
If you’re a parent like me, I’m sure you can relate.
Here’s a typical filled day for me:
7 AM-Wake up
7 AM-Feed kids and get one of them ready for school and get ready for work
9 AM-School drop off
915AM-5 PM-Work
5-630 PM-Workout
7 PM-Dinner for the family
8 PM-Start bedtime for the kids
9 PM to 12 AM- Clean, Meal prep the next day … and maybe sit with my wife for a few minutes
12 AM-Bedtime
As you can see, my days are jammed pack.
You may be familiar with the quote “Leading by example isn’t the best way to lead. It’s the ONLY way.”
So how do we as parents, set a good example for our kids when it comes to fitness and being healthy? Especially when you are busy, stressed and tired.
Here’s a few tips that will help you stay on track ... even if you're not a parent, I know you will find them valuable for your fitness journey.
1.Convenience is Key.
Everyone, but especially parents, default to what’s convenient.
Well, what’s convenient?
Drive-thrus, gas stations, and skipping meals are normally people’s idea of convenience, but having meals prepped in advance for the day is a lifesaver.
That way all you have to do is pop a meal in the microwave and it’s ready one minute later. Outside of that, there are supplements that can fill the holes in your day.
Products like a sustained assimilating protein shake or even a protein bar can help a ton, too.
2.Get EVERYONE on board.
We’ve all been there. We’re on a role with dieting and working out.
We’re making progress ... and then something small throws a wrench into your plans.
A lot of times those temptations come from the people closest to us. My 5-year-old son tries to sabotage me more than anyone!
He brings me snacks, and insists on me taking bites of food all the time.
It’s very sweet and he has good intentions, but those little bites here and there add up!
If you can get everyone in your house (including your kids) on board with making healthy changes, you no longer will be surrounded by temptations.
Instead, you’ll have constant support to stay on track!
Easier said than done sometimes right? So how do you do that?
Get your kids involved!
Make cooking a healthy dinner a family activity.
Let your kids help you. Let them pick what they want, because if it’s their idea they’ll be excited to eat those meals!
What happens when they are dug in and refuse to eat healthy?
Make meals that taste good by being creative, and make new recipes that they don’t know are “diet” foods.
When they try them and like them, they’re more likely to try other foods.
Just about every dish, including pizza, can be made to be very diet friendly!
However, don’t push your goals on your family. That’s a quick way to alienate yourself from your family and build resentment.
Just lead from the front.
Set the example for them, and when they’re ready, they’ll get on board!
3.Choose exercise that you ENJOY.
Listen, if you hate doing a specific exercise … you’ll find every excuse in the world to skip! Figure out a way to be active and enjoy it.
Maybe that’s CrossFit …
Maybe it’s biking …
Whatever you choose … make sure you enjoy it because it will be something you look forward to and prioritize, which will get you better results!
Even finding something the entire family enjoys can be a fun way to hold each other accountable.
In conclusion … give yourself convenient options, get your family on board with you, and find exercise that you enjoy doing.
As always, any questions you guys have, or if you have specific scenario you need help with, just reach out to one of our Certified Sports Nutrition Specialists, and we’ll be happy to help out!
*This post was written by Wes Osburn, who is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Wes is also a father of two boys.
