I’m going to share some of what’s been going on in my life during this lockdown and some of it comes as a surprise to myself, quite frankly. I’ve always been that someone to try to look on the bright side of things, turning challenges into opportunities. However, in this instance it wasn’t by choice but I thought that it would be a good idea to share with you how lockdown encouraged a healthier lifestyle. It was an unfortunate circumstance that forced us into a situation to step out of the comfort zone.

On average I used to spend about 1-2 hours daily in the morning and then again another 1-2 hours in the evening, just commuting to work and back. Not having to do that itself has been a blessing in disguise. (Yes, that’s me again trying to see the positive in a less than favourable situation)

To avoid a very lengthy blog post, I’m going to split this into parts…so here goes…by the way…there’s a giveaway, so read further.

Part 1: Eating Habits

Cooking, Baking & being creative

With so much of time being spent in traffic under normal circumstances, we used to end up eating lots of takeaways from our nearest drive throughs as well as ordering via Mr. Delivery. There was just very little time to do much by the time I got home.

The lockdown forced us to not just cook at home but also bake and be more adventurous and creative opposed to making the same old things we were accustomed too.

Quality Time Together

Sitting at the table together eating a meal is now relaxed. We are not in a hurry to do something and finish quickly.

Hubby and I, with the enthusiastic help from Kayden, have been able to cook together more often. We actually have time to teach and allow Kayden to practice table manners, setting up a table, etc. These may sound like simple things, but quite honestly and sadly so, before the lockdown, we didn’t have the luxury of time for these things which are so important.

Kayden loves to play Chef or waiter at a restaurant and we have been able to comfortably participate in his imaginary play, opposed to saying “not now…I’m busy…” “later…” – when I think back, it sounds awful that I could even have said such things to my child but I’m not going to paint a picture to make parenting seem seamless, it wasn’t and I don’t believe it ever will be.

Healthier Food

No, no, no, we haven’t resorted to eating salads, that’s not what I meant by healthier food. In our case, it simply means no fast foods or eating out. Having home-cooked meals, has made a positive difference.

I can feel the difference in my energy levels. I’m not lethargic and tired. I can feel the difference in my energy levels and it’s been wonderful eating home-cooked meals, even the most simple meals.

Kayden is a fussy eater so before the lockdown, we had limited options of meals that he used to eat. During the lockdown, we have been able to encourage and introduce him to a variety of other foods, which he now eats. We didn’t have that opportunity when we were not able to be with him during the day.

We still need to work on his fruit and veggie intake though. Eats a very limited amount of these. I up his Vitamin C in a few ways, one of them being via the Ceres juices. It has no preservatives, is environmentally friendly and easily fits into our hands perfectly.

I love new packaging by the way! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’d know that I’m a sucker for well packaged things. The curvy design is just so modern! Has a different feel to the norm and I like this unconventional design. Read more about the Ceres #Combismile packaging by clicking here.

If you enjoy sparkling wine or even a rosé, just dilute the flavour of your choice, with some crushed ice and fresh fruit, garnish with some mint leaves. I know it’s winter but I also know people do still have chilled drinks in winter – like I love ice cream in winter too.

I’m personally not crazy about diluting my wine with anything else but I have also been drinking the Ceres juices during lockdown. As I go shopping less frequently, I buy enough to last us until the next trip.

GIVEAWAY

I’d love for you to experience the new #CeresCombiSmile. You’ve got to hold this in your hands to experience the feel and what I’m on about – #CeresPerfectFit. Four lucky readers stand the chance of winning one of the following each:

x2 Ceres Hampers worth R550.00 each
x2 Ceres Hampers worth R400.00 each

To stand a chance to win, all you have to do:

1. On this blog post: (1 winner will be selected) – Visit the Ceres website by clicking here and let me know which is your favourite from the range OR share how the lockdown has affected you
2. On Twitter: (1 winner will be selected) – Share (links at the end of this post) this post on Twitter and tag/mention at least one friend. TAG me – click here or search: Nicola Subben
3. On Facebook: (1 winner selected) – Share this post to Facebook and tag @PeanutGallery247 on Facebook or visit the Peanut Gallery 247 page and enter on the Facebook post itself by tagging friends.
4. On Instagram: (1 winner selected) Comment by tagging at least one person on my Ceres post on Instagram: click here or search for Nicola Subben.

#WithLoveFromTheValley
#CeresPerfectFit
#CeresCombiSmile
#PeanutGallery247

T’s and C’s

1. Competition open to South African residents only
2. Prize is not transferable nor exchangeable for cash
3. If the winner who will be contacted via the platform they entered, does not respond within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected
4. Competition closes at 08h00 on the 11th of June 2020
5. Multiple entries are permitted on each platform as long as different people are being tagged. You may also enter across all platforms to increase your chance of winning

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Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.