Schools out (almost) which means weeks of running around after the kids (think about all the calories you can burn) and no doubt endless weeks of trying to resist family pub dinners, takeaways and more! Not only can school holidays be detrimental to your diet, but it can also be a stressful (and exhausting) time for parents when it comes to entertaining the kids! That's why we've put together our survival guide to a healthy easter break, to ensure you stay on track and keep calm during the next few weeks!
Stay Calm for Healthy School Holidays
You're normally just settling into your morning coffee, the kids have been dropped off at school and maybe you're even doing a little online shopping before your day starts. However, cue Easter and suddenly you're mopping up cereal from the kitchen floor (and walls), there are tears, you've got a migraine, oh and it's not even 9am yet. OK, so it might not be quite this bad (or it might be worse), but school holidays can be stressful. It's important to take some time to wind down and try and make time for yourself. Try some of the following to de-stress and keep calm this Easter:
- Read a book before bed
- Take a long hot bath once the kids are asleep
- Organise a coffee date with a friend and their kids
- Get up slightly earlier to do a home workout or some light stretching/yoga
Plan Ahead
The saying "fail to prepare, prepare to fail" can be applied to many areas of life and it couldn't be more true when it comes to having a healthy school holiday with your kids. Plan some fun and exciting activities ahead of time so that each day you're not fighting a losing battle on trying to decide what to do. Plan plenty of activities to keep them entertained. Plus the more active you are, the more it will benefit you and your goals! Whether it's a day at the park with a picnic and games, a family sports day at home, a day at the zoo or an day at your local arcade, these are all great ways to keep the kids entertained.
In addition, planning ahead applies to your eating habits too. If you know you're going to be out and about a lot this Easter, stock up on your favourite products that you can take on the go. All of our bars are high in protein, can be used as a healthy snack or total meal replacement and will keep you satisfied until your next meal. Plus, they come in a delicious variety of flavours, including our hot cross bun bar, which makes for the perfect Easter treat alternative!
Shop our favourites now to help you stay on track!
Stay on Plan (but don't panic when you don't)
It's very easy to throw all diets, healthy eating regimes and fitness plans out the window when school holidays hit. Whether it's the endless family meals out, social events or just simply being surrounded by all the kid's snacks and dinners, it's never easy to stay completely on track. Plan ahead and keep healthy snacks at hand at all times. If the kids want turkey dinosaurs, have some veggies & hummus handy while you're prepping their dinner to snack on. If you're following Total Solution, save one of your bars or shakes for when you know the temptation will be there. However, if you do find you fall off plan - don't panic! Don't suddenly write off the whole week (or entire Easter!), but start fresh the next day. Here's some advice on what to do when it doesn't quite go to plan!
Keep Hydrated
Not only is drinking enough water beneficial to your health and weight loss goals, but it can help give you more energy and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Aim for a minimum of 2 litres per day and always keep a water bottle with you, wherever you are!
Have a Food Week
If you're following Total Solution, you will know that every fourth week you are to have a 'food week'. This means increasing your calorie intake slightly to introduce healthy, high protein and low carb food into your diet for a week. Whether it's your fourth week or not, we would recommend having a food week over the holidays if you are worried about staying on track. The extra protein will provide energy and keep you feeling fuller for longer and will actually mean you will be less likely to head straight for the food van the first day you're out and about.
Snack Smart
If you're just looking to make healthier choices this Easter, there are so many things you can do to ensure you keep on track. You don't need to eliminate all of your favourite foods or avoid socialising altogether, you just need to take a more mindful approach to your eating. No doubt you'll be surrounded by kids shoveling down easter eggs (and we hope fruit and veg too!), so enjoy a treat with them the healthy way. We offer some great high protein, low carb options to snack on while on the go!
Exante's Smart Food Swaps
Did you know that making smart food swaps to more nutritious alternatives can help to avoid empty calories and support your weight loss goals? To help you make these swaps, we have put together this Exante Smart Food Swaps Guide!
We are expecting some warm weather this April, so why not get out in the garden and have a BBQ with the family? Here's our ultimate guide to having a healthy BBQ this Easter.
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