Happy New School Year!

Is it just me, or do you find back to school a bit like Jan 1st?

I spent the day sorting out the Utility room, making space in the spare room and encouraging the kids to declutter and sort out their bedrooms, ready for a new beginning! I love the sense of achievement when it is all organised and tidy! Long may it stay neat and tidy

After a busy and enjoyable summer I find I need to start some new habits at this time of new beginnings.

I thoroughly enjoyed this summer, the glass or two of wine each evening, the lie ins, relaxing days and family fun in the sun, late nights and lots of adventures and very little work, but how will we cope with 'normality' next week?

Today was my first day back at the gym in a few weeks, I was wrecked during the class! Perhaps all that relaxation wasn't such a good idea. Here are a few things I have been doing this past week to help make the start of the academic year a successful and healthy one.

• No alcohol mid week
• Drinking water between meals but not with meals (not to dilute digestive juices)
• Intermittent fasting , fast 14 hours out of 24, i.e.last meal 6pm and breakfast 8am
• Maintaining low carb diet, trying lots of recipes from Ketogenic Kitchen.
• Get as much sleep as possible.
• Make a HIT and resistance training session each week.

My plan is that by October mid term I am at my ideal weight and feel great. I will aim to continue with this plan after mid term.

For the kids:

• New unifrom
• Early to bed
• Limited screentime
• Planning for breakfast, lunch and snacks
• New friends and adventures!

I like to sit down with the kids and get them to plan their breakfast, lunch and snacks around the following points. In my next blog I will share some examples and recipes!

1. Nutrients - making sure there is a balance of nutrients (especially protein and omega 3 fish oils).
2. Likes and dislikes - no point in making food they wont eat, especially when you aren't watching them.
3. Regulations - many schools are nut free so we have to work around that, others ban certain foods.
4. Practicalities - schools allow little time to eat lunch so it needs to be quick to eat, often the after school snacks are on the road...
5. Convenience - Don't want to spend all day in the kitchen, why not get kids to help?

Do you have any 'New School Year' practices you would like to share?


Happy New School Year

Fiona