This time of year is all about family and being grateful for the people in our lives. Unfortunately, the fun of so many upcoming holidays and celebrations also leads to many busy weeks where our dinner plates and exercise schedules are neglected.

These hacks will help you and your family have more time and practice some lifestyle habits that will keep everyone feeling their best as the weather cools down and the calendars fill up with to-do’s.

Hydrate With Fruit Waters

For many of us, the answer is most likely no. Even though our bodies need plenty of hydration to function and heal, we can easily forget to drink enough water. With the little ones, drinking water can become a real chore when they would rather have milk, juice, or sugary drinks.

One healthy, low-calorie way you can entice everyone to drink more water is by adding fresh fruit slices to drinks. Fill a pitcher with water then add some of your favorite fruits and set it in the fridge to cool. The fruit will infuse their own yummy flavor that will have your family asking for more!

Some fruit water combination ideas include: orange and blueberry, cucumber and mint, and strawberry and lemon. For the best flavor, let your fruit water pitcher infuse in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Make Healthy Snacking Easy

When the whole family has school and work to worry about, unhealthy snacks become an easy go-to on the way out or after a long day at school. One way you can swap out the junk food for healthier choices is by making your own grab-and-go snacks at the beginning of the week.

Pack up bags of baby carrots with dressing, pretzel sticks and peanut butter, apple slices, and homemade trail mixes for the entire week. These can quickly be added to lunch boxes or serve as a quick bite after school and work.

Also, make sure everyone is getting their daily dose of vitamins and minerals. These can easily be incorporated into smoothies and juices that can be grabbed on the way out the door to school or work. To get the most superfoods and vitamins out of your smoothies, try adding some of the Berry Green Superfood which is full of antioxidants and vitamins from green veggies your children might not normally eat.

Get the Whole Family Moving

Instead of going out to dinner, save some money and enjoy the fresh air with a family nature hike! Research some local trails or a find a park you haven’t been to yet. No matter what you choose, get everyone outside and moving! Exercise not only keeps our metabolisms going, it can also provide a nice relaxing break from chores, homework, and technology.

With so many video games and social media absorbing every moment of our kids’ lives, spending quality time outside can help children reconnect with their natural desire to explore and play. Designate one day a week to take the family outdoors and stick to your schedule. Have the kids pick the locations and think of activities. Be sure to include your older children and teens into the planning process! 

Cook Together

Cooking can often feel like a task, but it doesn’t have to be! Cooking alone with your partner can give you some one-on-one time to talk and connect with each other. Cooking with your children can teach them important healthy habits and create a greater appreciation for what they put in their bodies.

Younger children love to be involved, so if you have a hyper child, put them to work in the kitchen. Give them small, basic tasks that are easy and safe for them to do. They will love knowing that they contributed to the family’s meal! 

Perhaps the most important hack of all is to spend quality time with your family. Try doing more things that excite your children. If one child loves art, find a show you can all attend. Make the most of the fall weather and do as many outdoor activities as possible before the bitter cold hits. These could include community events like movies in the park, harvest festivals, and 5k runs. Your family health plan is entirely customizable, so find something that works for your family!

Parker Naturals

Parker Naturals strives to take every step necessary to keep our customers smiling and helping them achieve vibrant health! This includes, but is not limited to, starting right by providing you with nothing but pure ingredients that are free of harmful contaminants.

Our premium supplements contain absolutely zero fillers, binders, or additives and are proudly developed and manufactured in the U.S.A. in world-class FDA-approved facilities. Our customers’ health and safety are our top priority. Quality is more than a word. It’s something we prove to you every day!