Unleashing Your Potential

with Coach K

Family Vacation and How to Stay Healthy

There’s an adage that says: “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching.”

I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. We seem to have our plans and schedules intact while we are in our normal routines, but when we say VACATION, discipline goes out the window, along with our healthy habits. We tend to do better when we know there’s accountability, whether it’s your trainer or your gym partner, but when it’s vacation time and they are gone, you live by the phrase…YOLO (You Only Live Once)!

Now let me first say, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself and letting your proverbial ‘hair down’... but I do believe in moderation. Remember, never go to excess in anything, but let moderation be your guide. A slice of cake for the weekend isn’t a bad decision. The entire cake is. A slice of pizza isn’t bad either. The entire pizza is. A glass of wine isn’t an unhealthy choice. The entire bottle is.

When you go on vacation, make sure you pack your clothes and don’t leave your brain at home. I want to share with you four tips that can keep you on your healthy journey while being on vacation.

1) DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

I know I say it a lot, but water is so essential. Water is what quenches your thirst and it will also keep you full longer than a soda or alcoholic beverage. The standard amount of water to drink is half or more of your body weight in ounces.

2) GET PLENTY OF REST.

I know what you’re thinking, ‘Keon, I’m on vacation!’ You are so right and that’s why you need to rest. Think about it. You actually went on vacation to take

a break from your normal routine, and what is most of your normal routine… WORK! Also, you can sometimes pack your vacation schedule with so many activities that when you actually get back home, you are not rested at all. Have you ever heard people say, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” That just means you didn’t take any time for rest.

3) PREP YOUR OWN SNACKS.

If you’re anything like me, you love to snack. My my favorite snack is gummy worms.(I know... not good) However, I also pack a gallon of water and peanuts. This really helps me because it takes the fast food restaurant options out. My family and I have our own snacks, and for the most part, they are healthy. And it saves us money as an added bonus.

4) PACK YOUR WORKOUT CLOTHES.

I honestly pack my gym clothes before I pack any other clothes in my suitcase. It’s so important, if you want to stick to your normal routine, to take something from your routine with you on vacation. What better thing to take than exercise? Whether it’s going to the hotel gym or taking a walk, it’s always great to be physically active. Make sure the entire family brings clothes so everyone can be encouraged to stay active.

I pray that you all have safe travels and enjoy your time with family, but most importantly, stay healthy!

Keon Addison is a 5th grade teacher of 19 years at Wares Ferry Road Elementary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two beautiful girls, Ashlyn and Keona. Keon is the visionary/coach of Unleashed Potential Fitness where he hosts bootcamps, group training, and personal training. He is also a lifestyle coach for the Wellness Coalition teaching people how to delay and/or prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more at www.unleashedpotentialfitness.org.

Every parent wants their child’s birthday to be special... but the cost of

throwing a party can really add up, especially if you have multiple children. Is it really possible to cut party costs without losing the fun and excitement that parents and kids alike have come to love? One way to cut down on costs is by purchasing birthday supplies that can be reused or repurposed year after year.

that are not theme specific and select a va-

riety of colors that are gender neutral. Basic birthday signs, party lanterns, and photo backdrops can be reused again and again. You can even make your own decor out of stronger materials like cardstock or cardboard or hit up the dollar store for streamers and signs that can be used repeatedly. As you collect a stash of items, store it someplace that is organized and easily accessible when the next birthday arrives.

When purchasing items for the special day, it may be wise to spend a little extra money on items you know can be used many times over several years.

Purchase games that can be used every year like bingo, bean bag toss, or yard games such as badmitten. These games are fun for any party and will see a return on your investment quickly. Chalkboards for birthday signs, cake stands, and punch bowls can also be purchased once and used for many parties.

You can also buy dress up items that can be used for a photo booth year after year such as hats, silly glasses, feather boas, or masks. Kids of any age will have

a great time posing in different costumes.

Many of these items can be purchased at a dollar store, garage sales, or may be laying around your house. Choose a basic birthday backdrop for your photo booth or use a plain sheet or tablecloth to keep things

simple and affordable for your photo back-

drop. There are also fun apps that allow

you to put in different backdrops if you use

a green background. Photos taken in the photo booth can double as thank you cards for your guests.

Money can be saved on tableware in a few different ways. Cloth tablecloths

and plastic plates can be washed and used again. They will last for years with a one time investment. If the thought of extra cleanup doesn’t appeal to you, try buying a giant roll of white butcher paper and unrolling on the table to be used as a tablecloth. Allow kids to color right on the tablecloth during the party. When the party is over, simply roll up the paper and toss it. One roll of paper will last for years and because of neutral color it can be used for many holidays and birthdays.

Another way to save on birthday expenses is to replace balloons with

party lanterns. These can be purchased for about the same price as balloons but instead of one time use, they can be used over and over again. By choosing a variety of neutral colors you will save money without losing the festive look.

Once the party’s over, themespecific party decorations can be repurposed in many ways. Cards and

invitations can be made into wall art, ornaments, gift tags, or garland. Crepe paper and napkins can be made into confetti or garland. Old ribbons and balloons can be used to make a festive wreath. The key to saving money by reusing or repurposing party decor is to get creative. Scour the internet or Pinterest for ideas, shop smart by buying generic birthday items on sale, or create your own decor from things you have around the house. Once you have your basic party decor, add small touches to help create a fun birthday

theme. Try to find items that can be used

more than once. For example, animals from a Noah’s ark party could be reused for a zoo or circus themed party at a later date. A little creativity can make for a fun,

affordable, and environmentally conscious

birthday party your child will love. rrp

Sarah Lyons is a freelance journalist and contributing writer to numerous parenting publications.