Staying busy taking care of kids and work can make it challenging for me to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program.  Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for me to fit wholesome choices into my family’s busy lifestyle and keep everybody healthy and happy.

I am partnering with McDonald’s on their Wholesome Choices Blogger Program.  I have been sharing my own tips and ideas for making more wholesome choices in your every day life and have been making changes in my life as well.

1 – Eating More Fruits and Veggies

My mother taught me early on that eating two to three servings of fruits and veggies daily has big benefits for your health.  They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, and contain enzymes when they’re fresh that fight inflammation and promote healthy digestion.  That’s why I’m making an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables every day.. even thought I don’t really like vegetables.

Eating a good sized helping of vegetables at dinner will support proper digestion and nutrient absorption, and their rich mineral content will help you sleep deeper so you feel better and can get more done the next day.

2 -Eating Healthier While Out and About

Some fast food restaurants like McDonald’s have responded to consumers’ health concerns by offering menu choices that contain few calories but plenty of nutrition. This means that fast food meals don’t have to be unhealthy when you’re in a hurry but also want something wholesome for you and your family.  McDonald’s offers a variety of whole-grain oatmeal choices on its breakfast menu, available all day. The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal and the Apple Cinnamon Walnut Oatmeal are both 100% natural whole grain oats, rich in fiber and freshly prepared.

3 – Staying Active

Finding ways to incorporate exercise into my daily routine is key to staying in shape and feeling energized throughout the day. Gardening is a great way to do this in the spring and summer. It also provides fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables for your family and you can keep your kids fit by including them in the fun.  Last year we grew watermelons, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, tomatos, and strawberries.  I’m looking forward to the fruits and veggies that we grow this year.

On days when I just don’t feel like getting all geared up for an outdoor or treadmill walk, I do indoor exercises such as running up and down the stairs for 20-30 minutes.  I literally ran laps around the middle level of our house today.

Instead of just sitting on the bleachers during your kid’s soccer or football practice, you can get your exercise in by walking around the soccer or football field or doing calisthenics until it’s time to go.

Follow McDonald’s Atlanta on Twitter @McDonaldsATL and check out their website for real-time promos, meal ideas and how to make the most of your McDonald’s experience.

McDonald’s partnered with bloggers such as me to participate in its “Wholesome Choices” Blogger Program.  As part of the program, I received compensation.  All thoughts and opinions in this post are mine and were not influenced in any way.