Staying ‘on track’ Summer Edition
I’ve been thinking lately…
About how hard it is to stay balanced in the summer months. There seems to be more coming and going, more vacation-mode, more events and more desire to just want to take advantage of this fleeting time with family and friends. As it should be! I get asked all the time how I stay ‘in shape’ or ‘stay on track’ with everything I cook and eat, and although everyone has different bodies and different needs, I thought I would share what works for me.
Last weekend was a perfect example of ‘getting back on track’. We stayed with family on an island in Point au Baril. We lived in our bathing suits and out of a bag. It was Fraser’s birthday, which meant lots of celebrating and cake, obviously! I knew I wanted to make some special meals and indulge in allll the things. And I kept refilling my wine glass. 🫠
When we got back home, I needed a reset. I am a creature of routine and habit. I prioritize the planning and the making of our meals because when I do, I notice how much happier I feel.
Making time for meal planning, shopping, and meal prepping takes time and effort. There is no doubt about it. I am definitely someone who prioritizes this because I know it makes a huge difference in my psyche. It makes me feel so much better. (Cue Lisa Rinna here!) We all have seasons when it’s just not going to look as smoothly. And that’s ok! We need to give ourselves grace around that. The key is getting back on track with this simple system.
I’m here to share what works best for me and hopefully inspire you to adopt some of the things that bring me a little ease, calm and energy back into my week.
How I Stay on Track in the Summer Months
Set aside 20-30 minutes each week to meal plan - this involves taking stock of what you already have on hand and need to use up, and looking at your calendar to see what your week has in store for you. You can use my free Pantry Checklist Guide to ensure you always have the basics. Pick out your dinners based on what you have already, and what you need to do. I use the Grocery List in the reminders app on my iPhone to keep a running list through the week.
Pick 1-2 easy breakfasts or lunches that you can meal prep - I like choosing easy, low-prep or no-cook options that are high in protein that can live in the fridge and fuel the family all week long. Search on my site for some great meal prep breakfast ideas!
Do your grocery shop - I admit that I am not the best and shopping once, and eating all week. I find I hit the grocery story every other day! But you don’t have to. With your plan and a list, choose a day that works with your schedule and get it all done in one fair swoop.
Stick to your plan - Do your best to stay on track with your plan, to follow the meals you set out to make and use up your ingredients. That way, you won’t end up with a fridge filled with food you didn’t eat, nor will you be exhausted by decision fatigue from what to make every night for dinner!
More Things I do Each Week to Stay on Track
HYDRATE! As soon as you’ve found that you’ve gotten off-track, pour yourself a giant glass of water! This is truly the most important thing! About a year ago, I started adding collagen and electrolytes into my water throughout the day and both of these things have made an incredible difference in my energy, my appearance and weight management. I love the taste, which (bonus!) makes me want to drink even more water! Use code LOVESTORY15 for my discount.
MOVE! I try to move my body everyday. Even if it’s just a walk in my neighbourhood. I try and close my Apple Watch rings every day. Remember: You never feel like it, but you never regret it. My favourite forms of movement are walking (I added a weighted vest and it makes your walk do double time!) , yoga, hiking, group fitness classes like pilates, and recently I’ve been lifting heavy weights.
LESS WINE! This is probably obvious, but cutting back on my wine consumption helps in so many ways! But man, is it hard! I love the habit of pouring a glass while I make dinner. I’m exploring non-alcoholic wines and mocktails to have instead. My friend just told me about this company that distributes zero-proof wines and spirits.
SLEEP! Again - prioritizing sleep and rest is a no-brainer. When you are rested, you are better able to show up for yourself and your people. But this is easier said than done. I have not perfected my sleep routine yet, but one thing that truly helps me get back to sleep if I wake in the night is Yoga Nidra. Some of my favourite meditations are this one and don’t miss this one .
VEGGIES FIRST! My diet mindset is ‘think like a cave man’. If it grows out of the ground, it’s probably fine to have plenty of. Next, I prioritize protein. When it comes to staying on ‘track’ and maintaining my health and energy, this is my mantra. After I fill my plate with vegetables and protein, I sprinkle in grains, dairy products, nuts and sweets where appropriate.
Sound do-able? Give this plan a try for a week and let me know if you feel like you’ve saved time, energy and money! I want to hear from you! Leave me a comment below if you think you’ll give this a try!
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