By Alexandra Jamieson
 
Summer is here! That means more time outside, and more time playing with the kids. But can you keep up?  Use these strategies to make sure you and the little ones have the best summer ever!
 
Eat enough
 
Don’t go on a juice cleanse when you’re taking over the kids’ care. Too few calories can deplete your willpower over the course of the day, and then you’ll end up eating the fudgesicles meant for the kids. Your brain needs consistent fuel for those long, fun-filled days. The extra patience needed to handle child care also depletes willpower, so you’ll want to make sure you’re eating enough good quality, nutrient-rich foods.
 
Eat the right things
 
You’ll need to keep your brain happy with enough glucose so you don’t power down in the afternoon just when the kids want to head to the park. High protein, veggies, fruit and nuts are great, long-lasting foods that your body converts into glucose for your brain. Keep your bag, car, and cooler stocked with options so you don’t get hungry!
 
Clean & Green Protein Smoothies are a great snack or lunch for busy days. They keep your brain and body energized for longer than a green juice. Plus you can share with your little ones and know that they’re getting some muscle fuel without any added yucky chemicals! Get a great summer recipe here.
 
Cut the Caffeine
 
Do you need that second or third latte to get through the day? You may be doing more harm than good. Over caffeinate and your adrenal glands and brain can get exhausted. Over the course of a crazy summer, too many frozen frappa-coffee drinks can pack on the extra dairy and sugar too, making those “adult milkshakes” a triple threat.
 
Start weaning yourself off the extra caffeine a week before you have the kids over. Give your brain and body a chance to adjust to the lower caffeine input, and use decaf coffee, Teeccino herbal teas, or caffeine free tea as a replacement.
 
If your cravings for sugar or caffeine just won’t go away, it may be time to discover your cravings type and go deeper with the nutrition that will support your unique body. Take the quiz here.
 
If you find you get tired after a few hours of hardcore playing, just call a time out! Find a cool, quiet place for the crew to chill, and know that if you’re in need of a rest, the kids may be too. Have quiet activities handy for your little ones to enjoy like coloring books, or travel games.

You’ll all feel refreshed, energized, and ready for the next summer adventure!

Alexandra Jamieson CHHC, AADP, is a best-selling author, holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, detox expert, professionally trained healthy gourmet chef, and “cravings whisperer.” She has been seen on Oprah, Martha Stewart Living, CNN, Fox News, USA Today and People Magazine. Alex was the co-star and co-creator of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me and The Great American Detox Diet and offers remarkably sane – and tasty – advice on how to detox, live healthfully and feel fantastic. Her books Vegan Living For Dummies, and Vegan Cooking For Dummies offer plant-based advice to anyone who wants to eat healthier.  Her forthcoming book, Women, Food & Desire, will be published January, 2015. She lives in Brooklyn where she juggles, somewhat gracefully, raising her 7 year old son, running her company AlexandraJamieson.com, and riding her bicycle to the food co-op.

Photo: project365 via Flickr cc
Published: May 27, 2014