Resolution Inspiration

In previous articles, I have voiced my neutral position on resolutions.  For me, if you want to make a life change, don't do it because it is January 1st.  But, on the other hand, if the new year provides you the motivation you need to finally make that decision, don't let me stop you!

My resolution of getting fit (again) (for the last time) just happened to coincide with the new year.  I lost a lot of weight after my 3rd child, got very fit, but have managed to put some of it back on.  Well, enough is enough! So, with this post, I am going to assume a lot of you have some level of fitness involved in your resolutions.  Maybe it's just a conscious decision to cook more homemade meals and eat healthier.  Maybe it's working out more.  Whatever it is, they all have one common denominator:  HEALTH!  So below, I've compiled some tips, products, and inspirations to keep you on track and focused on why the heck you made such a resolution in the first place.

1.  Healthy cooking via Pinterest.  Pinterest has revolutionized are exposure to blogs, ideas, and inspirations on just about every topic.  And recipes are no exception.  When I need recipe ideas or to reference something, I skip Google and go directly to Pinterest to search for it.  I've never been disappointed when I search this way.  There is always something close to what I was thinking of, or at least inspiration to guide me to a new recipe idea.  If you focus your search on "healthy recipes" or something similar, you will get a good start on ideas.  I recommend following some good boards that focus on healthy recipes, too.

2.  Treat yourself to one new workout item.  Maybe it's a new yoga mat.  Maybe it's that fabulous hoodie you've been eyeing.  Or, it's finally time for some new shoes.  Nothing can keep you on track like a new addition to your workout routine.  We love this ombre-inspired hoodie from Lucy.

3.  Keep a journal.  I know, I know, I know.  Everyone talks about keeping journals.  But seriously, this is the one thing that has solidly worked for me in regards to food and fitness.  You're accountable when you keep track!  Even when you stray a bit, the stray stays less catastrophic with a journal.  Find your journaling technique that you like the best.  Buy a fun notepad at the store.  Get crafty and use a 3 ring binder, the kind that you can insert inspiring photos or clippings into the cover.  You can also buy Avery clear binder inserts that you can display cut-outs from magazines or other inspiration photos inbetween your journal entries.

We love the journals at Paper Coterie.  They come in cute designs and can be personalized.

                           

If you have a smart phone, I really like the LoseIt! app.  It's free, easy to use, has a slough of pre-entered food items with the options to add your own, and keeps track of your progress well.  No excuses when it's as easy to enter at your fingertips.

4.  Get A Workout Buddy.  Again, another common suggestion, but here's why it works.  You're held accountable.  Work out a schedule with your workout buddy where you can exercise together once a week and also have a "mini meeting", sharing wins and losses for the week.

5.  Commit To At Least One Scheduled Exercise Routine Per Week.  I'm budget conscious when it comes to working out.  We have an elliptical at home, I run, ride my bike, do yoga on the Wii.  But I do find I stay more on target with at least one regular workout per week.  There's a local fitness studio that holds regular TurboKick classes.  It's fun and it changes up my workout a bit.  I sometimes prepay for their once/week or twice/week rate.  Then I have to go!

6.  Do It For Your Kids.  Most of you reading this are Mom's.  When I've run out of motivation for my own personal growth and fitness, I think about my kids.  I need to be healthy and fit for them.  I need to set the good example in regards to healthy eating and exercise.  I need to be there for them!

Let's keep each other motivated! Shares your highs and lows below.  I will share mine as well.  We're all in this together.

Exercise For Kids In A Rainy World

I live in the Pacific Northwest.  We, of course, are known for our notorious Fall and Winter rainfall.  September and October this year were beautiful, with record breaking temperatures and historically low levels of rainfall.  We are making up for it in November.  Day after day, it's been nothing but rain.  And I am not talking the occasional sprinkle or light shower.  That cold, beating rain that comes with wind occasionally.

I have lived here most my life, except when I attended graduate school in New York City.  So, I am used to the rain.  I actually like the rain, love rain walks, and love the beautiful landscape that surrounds us in this part of the country.

But now that I have three children, the rain does present challenges when it comes to this time of year and long stretches of vacation.  Right now, we are nearing the end of a 9 day Thanksgiving break.  When vacations during the school year come around, I am well-prepared.  I keep them up on their studies, we do extra reading and workbook pages, and have extra fun activities like game night or holiday shopping.  But all of you parents out there know, the bottom line, at the end of the day, is that children need regular, everyday EXERCISE!!

We have all heard of the recommendation that children get 1 hour of play/exercise per day.  That's pretty easy to accomplish for my children while in school and with Fall activities.  They have school, do soccer, have dance class, and have crisp Fall days to ride bikes and play outside.  But then the rain and vacation comes.  Suddenly, I am struggling to get them the activity they need!

Why is it so important?  Of course, regular exercise is good for growing children's muscles, hearts, and to keep them fit.  But let us now forget their brains!  Recent studies show that exercise fosters a better attention span, better memory retention, learning, and a reduction in hyperactivity.

I think we can all agree that exercise is thus important for children.  But the trick (especially this time of year) is coming up with creative ways to get that for your children.  Below are some ways I have found to make it work:

1.  Playgrounds At School.  Most schools at least have part of their playgrounds under cover.  Often, the basketball hoops, hopscotch grids and even some playground equipment is under an awning.  After school hours and during vacation breaks, these areas are open to the public.  It's a great burn off some energy!

2.  A Walk In the Rain.  Don't underestimate the good ol' fashioned walk in the rain.  As long as your children have a good raincoat and rain boots, they are ready for a good rain walk.  They have free reign of every puddle they come across.  You can eve play games along the way:  the "Find Something Red (or color of your choice) Game" or "Find Anything That You Can Drive".  Come up with your own game.  The kids will have a blast

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3.  Breaks In the Weather.  There will be those days when the rain is just too torrential and windy and you just can't be outside.  So, stay tuned to those skies.  Even a 10 minute break in the rain can work wonders for the kids.  Quickly get outside with bikes, scooters, hula hoops, or the soccer ball and get a little energy burned off.

4. Indoor Play Areas.  Although there is a nominal cost involved, there are many indoor options for kids.  Jump gyms, children's gyms, roller skating rinks, ice skating rinks, and other similar venues can be a lifesaver for parents over Christmas vacation.

5. Dance Party.  When you are stuck at home and need exercise, my kids love a good dance party!  Click on a good dance station on Pandora and free up some space in the kitchen; dance along with your children.  You can even add exercises to the "routine" like jumping jacks, jumping on one foot, the splits, push ups, etc. to make it fun!  If you have a Wii of XBox, there are many fun dance games that you can buy or borrow from your local library.

6. Hit the Mall.  Remember, a lot of walking, even in spurts, is great exercise!  When my kids are bored and need exercise, we will often take a "field trip" to the mall.  Stores like Pottery Barn Kids, the Apple Store, or the Lego store are like going to a museum for my kids.  Malls are usually HUGE, so they get lots of walking.  Many malls these days also have indoor play areas, which add to the exercise and activity.  Best of all, unless you are actively shopping, it is FREE!