So, I’ve come up with some tips on how to stay healthy during half term:

1. Give yourself a rule and stick to it: yes there are going to be sugary/salty treats in the house so make a decision. Allow yourself one small treat a day, or even every other day or not at all. I’m an all or nothing girl so it’s easier for me just to say I’m not even going to entertain the idea- the food isn’t for me and I’m not going to have any of it. This way you have decided what you can and can’t eat and it’s so much easier to stick to it.
2. Make healthy treats with your children- there are tons of healthy recipes out there that are child-friendly (especially Halloween themed ones) so why not get the kids off the Ipad and making something you can both enjoy that’s much better for you.
3. Make healthy swaps- go for wholewheat sandwiches instead of white, have chicken breast instead of bacon or ham, use mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise, go for veggie sticks and homemade houmous instead of shop bought crisps and high fat dips.
4. Wake up 15 mins earlier and do a quick workout- you’re probably not going to have time to workout if you’re with your children all week so if you can, wake up 15 mins earlier and do a quick session before anyone else is up. Think burpees, squats, press ups and sit ups.
5. Workout with your children- ok so maybe you’ve got a delightful toddler who wakes you up at 4am every morning and there’s simply no way you’re wasting what precious sleep you do get, by getting up even earlier for a workout. Why not workout with your children- whether that means going for a walk or run, playing football, a zumba dance off or even a mini circuit class in the living room? Moving your body as much possible all helps.
6. Pack yourself a lunch- this one can be tricky if you have lots of children but try and rope them in to helping. If you’re planning on going out for the day then pack a lunch instead of eating there. Children’s activity places nearly always seem to only offer chips and bright blue slushy drinks- full of fat and sugar and bound to cause an energy crash. Pack a lunch (even for you) and that way you have total control over what goes into it.
7. Make sure you’re drinking enough water- this way you’ll be more energized and it will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Hydration is so important to be sure to carry a bottle of water with you to keep you going.
8. Have some ‘ME’ time- again this can be tough but if you can, give yourself at least 15 mins each day to de-stress, take a bath, read a book or meditate. It’s important to do this for yourself not only for your sanity but stress can actually inhibit weightloss! Don’t feel guilty about having some time alone either- in order to look after everyone else, you must be healthy and happy yourself.
9. Hide veggies in the food- again it’s not always possible for everyone to eat a healthy separate meal for themselves and some children just will not eat veg so hide it in the family meal- that way you both eat something healthy that hopefully no-one else will realize is packed full of veg. Blend leafy greens into smoothies and puree beans, pulses and cooked veg into sauces- it will improve the thickness and the taste too.
10. Always have a Plan B- as parents you probably carry emergency food around with you anyway just in case energy levels drop and your little one starts getting a bit grumpy so do the same for yourself! Prepare some protein power balls, a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts or even a couple of hard boiled eggs and take them with you if you go out. That way if you start feeling peckish you won’t end up buying something unhealthy- you’ll always have a choice!