In general, I'm a huge fan of planning -- everything from healthy meals and snacks to when I'll work out to when I'll get my work done. Questionable food choices made "in the moment" are one of the biggest healthy-eating obstacles we face as a family. After all, when you're tired and hungry and it's hot outside, who feels like thinking a healthy meal through?
I was never one of those really organized moms; you've seen them at the playground, with their perfectly-portioned healthy snacks, water, juice, extra sunscreen, hats, full first-aid kits, educational flashcards -- you know the drill. Though I like the idea of planning, actually doing it consistently tends to be a bit challenging for me. Still, a few minutes of forethought can save not only your arteries, but your money, too.
That was the case yesterday when the kids and I decided on an impromptu trip to an aquarium about an hour away. Normally, I'd just plan to get something (and by something, I mean the usual greasy kid fare: chicken fingers and fries) at the on-site restaurant, but I decided to try something different. I asked my daughter to whip up a few sandwiches while I took the dog for a walk and when I got back, she'd made peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches for the road. It worked out perfectly: About mid-way through our time at the aquarium, we went out to the car, spread a blanket in a shady spot and ate our lunches away from the noise and crowd. I was quite pleased with the whole adventure -- not only did we avoid the afternoon lethargy that follows a gross fried meal, I also came home with money in my wallet. Bonus!
But I have to give a shout-out to non-planning, too. During a recent Saturday night trip to the movies, we were running so late that we didn't have time to hit the concession stand before the movie and guess what? We made it through the whole movie with nary a drink or snack and nobody felt deprived. "Wow, Mom," my daughter said. "Once the movie started, I didn't even want anything."
That led into a spirited discussion of Pavlov and his dog experiment...but that's a post for another day.
A picnic sounds like so much more fun too. Adventures are great!
Posted by: Sagan | July 16, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I pre-plan well.. but when it comes to trips like your Aquarium.. I'm guilty of eating the fried foods!
As for Pavlov and the movies.. yep equally as guilty.
I associated movies with the snacks.
Man it sucks to be a slave. LOL
Posted by: Strong One | July 17, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Adventures are fun, aren't they?
LOL, Strong One. We can't be perfect ALL the time, can we?
Posted by: Dara Chadwick | July 18, 2008 at 05:39 AM