Easy ways to fuel up and stay fit
(Family Features) - Busy schedules can make it harder to eat
right and stay fit. That's why California Raisins and celebrity
fitness trainer Valerie Waters have teamed up to create simple
solutions for fueling families all school year long.
"Just because budgets have tightened doesn't mean families have
to cut back on healthy eating and exercise," says Waters. "In fact,
natural foods are more likely to pack a greater nutritional punch
and fitness doesn't need to be attached to workout machines or
hefty gym membership fees."
Waters is known for helping celebrity moms stay fit while
juggling demanding work and family schedules. With a philosophy of
keeping fitness and nutrition accessible and uncomplicated, Waters
offers the following basic tips for parents who want to help keep
their families healthy and active all year long:
Plan, prepare and pack.
Don't let piano lessons and soccer practice derail healthy
eating. Have a plan in place. Set aside time on a Sunday evening to
pack your refrigerator and pantry with items like pre-cut veggies,
pre-packaged California Raisins, cubed cheese, and hard-boiled eggs
to quickly prepare grab-and-go lunches. Also, think double-duty.
When cooking meat items such as chicken, prepare enough to slice
and serve in a sandwich, salad or wrap for lunches and cook a few
extra servings with every meal to serve throughout the week to
avoid grabbing take-out when under a time crunch.
Less is more.
When it comes to preparing meals, tackling a recipe list with
fewer ingredients is a lot less stressful and often times more
healthful. Families are looking to familiar favorites and naturally
nutrient-rich foods to prepare healthy meals at home. By mastering
just a few simple recipes, you can prepare a healthy meal in less
time than it would take for a pizza delivery!
Redefine play time.
Fitness is fun when it's a family affair and when you think
outside of the box. There are no rules about what fitness should
look like; in fact, some of the best workouts are gained through
the games we played as a child. Try activities like playing tag.
When you run, stop and start, it's a great exercise for your
muscles and coordination. Also, try going outside to play catch or
taking a family bike ride after dinner. Fitness doesn't have to be
formal and everyone benefits from moving and being together.
Play with your food.
There's no better way to introduce new fruits and veggies into
your child's lunch box than a fun trip to your local farmer's
market or grocery store. Making them a part of the decision process
will increase their chances of trying new things while developing
healthier eating habits. Allow children to sample and select the
fruits or veggies you will prepare for dinner and pack in their
school lunches. On average, it takes 8 to 12 tries for a child to
accept new foods, so be patient.
Take a coffee table break.
Demanding schedules often force fitness regimes to the wayside.
But working out doesn't have to mean expensive memberships and
hours at the gym. It can be as simple as moving your coffee table
and making space in your living room to do a short 25 to 30 minute
strength-training circuit. What's most important is that moms build
their day around this time and be consistent. Even if it's just 15
minutes a day, you will burn calories and gain energy. For easy to
follow along, at-home fitness videos, visit www.loveyourraisins.com.
Workout Tips from Valerie Waters
SOURCE:
California
Raisin Marketing Board
