My kids have transitioned into 6th grade and 4th grade respectively; at this point without too much of a struggle. Their days of simply playing Legos, listening to Harry Potter on audio, and running around freely have come to an abrupt halt. They now must succumb to scheduled bed times, forced wakings by 6:30am, active intellectual engagement for 6 hours, homework, etc. Then they must TRY to be civil and respectful to mom (who takes the brunt of their over-tired, cranky attitude) as well as too each other, before it all starts again.
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| Benjamin and Gabriel |
My husband, who has had the benefit of help on the farm as needed, a house full of family, and summer heat and humidity, has now found himself alone for the day in much cooler temperatures. His struggles don't include the peace and serenity that come with us returning to school, but rather with trying to run the farm by himself, helping with homework, increased housework responsibilities, and still trying to find time for family.
The role I play this year has changed, though not for any less chaotic results. School is back in session, and though I have cut back to 4 days a week, those 4 days will be filled to the brim with working with kiddos, meetings, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork and evaluations ...(did I mention paperwork?) . My one day off will be to work on my Health Coaching business.
Where I found I had the summer to blog 2-3 times a week, create healthy recipes, and preserve food, I find I am now struggling to juggle the time needed to help my business take off, help my kids, help on the farm, maintain a moderately clean home, fold laundry and make even basic meals.
Of course, one of my passions with Health Coaching is to help people (and myself), find ways to juggle all these demands and still find time to eat healthy, nutritious meals! I have found that the best and easiest way to ensure that I am eating healthy, with minimal effort, and a maximum way to engage the rest of the family around meal time, is to have a weekly menu.
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Consistently, I have found this method to be the most sure-fire way of helping us stay on track with healthy eating.
Here is an example of one of our weekly dinner menus from earlier this year:
Monday: Quiche; quinoa with sliced almonds; roasted chick peas; grilled salmon
Tuesday: Crockpot chicken; braised asparagus; sauteed sweet potatoes with roasted peppers, onions, mushrooms and garlic
Wednesday: Quinoa burritos with corn, carrots, roasted peppers, black beans and chicken; salad; green beans
Thursday: Thai chicken curry with rice noodles; peas; cabbage with apples
Friday: Homemade pizza with chicken, mushrooms, roasted peppers, onions; salad
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Pork chops; rice; carrots; spinach; cabbage steaks
We may not always follow the menu exactly, but at least we all have an idea each night of what's for dinner. It also help to cut down on the [insert whiny voice here], "mom, what's for dinner?" question every 5 minutes from 4 o'clock until we sit down at the table). With a menu, I can also more easily delegate tasks for each family member to help with, which makes prep and clean up time much faster.
So plan your weekly menu. Share it with us in the comments section. See how it will help you to stay on track with healthy eating, even in the midst of chaos. If even thinking of what to write down for meals sends you to the nearest box of mac and cheese or the take-out counter, let me know here, or on Facebook, or email, and I will be glad to work with you on creating menus and meals to help keep you eating healthy...while juggling.
In health and supporting you on your journey to becoming Your Sensational Self,
Shelley Allen
Health Coach, MS OTR/L
www.yoursensationalself.com
or follow me on Instagram @shelley_allen24
or Twitter @shelleyhealth1
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