Personal & Group Training in Western Mass

Most of us do a lot of spring cleaning as the weather warms up and we begin to release the stuffiness in our houses! But what about your food cabinets?

Have you ever said one of these statements to yourself?:

1) The kids like these so I have to buy them... (yet somehow YOU end up eating it)

2) I'm buying this for {an event} this weekend and I won't eat any until then... (but then you had a weak moment and, oops, need to make another trip to the store)

3) He/She doesn't like to eat that kind of food and since I prepare for both of us, I have to make something he/she will eat...

If the answer is yes, you need a food cabinet cleaning! You may have to do it in phases if your family is resisting but now is a great time to start! Below are some suggestions on how to deal with the common issues listed above.

1) Buy the kids snacks that you're not going to be tempted to eat. If you're working on your healthy habits, your kids can certainly benefit from that as well. Now is the time in their lives where they create their "relationships" to food. If you struggle with your eating habits now, is it directly related to the food you used to eat as a child? In most cases, the answer is yes. Keep this in mind when preparing snacks and family meals.

2) Make a last minute stop before the weekend event rather than keeping in the food in your house. If you find you must have the food in your house and you're struggling NOT to eat it, put it in a spot where you won't think about it.

3) And lastly, see if you can make some compromises with the person you're living with who doesn't want to eat "healthy food." Maybe not brown rice, but how about wild rice? Meet halfway! You will both be healthier for it!

Studies have shown that people are more likely to stick to a healthful lifestyle and be successful in achieving their fitness goals when they have a support system at home. Sit down with your family and explain your goals and how they can help you. Make them a part of your journey! Now is a great time to get you and your family healthy!

Ashley Brodeur, ACSM-CPT