Rhythm & Routine
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I have a 22-month old who I recently sleep-trained to go to sleep on her own rather than being rocked. We have a bedtime ritual…not a long one…we go through every night and she has transitioned beautifully. When we aren't at a basketball game, the boys have a set (early) bedtime and they know the routine. In the morning, we have a certain order and way of doing things. Then, on days like today, when daddy has to leave for early morning practice at 6am, things get a little out of whack. Then, the front desk lady at daycare asks me if I am working today, because I have not yet put on work clothes or make-up. 😳 In our home, regular routines and knowing what to expect help us a lot. There is definitely still plenty of chaos, but it's manageable when we have consistency in at least some areas.
Today, I was thinking about how to apply this principle when it comes to food and eating habits. Just like kids (and adults) associate certain things with sleep and going to bed, I think we also associate certain activities with certain food/snacking/eating habits. For example, we like to eat popcorn when we watch a movie as a family. We have food to snack on and drinks when we are playing games with family or friends. I like to have something to chew or suck on when I'm watching a basketball game, because it helps with my nerves. A good habit I have finally developed is always having a water with me when I am teaching, working at my desk or driving in my car.
So, I think it would be helpful to develop some healthy eating habits that become the standard and expectation. I can associate things I do every day with the right kind of food choices. Honestly, it's a relief to not have to think about every detail of meal-planning, grocery shopping, eating and snacking. If I already know what I'll be eating, then I know what I have/need from the store and I can focus on the more important things in life-like cuddling with my kids and cheering on the basketball team we love so dearly.
I planned to go to the gym tomorrow, but I also planned to fast, and I can't do both. So, gym on Thursday it is!
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