IMPORTANCE OF MEAL PREPPING

As we enter into daylight savings and colder, darker days, I want to help you eat healthy at home, boost your immune system, and keep moving, even when you’d rather curl up on the couch with a box of takeout. If you are not already cooking at home and meal prepping, I urge you to start. Meals can be kept simple by purchasing a few basic “meal starters” like brown rice, wheat pasta, wheat wraps – things that can serve as the basis for many different meals. You should also get used to liking leftovers, to keep things simple.

Check out my Top Ten Kitchen Staples for more ideas. Baking can be a fun way to pass the time as well as involve kids to keep them busy. Try these healthy and delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls that are super easy to make and taste delicious!

DISCIPLINE VS MOTIVATION

I know that dark and dreary days can be less than motivating. Discipline is what will take you places in life – not motivation. It is absolutely key to make anything you want to do more of, a habit, so there is no question when you “don’t feel like it.” If you are not already active, walking is a great place to start. It’s is free, gets you (and your family) outside, relieves stress, improves mood and helps with weight management.

EXERCISE BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Exercise has been also been shown to boost the immune system, which is crucial right now. I also suggest purchasing 1-2 sets of dumbbells, ideally a set of light and heavy weights. There are tons of free workouts online to get you started. Also, many fitness and yoga studios are streaming live workouts for free! For more exercise tips, read my post on How to Build a Home Gym.