Being responsible for another human being (or multiple…) comes with a lot of lifestyle adjustments. Our individual health is often put on the back burner for the sake of the kids and family as a whole. Here’s a few things to be aware to maintain personal health during this busy phase of life…
- Redefine Exercise: For most new parents, finding extended personal time…for anything…is a challenge. Taking several hours to casually spend at the gym working on your abs or biceps is going to be difficult to negotiate on the home front. A mental reset is necessary here. Do not compare your 30 year old self to your 18 year old self. Find convenient windows of time to exercise. Master home routines that you can do in 20 minutes. Plan long walks or playground dates with friends that have kids. Shift your focus to full body fitness to ensure you have a healthy foundation moving into your next decade.
- Be Mindful of “Kid Food”: Let’s be honest, goldfish and fruit snacks aren’t healthy for anyone. The worst part about having “kid food” around the house is that we are all programmed for convenience and will typically eat whatever is in front of us. Best case scenario is young parents adapt healthy eating and food awareness from day 1. Kids are more likely to follow along if they see their parents doing it. If you’re still working on healthy habits at home, remember you don’t HAVE to finish the leftover chicken nuggets and french fries. Poor food choices will reflect quickly during these years.
- Practice Together: It’s OK to not have all of the nutrition and exercise habits mastered as new parents. Embrace this new phase of your life. There will be plenty of sleepless nights and delivery meals. Do your best to evolve as a family with your health practice. Five years, or even ten years, can go by really quickly. Try to get outside and walk together. Play sports and activities together. Meal prep and taste food as a team. Continue to evolve in education and practice, you’ll be thankful you did.
