Healthy Living
Healthy Tips for Back-to-School Weight Management
WW member Amy discusses how she made the most of summer on WW, and what she plans on doing now that the kids are going back to school.
Did you hear that? It’s the sighs of relief from parents and caregivers around the country as the kids finally go back to school! Whether you've cherished the extra time spent with little ones, making fun memories, or you've struggled to balance work and home life, there’s no denying, the summer holidays throw us all off our usual routines. Even those without children can feel the grip of a tighter waistband after all the summer indulgences—like holidays abroad, staycations, BBQs, and sunny evening drinks on the patio.
As a creature of habit, the healthy tips I’ve learned by being a WW member have become part of my weekly routines—like meal planning, batch cooking, and bringing my own packed snacks instead of choosing fast food. But there’s something about the summer that sends my routine haywire, and I must try hard to stick to the plan as much as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Mindfully balancing fun and food. I cut myself some slack during the summer and aim to maintain my weight instead of losing weight. A goal to lose weight can add too much pressure which will result in two outcomes: I either restrict what I’m eating, or I just binge with the attitude of ‘What’s the point? I won’t lose weight because there’s too much temptation.
2. Find reasons to go outdoors. I’ve always admired ‘outdoorsy’ families who get out and about together. It’s a lovely way to spend time with my kids, get some fresh air, and earn those additional activity points. Weekend bike rides, crisp walks in the fresh air while autumn leaves are falling and nights by a firepit with a sharable treat plate are some ideas to keep moving and breathing in the fresh air.
3. Make the most of new routines. I hear so many of my WW friends talk about looking forward to getting back into a routine once the kids are back at school—it really does seem to help. Whether you’ve managed to stay on track through the holidays (I applaud you), or you’re coming out of the summer feeling a little ‘fluffier’ and more sluggish than you’d like (I’m with you), let’s press the reset button this September and embrace everything the new season has to offer to our overall wellness.
4. Use a support group to stay on track. One thing that I find is constant all throughout the year no matter what season, is the amazing support that I have from my WW in person meetings and online community (especially WW Connect and Instagram!).
Well done surviving summer, everyone. Now that the kids are back at school, the first thing I’m going to do is earn some activity points by getting the house clean and tidy again!
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