First, let’s hear it for the single parents. There’s no tougher and more important job in the world than raising another human being, and to do it on your own is commendable, to say the least. But here’s the thing, who’s looking out for you? You’re taking care of getting everyone ready for school, the birthdays, the practices, and more, but who’s making sure you’re staying healthy?
Make it a family affair
If you’re a single parent who’s already doing it all, then the thought of making a healthy change can be daunting. But what if you weren’t alone? What if the healthy change wasn’t just a personal one, and instead about the entire household? When it comes to things like being more active or making sure everyone is eating healthy, involve everyone in the decision-making. Pick a day where you all go out and do something active or plan the week’s meals together. Before long, it’ll just become part of your routine.
Pack lunches
One of the ways to make sure your entire family is having healthy lunches is to pack them yourself. Now, this is a lot easier said than done, but consider lunch prep as a family evening activity. Everyone will know what they are getting for lunch, and you can portion properly for yourself. You’ll be able to make a night of it, and you’ll also save on some weekly lunch bills.
Know your limits
As much as we all want to be the super-parent, the reality is we could all occasionally use a bit of help. The key is to know your own limits. When it comes to making a healthy change for the family, don’t assume you can do it alone. Enlist the help of a close friend or another family member to help you stay on track.
Have a flexible schedule
Get a calendar, sit down with the family, and plan. Plan your meals, your activities, and your weekends. Then plan to have it all change. One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to making a healthy change is this rigorous idea of a routine that you must stick to. Yes, it’s good to have a plan, but when has life ever stuck to your plan? As a single parent, plan to have your plans change, but at the same time, plan for alternatives.
Single parents already do so much, but making a healthy change is possible. Just don’t be afraid to get the whole family involved, pack some lunches, ask for help, and have a few plan Ps. Got any tips to share with the Weight Watchers community? Hit us up on Facebook and share! Here’s to healthy choices!