During holidays and time spent traveling it is natural to reflect on our lives and things we would like to change. But once we’re back to our busy routines it is all too easy to pick up the old habits again.

So how can we make sure we do things differently?

This month it is a good time to take a step back and think about how we are living our lives and to ask ourselves if we are finding time for the important things.

We are conditioned to think that we should be as busy and productive as possible in all areas of our lives, including work and relationships, and to have busy social lives. But it is also very important in life to take time to smell the roses.

The busier you are, the more important it is to take time out on a daily basis; to slow down to recharge. And have some quiet time.

We always feel better when we take time out and relax.

We all deserve a balanced life and we produce better results when we are able to have one. The same is true for adults and children and it is also important to make time to have fun!


A strategy plan

It may sound a little old fashioned but it pays to have an action plan; so have a family meeting to decide what everyone would like to do better. Plan exercises, evening meals and lunch boxes together. Also plan family time and remember Fridays are family days when you do things together as a family.


Plan to lead a balanced life

If you are tied to work 24 hours a day you are not having a life; the family and your health will suffer in the long-term. Remember that you are in control of your life.

It is important to work smart and be focused when you are working so you can get things done quickly.

Plan to give time to family, friends, health, fitness, nature, hobbies and of course, religion.

Plan exercises because they are not optional: they are a necessity for the whole family.

Our bodies were made to move and if we only sit they will seize up and get stiff.

Many people tell me they are too tired to exercise but when you exercise you are more energetic. If you exercise in the mornings you will have a better day and still have time in the evenings for family and friends. Make it part of your morning routine.

People who exercise are smarter as exercise increases the blood flow to the brain. Aerobic exercise keeps your heart, lungs and circulation healthy: it also moves the oxygen around the body and gives your face a healthy oxygenated glow. Exercise ensures you get a good night’s sleep. So instead of wasting half hour thinking about getting out of bed, spring out and take a brisk 20 minute walk; go for a jog around the block; or hit the gym.

Exercise will boost your stamina, give you more energy, and will make you look and feel better and more confident and happy. Exercise makes you realize that you have a body that is worth looking after. Try to plan a variety of different forms of exercise.

My routine tends to change from time to time but I always do my mini-morning workout before I start my day. You can send for a free copy of my mini-morning workout by e-mailing [email protected]. Once you get into the habit of exercising you will really enjoy it.

I know for some women it is difficult to take part in exercise classes but you can always do something in the privacy of your own home

• You could buy a dance or exercise CD

• Buy an exercise bike and put it in front of the TV

• Buy a skipping rope

• Play ball games with the children

• There are also games consoles which have fitness activities

Exercise wards off depression and gives you a good feeling

Decaffeinate

Limit your consumption of caffeine, found in coffee, tea and many canned drinks. Your main drink of the day should be water.

Our Children’s health is our responsibility

Dr. Catherine Dandy of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital says parents must take responsibility for educating children about healthy eating, as many bad habits are learned at home. She says when you allow eating on trays in front of the television, children are learning to eat without tasting and this leads to over eating.

The best way to persuade children to eat healthily is to eat together as a family


What you can do:

Ensure that your child gets up in time to have a healthy breakfast

Pack a healthy lunch box with one treat

Have a brightly colored, healthy fruit salad ready for when your child comes home from school. Usually they are so hungry at this time they will eat anything.

Get active with your children. Take then for walks, play games, take them for a swim

Encourage your child to drink less fizzy drinks and more plain water!

Healthy Recipe of the Week

Chicken on Sticks

Children love this dish as it is fun to eat

Ingredients

4 skinned chicken breasts, sliced

into 2cm pieces

12 bamboo skewer sticks

3 cloves of crushed garlic

2 tbsp dark brown sugar

3 table spoons of sesame oil

90 ml of dark soy sauce

Juice of one whole lime or lemon

Method

Put the ingredients in a bowl and slowly mix. Toss in the chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. When ready to use, thread each chicken strip onto a soaked skewer and barbecue or grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.

Top tip: You’ll need wooden skewers for this; soak them for a good 30 minutes before using them or they’ll burn. Serve with rice and salad or tortilla bread.


Ask Alva

I have heard that eating fruits helps you lose weight. I am a salesman and spend the day in traffic I pick up fast food as I go. But I need to lose weight as I am getting very fat, and have back pain. — Jacob


There is a lot you can do:

I would say the back pain is from sitting down too much.

• You can exercise in the morning before getting into your car

• You can eat a healthy breakfast before you start the day

• Pack a healthy lunch box with one treat

• You can get out of the car at lunch time and go for a walk

• You can swim at the end of the day as it will release all your aches and pains and what’s more, it is good for your heart

Helping people to be healthy and fit is my own personal goal. — Alva





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