Good skin depends on more than what you put on it, but also, what you put in your body. Eating right is a must all year, but when summer rolls around and you have a business to run, it can be especially challenging. Add to that the desire to savor time with your family while they are on break, and it can be all too tempting to turn to drive-throughs and convenience meals, rather than follow best practices.
There are solutions. As an entrepreneur, chances are good that you’re familiar with planning and delegating. With the school days over and after-school extracurriculars coming to an end, why not take advantage of the longer days and (slightly slower pace) to get the whole family involved in planning healthy summer meals and “on-the-go” travel snacks? If you want to get your family healthy even when there is a perpetual time crunch, keep reading.
Planning Ahead
As an entrepreneur, planning ahead should be a central point in how you run your business. You plan your budget, you plan your marketing strategies, you plan your meetings, and so forth. You know that planning leads to success, and the same strategy can carry over with your family’s eating habits. You know how to break components of a bigger picture into smaller steps, so that you reach your goals in the end. It’s much like building an annual report; by enlisting processes and services that simplify how you reach the end result, you’ll be on track when the time comes to submit your information to the state. Only in this case, you’ll apply your work principles with your family!
Age-Appropriate Delegation
Children of all ages can be involved in planning, shopping, and preparing meals. Their decision-making will go a long way toward having them eat these same healthy foods, and they will learn important life lessons in the process.
To start, engage your child in a conversation about what you are doing as you prepare a list. Make eye contact and give your child plenty of time to answer your questions or make comments. You can even talk to your littlest family members about it; even though they can’t provide input, The Guardian explains that listening and responding requires brainpower and facilitates language acquisition.
Next, let your older children help you plan and then write the shopping list. Older kids can be enlisted to research recipes, then plan and make meals on their own, with or without adult supervision, depending on the child’s age. Huffington Post points out they can even put their phones to good use in their meal planning, thanks to kid-friendly cooking apps.
Team Building Exercises
This summer is a great time for some family team building. Take your children shopping with you and discuss ingredients and costs. Go when everyone is rested and the store isn’t likely to be too busy. Compare prices and quality, read ingredients lists, and try giving adolescents a budget along with full responsibility for planning and preparation.
Host an Event
Events aren’t only for the office; plan a summer celebration at least once a summer! It could be as easy as a blanket spread on the balcony or a picnic in the park/living room. (Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen for outdoor events!) Making meals fun can help your child develop positive, long-lasting relationships with food. Remember, the important thing is to prepare the meal and eat together as a family as often as possible.
Breakroom Fare
Hot weather can mean fussy eaters, both big and small. Thankfully, there are lots of handy snacks that are just the ticket, and when made with the right ingredients—like carrots, berries and apricots—they’ll give everyone’s skin a healthy glow. Here are just a few ideas for times when you just need a little somethin’:
- Cut up vegetables into sticks and make homemade dips. These “dippers” are just the thing for a quick healthy snack or an ‘on-the-go’ treat. Make ahead and refrigerate.
- Try grilling fruit and vegetables using homemade marinades and sauces, which are not only less expensive, but healthier than commercial alternatives.
- Puree fruit and make your own fruit popsicles. A delicious and cool treat for hot summer days.
You’re busy building your business, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make summer a time of cherished family memories and great food. By implementing the recommendations above, you are on your way to eating healthy with your family — regardless of your schedule. And with help from your family, you’ll have time for your own self-care, starting with a good skincare routine!
Look and feel your very best with products, resources and tips from Skin Elegance! Call 800-989-Skin(7546) for more information.
Author Bio
Sheila Olson is a personal trainer with more than five years’ experience, who believes in setting small goals to achieve physical fitness and good health. She’s a keen advocate of positive thinking and mindfulness as part of her training programs. Read more of her posts at FitSheila.com.
Photo Credit: RODNAE Productions from Pexels
