Back to the Schedule: Tips to Keep You Sane!

Are you ready to get back into the routine with early mornings and busy weeks? Ready or not, here it comes and check out these tips to keep you sane as you get back into the school year schedule:

1. Sneak it in: add in exercise where you can... yoga in the morning, 20 minute run in the evening, 10 minutes toning exercises before bed. If you need resources for at home workouts, check your local TV listings or check out: http://www.exercisetv.tv/ for a variety of DVD's and workouts, and pick-up magazines like: Shape, Fitness, or Women's Health!
   
   



2. Hydrate: keep your energy levels up througout the day by brining a water bottle with you everytime you leave the door! Sip on water throughout the day!





3. Stock up: create a basket or container of grab n' go snacks in your cupboard and include items like: applesauce cups, Peter Rabbit Organics - Fruit & Veggie Snacks, KIND Healthy Snack bars, mini packs of nuts, single serving peanut butter packs and 100% fruit flats. Then when you're flying out the door you can throw a few items in your bag to have on hand for yourself or the kids.
   
   



4. Meal map: minimize your time in the kitchen by creating a weekly 'map' for your meals and snacks to streamline your food preparation efforts. Think of which nights you'll be home, running late, etc... and strategize what foods to make. A favorite tip of mine is make a double batch of a recipe and freeze half for a meal later in the week!

quick dinner recipe, perfect for fall

Here is a tasty dinner recipe that is quick and perfect for fall. What you'll need: 1 package soba noodles (Japanese style noodle made of whole wheat and buckwheat), 1 medium butternut squash (baked), 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and prepared garlic sauce. What to do: Prepare the soba noodles per the package instructions. Cube up the baked squash into 1/2 cubes. In a wok add the sesame oil and then cook the squash for about 2 - 3 minutes. Add in the soba noodles (drained) and then add in garlic sauce, to taste. Note, garlic sauce tends to have a kick so be careful how much you add!

Another addition to this dish could be cubed chicken! Just cook the chicken first and then follow the recipe as above.