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Tips to Boost Your Family’s Energy
Special to The Truth
Busy schedules can leave
you feeling drained, but with the proper fuel, you can
ensure both you and your children have the energy needed to
ace each day.
Meal Plan
Creating a meal plan,
which will help you stay organized, maintain a good diet and
avoid repeat trips to the store. To simplify shopping and
preparation, put together a list of favorite meals and
snacks; then group according to common ingredients. Use a
dry erase calendar, spreadsheet or online template to plot
out menus one week at a time. Then, draft a grocery list and
stick to it. This will help you pass up the chips and
cookies for more energy-boosting options.
When you arrive home,
immediately wash and prep produce for the week to make it
that much easier to make nutritious meals all week long.
Start the Day off Right
Wholesome breakfasts
provide a pick-me-up in the morning and throughout the day.
Squeeze some oranges for fresh juice and a vitamin C boost.
You can make a pitcher each weekend to last several days.
Serve with homemade granola bars for a satisfying start to
the day.
Smoothies are another easy
breakfast. Whip up personalized flavors for each family
member using the pre-set Smoothie and Power Blends programs
on a Vitamix S50. This personal blender’s 20-ounce container
becomes a good travel cup for school or work. Freeze a
variety of individual servings of fruit and vegetable
combinations into zip-top bags, blend with yogurt, milk or
juice, and head out the door. Or use the machine’s 40-ounce
container to make larger batches for the family to enjoy
together. A nourishing smoothie provides the fuel necessary
for a productive start to the day.
Mid-Day Motivation
Prep power-packed lunches
for school and work by including protein, fruits and
vegetables in an assortment of tastes and textures. You can
use a premium blender to quickly prepare all kinds of dips
and nut butters. Try homemade hummus with cucumber slices
and carrot sticks and a side of strawberries and grapes. Or
create fun finger foods, such as a peanut butter and apple
wrap, or ants on a log -- almond butter and raisins on a
celery stick.
Remember to stay hydrated.
Water is fuel, and even mild dehydration can slow down body
systems, resulting in fatigue. Carry a large container of
water to drink throughout the day.
Dinner Delight
Continue beneficial eating
habits at dinner. Add extra vegetables to your menu with a
squash cheese sauce for a new take on whole wheat macaroni
and cheese. Or bake a wholesome pizza using fresh pesto or a
white bean purée as the sauce.
Instead of hitting the
couch after dinner, complement healthful eating by taking a
walk with your family. Exercise provides a natural endorphin
boost, giving you extra motivation to maintain healthy
habits.
With a little planning, a
busy schedule won’t be an excuse for bad habits.
Courtesy StatePoint
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