PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — For help to get our kids and ourselves ready to go back to school, we turned to Julie Palumbo.
She’s a mom of three, a nutritionist, and a health coach with her own business called Best Whole Self.
She says if you take a little time to set up a system for yourself, it goes a long way. “It’s really like investing a little bit now, and it will make it so much easier going forward.”
Palumbo says to set yourself up for success at mealtime, Create Your Own Convenience by doing some prep to mix and match.
“That’s washing and cutting fruits and vegetables. Maybe you cook some elements of your meal and then just assemble later,” she says.
Mini turkey meatballs with gluten-free breadcrumbs are a staple for Palumbo’s family. “I take out two or three meatballs to add to a salad. For dinner, we defrost them, we throw them in with our pasta, or have them as a Mediterranean dish.”
The active prep time is only 10 minutes.
Palumbo’s second tip is to buy bins and glass containers. “It will clear clutter, which is also an emotional component and a physical component… What I’m trying to do is just alleviate any stressors or anything that could get in the way between me and a healthy meal.”
For in-between meals, make your own grab-and-go healthy snack packs, trail mix, and smoothie ingredient jars.
To help manage time, Palumbo says Tack on 10.
“10 minutes at night is really equal to about 30 minutes in the morning. Get your snacks ready for the next day to grab and go for work. Lay out your gym clothes. Maybe you, I personally pack all my kids’ lunches the night before,” she says.
Also, tack on 10 for yourself. Invest 10 minutes for yourself before bed and make a few Wellness Swaps.
“So instead of being on your phone for the rest of the night or up until bedtime, cut it off 30 minutes early, maybe journal, meditate or read an actual hard copy book,” said Palumbo.
She also says instead of having that extra beer or glass of wine, “swap it for chamomile tea or peppermint tea, some kind of herbal tea that’s naturally non-caffeinated because the same slow hand-to-mouth action is happening, so your brain is still okay with it.”
Palumbo says start with just one night a week, then add on a night or two, and before you know it, you might be doing these wellness swaps at least Monday through Thursday.
Tweaking small habits can make a big difference.
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