How to Get Your Man Healthy

Let's hear it for the BOYS!!!

I spend a lot of time here sharing what it is important for women to be healthy. How we can often put ourselves on the back burner. How we are doers, nurturers and just aim to please others.

But what about our awesome male counterparts?!!!

My husband is like a lot of men I know. He was active his whole life; participating in team sports from an early age and then competing competitively year round in different sports. Like a lot of guys, he didn't pay too much attention to what he ate. He didn't eat great but didn't eat bad and certainly didn't have to think about portions or if that late night trip through a drive through was a good choice.

I'm not sure when it exactly all changed, it seemed like after having kids, but Andrew's weight started to fluctuate. And then last year, with a job that had a lot of traveling, dinner meetings and long hours, I noticed not just my husband's weight change, but his whole well being too!

And, honestly, I think of a lot of guys are like my husband!
Hard working. Spends lots of time with their kids. Does things for others. Not a lot of free time.

I don't want to be the only one getting healthy over here. So this spring, Andrew and I committed to getting our healthiest together. Since starting, he's gone down pant sizes, more than 15 pounds and has energy that he was SERIOUSLY lacking before!

I wanted to share my simple tips for any guy wanting to get healthy!

{O N E}
Eat breakfast. 
This one is a biggie. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It revs up your metabolism for the day. Your body is ready for that energy boost! I mean, you haven't eaten since dinner the night before! Not only does your body need nutrients--but so does your brain! You need fuel to thrive! Studies show eating breakfast aids in weight loss, enhanced memory and energy levels.

A healthy breakfast doesn't have to take a lot of effort. Shakeology is a simple go to my husband can grab as he runs out the door. Prepping some egg muffins over the weekend to use throughout the week, or some granola with greek yogurt and fruit can be scarfed down pretty quickly! The point is, something besides black coffee!

{T W O}
Eat often. 
When talking with my husband, I was often surprised to hear how LITTLE he was eating during the day. Same principle as the breakfast idea, our bodies need fuel. Think of your metabolism as a fire. For it to burn hot and strong, you have to add fuel to the fire consistently!!! Every 2-3 hours a small meal or snack is going to not only keep that metabolism running high, but also you won't experience those hard crashes!

Keeping snacks on hand, in the car, at your desk, in the gym bag makes this easy. Nuts.com has some awesome healthy snack options that your guy (and kiddos) would love. I like to vary snack choices: healthy fats, fresh fruits and veggies, dried fruit options and proteins!

Some of my favorite, travel-friendly options are:

*Energy bites
*Protein bars
*Beef Jerky
*Nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts)
*Trail Mixes

Check out this yummy option!

{T H R E E}

Exercise

I know, I know. This one is a given. But it can be easy to put on the back burner, be inconsistent, or feel like you don't have the time for a good workout. Newsflash! Any workout is better than NO workout! It doesn't matter if it's as hard core as it used to be, fellas. Run, lift, walk, swim, crossfit--just add in some activity!

My husband likes variety and with his schedule he absolutely can't make it to the gym regularly. So between running, working out at home with 22 Minute Hard Corps or streaming something off Beachbody on Demand at his hotel while on the road--he has no excuse to not get in a quick workout a few times each week.

Ladies {fellas}--let's keep pushing towards that healthy lifestyle. Weight loss may be a by-product but a long healthy life free of health issues is the best thing I can think of for my man! And I know I want my male counterpart to be around for as long as I am! ;)

For more healthy, easy to pack snack options, check out Nuts. com

May Goals

I love a fresh month. Filling out my family's calendar, looking ahead. A month seems like such a long time but I am always amazed at how quickly a month flies by these days.

It's with that knowledge that at the beginning of each month, I set some goals. I know that if I don't set goals, the time will pass me by and I won't have accomplished quite what I set out to do.

They say that when you set goals. write them down, and visualize those goals becoming reality, that you attract that positive energy and outcome to yourself and are in fact more likely to succeed.  And who am I to argue with science?? ;)

{O N E} Finish the Ultimate Reset

I am over halfway through this program! In fact, I only have 8 days left! It seems like I should finish this program no problem then right?? WRONG! This program is so mental for me. I've gotten great results so far (down 9 pounds!) and it is because I know I've gotten great results and feel so great, that my mind likes to trick me. Saying things like, "Hey, why do you even need to continue?? You've done so great." "One little snack of ____ won't hurt."

No siree!!  I am not falling for that. I am going to finish strong! My plan after the reset wraps is to add back in proteins to my dinner at first and then to my lunch. I am going to keep my snacks strictly fruit and vegetables.  I am thinking of holding back on adding back dairy and any wheat.  I feel SO good without those products. I do love cheese and greek yogurt so I may phase dairy back in after a week or so, but only in small increments. I can't wait to share my final results with you all!

{T W O} 22 Minute Hard Corps

I am a planner. I like knowing what to expect. Which is exactly why I know what program I will be starting when the UR wraps.  I CAN NOT wait to get started on this program!!! Tony Horton is probably my favorite trainer and I don't what it is about his programs, but my body RESPONDS! I see muscles pop out, get leaner, get stronger, get faster! Who doesn't want those things!??!! 

In fact, I am hosting a fun accountability group centered around this program. If you want to join my May Accountability Group, you can check out details here. And because I am so excited, the first 5 people to commit to my group are going to receive a free gift and ONE lucky winner will be chosen for an extra gift--a $25 gift card to the store of their choice! 

Umm..helloo??? Getting healthy and free gifts!!? WIN-WIN!!

{T H R E E} Outdoor Play

I am PRAYING this new month means warm weather that will actually STICK around! We have had such nice weeks interrupted by dropping temps and lots of rain. My boys and I love to be outdoors so this month I want to intentionally make extra time for walks, trips to the park, wiffle ball in the back yard and bike rides. 

I know as their mom I am responsible for them loving to move and be active. I want them to always view activity as fun! 

{F O U R} 3 New Recipes

I am always looking for healthy recipes that my family will love. Since we are ending the Reset and my plan can be a bit more flexible, I will be testing out three new recipes that are *healthy, *fit in my 22 MHC eating plan, AND *are kid-friendly, kid-approved.  Stay tuned for what I find! 

What are your goals for this new month??