According to LMQC Nutritionist blogger, Jeni Tackett, once the kids go off to college, you need to take some time to re-set your priorities to make sure your empty-nest life takes off.
by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD
With college students back at school, you may find yourself in that stage of life known as the empty nest. My husband and I are empty nesters after 22 years of having children at home.
Having a healthy empty nest can be a struggle.
You may be tempted to eat out more often, skip family dinners, and skip meals entirely. Here are some tips to keep health a priority in your empty nest:
• Healthy hobbies: Instead of becoming sedentary during this stage in your life, think of activities that you enjoy that will involve movement.
My husband and I live near the Village of East Davenport, and we love to walk and bike around our beautiful neighborhood and along the bike path. We also joined a nearby yoga studio, which we can walk to and attend classes regularly.
Pickleball, hiking, and going to the gym are also great options for active hobbies.
• Meal Planning: Do not leave your evening meals to chance. Make a menu of dinners each week and a grocery list from your menu. Post the menu on your refrigerator, and account for busy nights with crock pot meals, easy-to-prepare meals, or leftovers.
• Sit-Down Dinners: Having dinner at the table with your loved ones is a great time to talk about your day and can help you be more mindful about your meal.
When we eat in front of the television or on the run, we are more likely to eat mindlessly and feel unsatisfied.
• Healthy Cooking: You may find that you have extra time in the evening now that you are no longer going to choir concerts, sporting events, or quiz bowl tournaments. Try new, healthy recipes that can make fueling your body more interesting.
Our children didn’t love stir-fry, but my husband and I really enjoy experimenting with different stir-fry recipes (and we don’t have to hear any complaints from the kids).
You can try meal kits such as Hello Fresh or Blue Apron to learn new cooking techniques and spice up your weekly menu.
Make your own health and wellness a priority
The empty nest stage in your life is a time when your health and wellness can be a priority. Make your health a priority, and enjoy having the time to focus on yourself.
Looking for some healthy recipes for two? Here are some helpful suggestions you can find online:
by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD
With college students back at school, you may find yourself in that stage of life known as the empty nest. My husband and I are empty nesters after 22 years of having children at home.
Having a healthy empty nest can be a struggle.
You may be tempted to eat out more often, skip family dinners, and skip meals entirely. Here are some tips to keep health a priority in your empty nest:
• Healthy hobbies: Instead of becoming sedentary during this stage in your life, think of activities that you enjoy that will involve movement.
My husband and I live near the Village of East Davenport, and we love to walk and bike around our beautiful neighborhood and along the bike path. We also joined a nearby yoga studio, which we can walk to and attend classes regularly.
Pickleball, hiking, and going to the gym are also great options for active hobbies.
• Meal Planning: Do not leave your evening meals to chance. Make a menu of dinners each week and a grocery list from your menu. Post the menu on your refrigerator, and account for busy nights with crock pot meals, easy-to-prepare meals, or leftovers.
• Sit-Down Dinners: Having dinner at the table with your loved ones is a great time to talk about your day and can help you be more mindful about your meal.
When we eat in front of the television or on the run, we are more likely to eat mindlessly and feel unsatisfied.
• Healthy Cooking: You may find that you have extra time in the evening now that you are no longer going to choir concerts, sporting events, or quiz bowl tournaments. Try new, healthy recipes that can make fueling your body more interesting.
Our children didn’t love stir-fry, but my husband and I really enjoy experimenting with different stir-fry recipes (and we don’t have to hear any complaints from the kids).
You can try meal kits such as Hello Fresh or Blue Apron to learn new cooking techniques and spice up your weekly menu.
Make your own health and wellness a priority
The empty nest stage in your life is a time when your health and wellness can be a priority. Make your health a priority, and enjoy having the time to focus on yourself.
Looking for some healthy recipes for two? Here are some helpful suggestions you can find online:
Jeni Tackett
Nutritionist Blogger
Jeni is a registered and licensed dietitian who works at Genesis Health Systems as a Health Promotion Coordinator. She has always been passionate about a healthy lifestyle and helping others live their healthiest life.
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