Now that the Olympics are over, we will see a record number of parents signing their kids up for sports in the hope they are the next superstar. What would be better, though I am a huge fan of kids’ athletics, is for these very same parents to begin an exercise program themselves, so they can be a champion for their own wellness.

A regular exercise routine is one of the healthiest habits we can role model for our family, benefiting parents and kids alike.

That being said, finding the time for selfcare continues to be an issue in this fastpaced, I-want-it-now society we live in. When we look at the new weight-loss drugs and the highly restrictive diets of today, weight loss can happen at a record-setting speed, but health gain takes time and consistency.

And, of course, maintenance of weight and healthy behaviors, with the goal of wellness, are nearly impossible to sustain, because helpful routines have not been established.

Getting started with a lifestyle shift takes time, action and determination, but also requires a plan, support and accountability. My hope this month is to have you consider the value of getting organized for life, inviting you to participate in my “Fall Freebie.”These hourlong webinars will be offered weekly to the general public beginning on September 3.

My plan for Week One is to help you or-ganize your kitchen. It’s time to do a little “spring cleaning,” minimizing all the gadgets we have accumulated, so we can maximize the production.

I will take you on a virtual tour through my kitchen, showing you how to transform your space, no matter the size or layout, so you can move efficiently around it.

In Week Two, I will provide a nu-trition game plan. Without a food routine, we set ourselves up for failure. We will talk about the importance of a healthy eating pattern, where I will provide a very clear strategy for you to hit your calories budget, love your food choices, and feel satisfied.

In Week Three, I am taking you shopping.

Being able to peruse the aisles of your grocery store is paramount to your success. We will walk down each aisle, debunk myths and read food labels, with the goal of teaching you how to feel confident with your choices, while saving money. The information on the front of the food label is there to draw your eye, similar to the bright colors on the packaging down the cereal aisle that entices your littles. Let’s turn that label around and get back to basics, using the nutrition facts information and the ingredient list as our guide.

And in Week Four, we will cook a beautiful meal together. I plan to teach you basic kitch-en skills, from cutting to food storage.

All of this will be offered virtually via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon Pacific Time. Don’t worry if the timing doesn’t work for you; all sessions will be recorded for your convenience and available throughout the month of September. For every webinar you join me live weekly, we will enter you into a raffle to participate with me inperson for our final cooking session on September 25.

Be sure to sign up for this “Fall Freebie” and receive our “Cooking Your Weigh to Health” Quickstart Guide, including Mama G’s signature nutrition game plan and 16 of our most popular recipes of international flair. Head to MamaGsLifestyle.com and click on the popup, or email info@mamagslifestyle.com to register today, and tell a friend.

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is a culinary nutritionist in South Orange County.

She works with individuals to improve their health and reach weight goals, using food first. As a chef and fitness professional, with her Masters in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, she is led by science and evidence, but wants clients to find joy in a sustainable food approach. You can reach her for a complimentary consultation at 949.842.9975 or at MamaGsLifestyle.com. SC