Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you have to look like one!

Think "parent" and what do you see?

• Fat, bloated tummy

• Sagging skin

• Tired-looking eyes

• Flabby arms and legs

Do you have these problems? It’s okay, I’ve been there, too! But I learned that with a few simple changes, you can lose that flab and get fit again.

Does any of the following sound familiar?

Bad Time Management

Some of the biggest mistakes parents make have to do with how they use their time. They spend an hour doing slow exercises when only twenty minutes of targeted cardio would work. It’s easy to say you don’t have time to work out for an hour, but what about 23 minutes?

HOW ABOUT 7 MINUTES? Could you find seven minutes for better fitness?

If you learn to do intense, super-targeted workouts, you can fit a full workout into even the busiest schedule. Shen and I have worked out the best ways to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Eating Like Your Kids Do

Sometimes, getting your kid to eat a chicken nugget feels like a victory—forget about vegetables!

When you’re spending your time with a kid, you might just end up eating whatever they eat. But, kids are different from adults. What their growing bodies need is very different from what you need.

Of course, I know you don’t have all the time in the world to prepare multiple meals. Still, if you plan ahead, you can make sure you always wholesome, healthful alternatives at hand. Oatmeal, salads, whole grain cereals, fruit, and smoothies are all quick and easy food solutions.

Giving in to the Flab

Parents fight battles every day. Sometimes it feels like we just don’t have the energy for another one. So, we give in. We roll over and accept that this is the way it is.

LISTEN UP:

Your dad bod is not who you are.

Your maternity weight isn’t who you are.

You can make a change. You just have to decide that you’re not satisfied with the way things are.

Drinking Empty Calories

Parents are always on the go. Sometimes, at the end of a long day of running errands, my van’s cup holders will be overflowing with different to-go cups.

Between fancy coffees, soft drinks, and that glass of wine at the end of the night, you might be consuming tons of empty calories in the form of beverages. The average soda has the same number of calories as a bag of potato chips. Drink more than one and they can really add up!

Sometimes, just being aware of something is enough t make you think twice about it. Be aware of the calories you’re drinking, and maybe you’ll think twice before you order that next Frappuccino.

If you avoid these common mistakes, you can see maximum results with minimal effort. Studies have shown that AWARENESS matters. Simply writing down the number of calories you consume will make you eat less.

So, keep these tips in mind as you work to lose that ugly flab.

LOSE THE NEGATIVITY, LOSE THE WEIGHT

Bringing a good attitude to the table goes a really long way. Underneath all of that fat and flab is a fit person. You’re in there somewhere. All you need to do is uncover your true self!

BE AWARE OF WHAT’S GOING IN YOU

Don’t lose track of what you’re taking into your body. Life gets crazy. I know. But, you’ll be a better parent with a healthier body.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUR KIDS

You set the example for your kids. Do you think that they will value their own health and well-being if they don’t see you taking care of yourself? As a role model, you have a huge responsibility to teach them a healthy lifestyle.

MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME

If you spend too much time on yourself, your family suffers. If you forget to take care of yourself, you suffer—and when you suffer, everyone suffers. Find the perfect balance. Get a fit body and lose that fat in a sustainable way.

MINIMIZE YOUR EFFORT

Raising kids is like being a shark—you’ve got to keep swimming, or you die. So, it’s not an option for you to get exhausted or weak. That’s why you need to make sure you’re doing the most efficient workouts around, as well as making sure your diet is giving you everything you need with no wasted calories.

REMEMBER: The key to getting healthy is finding a good balance between taking care of yourself and taking care of your loved ones. If you want your family to thrive, you have to thrive first. So, get started today!