Find the Time, Energy, and Money to Do It
You’re a busy parent.
It’s an amazing experience, an amazing feeling. And it has its rewards.
Being healthy and energetic, you’re fully capable of enjoying this experience to its fullest. And you get the satisfaction of having one more way of setting a positive example for your children.
But staying fit and eating healthy also has its challenges.
As stated in this post’s opening sentence, you’re a busy parent. You spend almost every moment you aren’t working taxiing your children about to school, lessons, and activities. You sit in observance very often as they get great exercise – even snacking when you wouldn’t normally snack on things you wouldn’t normally snack on.
Your little swimmer may be in great shape, but your exercise regimens – and their resulting health benefits – have fallen by the wayside.
Adult fitness can also be expensive. Fitness club membership fees plus equipment plus attire.
And a healthy diet can be both time-consuming and expensive. You must find the time to create meals from fresh, organic foods that cost more than those foods that are not.
What do you do?
Because you really want to be the role model here as well, showing them the value of good health and an active lifestyle.
Consider some simple and cost-effective options:
Keep it (or Get It) Moving.
Heart disease and stroke are two of the top killers in the US (that’s according to The American Heart Association). Do you think that more than half of the adults in the US meet the guidelines for an active lifestyle (as established by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)?
If so, you’re wrong. It’s a mere 21.7%
Buck this trend and fit in at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. This will burn calories for you and you will experience increased energy, decreased stress levels, better weight control, clearer skin and a more upbeat mood. You’re not going to get that by spending all of your time sitting – while you’re driving, or while you waiting in the carpool line.
There are a couple of other great reasons for exercising:
- It fights depression – due to its feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, chemicals found in the brain that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
- It is beneficial to those who suffer from diabetes, asthma or back and joint pain – but be sure to talk to your doctor so that the appropriate regimen can be cultivated for you.
If you work in an office, you will also be less likely to overeat or eat poorly for lunch if you opt for a little exercise at lunch. Walking around your business neighborhood is a great way to recharge and get some fresh air.You just may need to spring for some good running shoes.
If you are going to spring for the gym membership, shop around. There are some alternatives that are not as costly as you might be imaging. This may be the biggest bang for your buck because and give you some important “me” time. Be sure a requirement is one that provides child care for free if you don’t have another alternative for your children.
There is also the “in-home” alternative for working out. You can workout with a coach on TV, via DVD or using an app. You can do your own yoga and pilates, aerobics and calisthenics. There endless tools and apparatus to use in any free space in your home from dumbbells and kettlebells to resistance bands and suspension trainers.
Get the Benefit From It.
Regardless of how you decide to do it, you will get tremendous benefit from exercise and healthier eating.
Reduce medical bills exponentially. Healthy eating and exercise is a surefire way to decrease your visits to the doctor’s office, which can ultimately save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Making healthier meals at home will help you cut down on sodium and fat, give you healthier options and control over what you and your family consume. Healthy food may cost a little more in the short term but fatty, greasy, junk food has a higher cost when it comes to nutritional content and impact to your health.
Keep It Fun and Interesting.
Give yourself the gift of keeping your food and your exercise choices enjoyable, invigorating and interesting. You’re not going to keep these new “habits” up if they make you miserable or bored.
Take these suggestions into consideration as you look at how you spend your days, how you look after yourself and how you set an example for your kids. You CAN be a busy parent AND enjoy a healthier and more active life!
Little Otter Swim School’s team members are passionate about teaching kids to swim and be safe as they enjoy the water. We’d love to share more of the benefits of learning to swim with you. Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
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