The school holidays are great for spending time with the kids, but it can also be an influence of you losing track of your calories, becoming less active and not attending the gym. I've got some great tips here on how to have healthier school holidays. This blog post covers:
Healthy food swaps
How to keep the kids and family active
How to fit a workout in between running around after the kids
Summer Food Swaps
With warmer weather comes a bigger social calendar. Barbecues around the neighbours house? Birthday party and beer gardens are great for the social scene but always the kindest to our waistline.
Make smart alcohol choices
There's nothing more refreshing than a fruit cider on a hot summer's day, but the average bottle of cider can be around 250 calories, as they are high in sugar. Make a swap for a cider for a low-calorie soft drink and a spirit such as gin or vodka. Remember, you can have just as much fun without alcohol minus the hangover the following day!
Savvy up on your BBQ knowledge
Who can turn down a barbecue? If you're looking to keep on track but you don't want to be bad guest then why not call the host up in advance and request for some lean meat like poultry (chicken or turkey!)
Screaming for ice cream?
When we eventually get some sunshine in the UK, a perfect go to snack to keep cool is an ice cream. Our diet can become the last thing on our mind when we are searching for something to keep us cool. A lot of ice creams can be full in sugar so I've got here some low calories options to add to your shopping list this summer.
Tesco Raspberry Sorbet - 73 calories per scoop
Twister Mini Pineapple Strawberry & Lemon Ice Cream Lollies - 39 calories per lolly
Halo Top Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream - 360 calories for the tub
Magnum Mini - 155 calories per lolly
Need ideas to keep the kids active?
It can be hard to keep the kids active when we've become a more digital world and are so quick to reach for the TV remote control or iPad, or even looking for activities that won't cost a fortune or anything at all. I've got some great ideas, some of which suggested by my clients on how to keep kids entertained.
Rainy day at home? Try arts and crafts!
When the kids and yourself are stuck indoors when it's raining it can be easy to grab the Netflix account or the iPad and become stationary for the full day. Why don't you try an arts and crafts session with the kids to get them engaged and active and will stop you reaching for the snack jar as often as you would if you were glued to the TV!
Invest in some Summer Activities
Now I'm not suggesting Swingball because I'm currently the reigning chmapion in the Luckova household...I'm suggesting it because it's fun and perfect for burning some calories and great for getting all of the kids and family members involved too!
Lawn games the garden such as giant jenga or connect 4 are also great too for getting the kids up and about in the garden too.
If you're up for going further a field, then bike rides and dog walks are great for longer days out. Make sure you take a packed lunch and plenty of water to avoid expensive pit stops and to keep a track of what you're eating.
Find a new approach to social events that incorporate fitness
Park Run is a weekly timed race (you can sprint, run or walk towards the finish line!) and anyone can take part including the dog...as long as they're on a short lead! This is a great chance for yourself and kids to meet other runners who have similar interests and keeping sociable throughout the holidays. For more information you can visit and register the website here
Struggling to fit in a workout around the school holidays?
Juggling between playing dress up with Barbie dolls or princesses and how to fit your workout in? I would advise waking up a little bit earlier than usual to squeeze your workout in. Wake up 40 minutes earlier to get yourself to the gym or to your exercise mat to achieve your workout.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
If you have parents nearby or friends who are willing to look after the kids for an hour then take up the offer. You don't need to commit to a full time baby sitter or child minder if you have friends or neighbours on the door step (who you and your children know well of course!) if they can come round to watch the children for a short period of time once a week.
You can always set up a rota also with your partner to alternate between which mornings or evenings you go to the gym too for a more stability.
Look at leisure centres for fun for all of the family
Leisure centres tend to have facilities that cater for all of the family. If you're heading out taking the kids (older children who can be left without a parents supervision and with an instructor) to swimming lessons, gymnastics, karate or anything in between then why not take a look at squeezing in a quick session at the gym?
A lot of leisure centres having swimming pools also so make the most out of your membership and head down to the pool with the family to have some fun and burn some calories...inflatable unicorns are optional!
I hope you take inspiration from this blog post ahead of the school holidays. Remember to have fun spending time with your kids while they're at this stage of their life, encourage healthy habits and don't be afraid to look for help if needed.
Please feel free to share any ideas or comments with me by messaging me @thecurvecoach or hitting the button below!
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