If you have kids, you probably know this feeling...

Happy Monday, Cleanish Squad!  

Listen to the email here

You know that feeling when you think about taking time for yourself and then feel guilty about it?  

Same.

It’s easy to feel pressured by society, social media, our own best intentions, and even our friends to be a better parent.

But what about about being a better you? 

How can you take time to work out, get in your steps, and follow a healthy meal plan with foods you want more than the rest of your family when your needs don’t come first?

But here’s the truth: You’re most valuable to your children if you’re healthy. 

Show your children how important health and fitness are in a healthy, happy life.

As a parent, it can be easy to get caught up looking after everyone else’s needs, but the reality is that you need to take care of yourself first and foremost.

Taking time for yourself will make you a better parent and will give you the energy you need to look after your family.

If you need help finding the time, here are some ideas that helped me. 

1. Start early when your kids aren’t yet awake or after they’re in bed.

2. Replace one meal a day with a healthier option (protein shakes are great for this!)

3. Put it on your calendar. Remember: your health is a priority.  

4. Condense your workout to fit it in. Anything is better than nothing.

5. Involve your kids.  My kids LOVE getting involved in my workouts, learning how to lift weights, taking walks with me, and stretching.

The bottom line is to get it done.  It can be so easy to use the kids as an excuse to get started.  

How would you want them to handle their health and wellness in the future?

Our children should not be an excuse to not take care of ourselves—they should be our REASON to live a healthier life.  

Some of my favorite things this week 🙂 

• Quote of the Week → “You don't have to be perfect to be amazing." - Unknown

• Latest Recipe → These Whole Wheat Olive Oil and Herb Crackers are easy to make. We couldn’t stop eating these, especially with this hummus!

• Amazon Product of The Week → With Dustin and me working from home plus all 4 kids homeschooling now, we were going through paper towels like crazy, and I hated the waste and contact cost of buying more. I decided to test out these reusable paper towels. Overall, we like them much better than the disposable kind.

• My Top Trending YouTube Video → Meal Prep On A Budget (This video continues to be a trending video this week, and I’ve been getting so many emails about it! Watch it here. (Also: here’s the special link for the new meal plan + grocery list download from the video!)

Cleanish Squad Q&A!

Have a question? Need some advice? Looking for a recommendation? I’d love to help! But, to get started, I need your help! Click here! Ask me any questions, and I’ll answer them in an upcoming newsletter!

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Cleanish has four delicious flavors of plant-based protein, which can be added to a smoothie for a protein boost or simply mixed with water and enjoyed on the run. Use the code CLEANISHSQUAD to get 10% off your first order. Visit cleanish.com and see why our customers say they’ll never buy a different protein again.