Summer Camp

For many, summer is the best time of the year – warm weather, days at the beach, Fourth of July, vacations, relaxing, barbecuing, and going away to camp. Camp is a fun time for kids and parents to enjoy all that summer has to offer in their own ways. Kids get to be independent and try new things and make new friends, while parents get to enjoy some quiet time and other kid-free activities. Going from a house full of kids and the chaos that comes with them, to being able to put those responsibilities on hold can be quite a change of pace that can disrupt everything from daily schedules to eating habits. This can be said for parents and kids too.

 

As much as you may try to share your healthy eating habits with your kids, when they are left to their own devices we can all guess what kind of choices they will make. Even though they are participating in a number of activities, you can’t out-exercise a bad diet. As much as they will enjoy themselves, they will probably come back having gained. Let them know that they should do their best to find some balance. They won’t be able to control what they are served all the time, but they can decide how much they put on their plate and how often they snack. It’s important for them to be hydrated and have energy for all the things they will be doing but they can also make smarter choices when possible. For example, make sure they know to drink water instead of sports drinks all day and give them some ideas for healthier food and snack alternatives –  try to include lean proteins – chicken, turkey or fish, light or low fat cheese and skim or 1% milk. Find the fresh fruits – apples, blueberries and melon. Some other options are yogurts, nuts (many camps are nut-free but if yours is not then include some nuts or trail mix), cereals, eggs and whenever possible head to the salad bar. At the salad bar be sure to include greens, yellows, orange and reds.  Dressings should never be more than 2 tbsp. For sandwiches, use 1 slice of bread instead of two. Try to alternate a very healthy meal day with a less healthier meal the next – and make sure to take notice how you feel each day.

 

Even though it is the kids that are going away, parents can feel like they are on a break too. Eating clean and being on a weight loss plan doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your summer, but like any other time of the year you can’t let yourself get caught up in changing circumstances. Don’t let the kids being away be your excuse to go off your plan. There are other ways to enjoy the season and the company of friends and family besides eating and drinking to excess. It may be tough to constantly avoid temptation but what you are working towards is more important than giving in. When the kids finally come back it may mean time for a family vacation or even getting into school preparations, so you want to do your best now before things get chaotic again.

 

Summer is such a great time of the year. Keep your thoughts close to mind of how hard you have worked to get to where you are. Don’t fill you days with regret by going overboard. Instead, find Balance in your summer. You will be much happier making smart choices and helping those around you be healthy.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

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