If your kids are headed back to school, it can be difficult to try to squeeze in exercise and healthy meals while trying to juggle a busy schedule and homework. Here are some tips to help you stay in shape and eat nutritiously while adjusting to the new back to school schedule:

Take Advantage of Walking Opportunities: With the kids back in school, there are many opportunities to fit more walking into your routine. If your kids ride the bus to school, why not walk to the bus stop with them? You can benefit from a small morning workout that may only take 10-15 minutes. You can also walk more by parking farther away from the entrance if picking them up from school.


Make Time for Breakfast: Part of making your mornings better while getting used to being in back to school mode is to establish a routine. Make sure you have time for breakfast each morning by ensuring the kids have everything ready to go the night before and you wake up with enough time for breakfast. You may also want to check out Our 6 Easy Breakfast Ideas.

Be careful with after school snacks: When the kids come home from school it is easy for everyone to fall into the trap of eating snacks. Make sure if you also eat snacks with them, you’re reaching for things like carrots, whole wheat low-fat crackers, low-fat cheese, or yogurt instead of a box of cookies or chips.

Get Enough Sleep: Chances are you are waking up a little bit earlier than normal to adjust to the back to school routine. Make sure you also start going to bed a little bit earlier to make sure you get enough sleep. This will help you be more energized the next day.

Get Your Kids Involved Too: Kids can also benefit from regular exercise and activity. While you won’t want them doing anything too strenuous, they can enjoy doing activities such as swimming, playing outside, taking walks, or dance aerobics with you after school in the afternoon or early evening. Making it a regular fun family activity can help you stay motivated to lose weight and take a break from the usual homework/TV/computer routine many families fall into through the school year.


Have any other tips for dieting and exercise in the back to school season? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.