Parenting Freedom with Simple Fun Fitness

I recently went on a road trip with my eighteen year old son and twenty year old daughter. We were biking, hiking and swimming in Colorado. It's amazing how easy it is to travel with kids compared to the days we were escorting six kids around Disney World. Everything was very relaxed and easy. If you only have very young children now, know that your day is coming, too. Independence Day.

July fourth is also just around the corner and it is one of my favorite holidays for the same reason-it's easy and relaxing. No lists, no shopping, no holiday weight gain. It's using the grill, the pool and lots of time with the family.

Get some blueberries, watermelon and fresh squeezed lemonade. Take a break from processed foods of all kinds. In Western countries including the U.S. but also Canada and Australia, a full 67% of the total caloric content for adults comes from corn, soy, or wheat. That's not much variety and surely represents a lot of processed foods.

Once you do some adjusting to make the menu healthy, plan some outdoor games or activities. Make some memories. Above all simplify everything. Remember that the goal is relaxing and fun. Keep the emphasis on the interaction between family and friends. The Olympics are just around the corner so maybe you would enjoy a little competition of your own. Croquet, volleyball, frisbee, baseball, tennis or what ever your family enjoys would be a great tradition to start.

You just have one goal: to be fully present as in not distracted or busy and to enjoy your family. Declare the day a day of independence for you-free from elaborate plans or meals. Make it a simple holiday and see how fast it becomes your favorite holiday, too.