Balanced Nutrition for Entrepreneur Families, Yes You Can!
Summer is the time to kick back and relax, but some things should not be compromised, even if — perhaps especially if — you are a busy entrepreneur. Your nutrition plan can be flexible while maintaining non-negotiable elements. Sticking to a balanced diet at home and away is vital in keeping you and your family physically and mentally healthy. While it’s perfectly okay to eat tasty treats every now and then, it’s important to resist the temptation to snack all day, hit the drive-through when you’re on the run or reach for ice cream after every meal, even if you’re hyped and in the midst of launching your dreams.
Another healthy fact to chew on: being more mindful of your nutrition will help you feel happier overall, which will boost your personal and professional life and might even help you create greater balance between the two. You might not need or want to overhaul your diet overnight, but making small positive steps will help you build better lasting habits. These tips from iSmart Nutrition.com will help you do just that.
The Balancing Act
It’s no secret that a balanced diet is crucial for a child’s growth and development, but did you know what you eat also has an impact on how you feel? Meals that we consume each day have a direct correlation to our mental health. A balanced diet can help reduce depression and anxiety and help you cope with stress.
Summer is no time to slack in your eating habits, so make sure you and your family are eating a balanced diet. This means eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It’s also important to look for foods that will help you keep your gut health in check; for example, this recipe for tangy guacamole is both gut-health-friendly and extremely tasty. Keep in mind, however, that healthy eating is a lifestyle, and it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself to a sweet summer treat every now and then.
Avoid Restrictions and Reward Systems
If you have picky eaters in the family, it can feel downright impossible getting them to eat right. It might feel counterintuitive but according to Psychology Today, avoid using any sort of restrictions or reward programs. Too often these tactics have a tendency to backfire,. Telling them they can’t have that chocolate chip cookie only makes them want it more and letting them have dessert as a reward for eating all their veggies teaches them to value cake over healthy options.
Try this instead, simply keep any foods you do not want eaten out of the house and stock up on healthy snack alternatives carrots and hummus are good. If you have a child who is able to get themselves a snack-on, try pre-cutting apple slices for easy access. The easier it is for kids to get the snacks on their own, the more likely they will reach for it.
Plan Your Meals in Advanced
Cooking your own food has numerous advantages. It allows you to control exactly what you are eating and your portion size, making it easier to sustain a balanced diet. But many people fall into the trap of unhealthy eating habits because they are pressed for time and just want to grab something quick.
This is why, when possible, you should plan your meals in advance. This is where meal prepping becomes your best friend. You can easily take one day of the week to plan out all your meals in advance. This way when you come home late from work, you do not have to sacrifice your balanced diet.
Eat as a Family
Another great way to make sure your family is eating healthy is to sit down and eat together. This is taking control over what is in the food they’re eating while leading by example. If they see you enjoying a healthy salad and nice cuts of well prepared meats, they will be more likely to follow this example as the get older.
Family meals are also a great chance to bond with everyone at the table. Sitting and eating together gives everyone a chance to talk about their day and stay involved in each other’s lives. In fact, studies have shown that sitting down for a meal with your kids provides them with a sense of comfort and stability.
A Helping of Exercise with that?
Nutrition is very important, when rounded out with regular exercise a powerful healthy-living lifestyle emerges to sustain thriving individuals and families. Physical activity isn’t just great for your physique, it also has huge brain benefits, increasing your cognitive function so you’re more productive, focused, and emotionally-balanced. If you’re new to exercise, start slowly so you begin to build a foundation. For instance, set aside some time a few days a week to dedicate to fitness, even if it’s just 30 minutes taking a walk around your neighbourhood. From there, you can build up to running for 5 minutes and walking for 20, and so on.
Commit to a Living Your Best Life
It is important to not view eating healthy as a challenge. As you build good habits and learn what you should and should not be eating, you’ll find eating a balanced diet comes naturally. The earlier you start incorporating these new habits, the better they will stick and don’t be afraid to start small.
About the Author
Elena Stewart is a certified life coach specializing in career guidance, with a background in Mindfulness-Based Meditation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Elena is also a Registered Yoga Teacher.
Visit her site at: elenastewart.com
