My friend, Azra, recently asked me how I find time to exercise and eat well when I have a full time job, a decent commute, and a social life to balance. So….. here is my rundown.
A day in the life - my balancing act.
First off, I plan for the next day the night before – I decided what I will be having for breakfast, and set it out. For example, I will put everything in the blender if I am having a smoothie, so that way i can blend it in the morning, and be on my way. The same goes for coffee, and lunch. Its all ready for me when I wake up….early.
I prefer to complete my workouts first thing because:
- the distractions are minimized if I get it over with in the morning
- the afternoon thundershowers are a killer for running – they always get in the way
- My nights are instantly freed up
I wake up at 5:15 am, and am out the door by 5:30. This way I am home to have plenty of time to shower and get ready for my day.
Ready to run
I get to work by 8am for my standard work day. At the office I am able to:
- take advantage of getting my strength training done over my lunch hour
- get in a quick running interval workout during lunch if I slept in that morning
- take a walk around the lake that is on our property if I need a quick break
Our newly replaced boardwalk!
The lake at work
My evenings are spent much more care-free, and doing the things I really want to do. It’s nice knowing that being so productive in the morning really pays off at night. I like to have the time to cook a good meal, and not feel rushed to do it. It makes it a lot more fun!
My 3 secrets to relaxing on weeknights include:
- planning meals on the weekend, and get all the food you need in one trip – now you dont have to go back to the grocery during the week
- plan meals that you can use the same ingredients during the week (herbs and veggies will not spoil this way)
- Make enough extra food so you can have at least one round of leftovers. For example, this week I made Black Bean Burgers in a double batch. Some for leftovers during the week, and the rest to put in the freezer for another time.
- Black Bean Burger Ingredients
The finished product! Yum!
Being prepared and planning ahead tends to really work for us, and is the only way I am able to get everything done in the day, and STILL have time to spend with Marcus and my family, even on a work day. And of course, the schedule sometimes goes awry, and that is when I realize that being flexible is a great trait to possess. 
Planning is HUGE for me in managing it all. And I love getting workouts done earlier too. Makes such a difference.
Yes! I prepare and cut veggies on Sunday, so I can make a quick salad for dinner or lunch! Its perfect:)
[...] am – Protein Smoothie Breakfast 2: Around 10:30 am – 1/2 cliff bar Lunch: 1 ish – black bean burger with a nectarine Afternoon Snack: 4 ish – 1/2 cliff bar Dinner: 7-7:30pm – Moroccan [...]