This is a family’s story who began the journey to change a community, and in the process discovered that the most profound impact was created in their family and children. I got to know this family through the group exercise classes I was taking at the Y, while they were living in Charlotte. Over the past several years they moved up north, but I have been in touch with them and following their initiative to make the world a better place.
Family Details:
Ralph (RALA) works full time running the digital side of a technology company as his “real job.” BethAnne (BALA) teaches group fitness and runs a lifestyle coaching business, while chasing around their three kids ages 4, 5, and 7. The three youngsters plot continuously and make daily attempts to take over the house.
RALABALA Insight:
As they settled into a new city and a new community they started RALABALA as a way to influence others and inspire people to live happier healthier lives. Their Motto: “Food and Fitness inspiration for REAL PEOPLE who want to live extraordinary lives”. They provide individuals, young adults, and families with the tools needed to lead healthy lifestyles, by sharing recipes, workouts, and some life hacks that have helped them find success. It has been a 4year building process entailing fitness groups at Lululemon, athletic conditioning in local parks, personal training at their home, crossfit shenanigans at the local gym, feasts at the Local Town Hall and Whole Foods, a website creation: RALABALA, YouTube videos, and other social media presence. You name it, they are doing it.
Personal Wellbeing:
As a coach and a mom of three, BethAnne spends a lot of her day giving to others… making sure everyone is fed, fit, and happy. In order to tackle the world, she makes time for herself to eat properly and sweat. Furthermore, building a strong relationship with her husband while conquering fitness and nutrition goals, is of utmost importance. This is the foundation that fuels her to better manage all the responsibilities – mom, business partner, leader, instructor, and caring person.
Family Fitness:
The three kids have been observing their workouts regularly and over time they have become very interested in being part of the team. These days, doing active things as a family is what the kids know as normal. None of the little RALABALAs are pushed or forced to exercise, they just want to be like mommy and daddy, and that means taking time to do something active every day. They want to try new things, overcome challenges, and crush goals just like their parents. In turn, the parental RALABALAs find freedom in their ability to act like kids again with the wee ones. This is fun fitness for all.
Mommy and Me Workout
Warm Up – 3x
- :30 Sec Jog in Place
- :30 High Knees
- :30 Butt Kicks
- :30 Mountain Climbers
Hot Up – 4x
- 15 Squats
- 15 Lunges (1=1)
- 15 Jumping Jacks
WERK – 5X
- 5 Rounds
- 10 Sit ups
- 10 Tuck Jumps
- 10 Squats
- 10 Donkey kicks or handstands (help each other if you need to)
Navigating Nutrition:
The “AH HA MOMENT” in BethAnne’s own words on this topic –
When we first changed our lifestyle and started eating real/whole foods we did not think the kids needed to be a part of it. One day we were at the grocery store reading the labels on something we were about to purchase and I said to my husband “I wouldn’t eat this, but it’s ok for the kids.” As soon as those words came out of my mouth I realized how backwards that statement was, it should be “I will not let my kids eat this junk.”
As this realization sank in, I cleaned the pantry and the fridge and got rid of the garbage food. There might have been some whining initially, but it must have been so minor, that I don’t even remember. Regardless, the whining is irrelevant anyway. It doesn’t get anyone far in this household.
When someone asks me how to get their kids to start eating better, I tell them to only have healthy options in the house. I hear over and over again that I don’t understand, it’s impossible to change your kid’s eating habits when they are older… but I disagree, if you are the one buying the groceries in the house you have the POWER!! Ten out of ten times my kids would opt for the junk, but when it is not available it is not an option. Sugar is destroying people and it is terrifying. I am going to do everything in my power to keep my kids from having to deal with overcoming the effects of sugar when they are older.
I feel like I am unstoppable when my diet is on point, and I want my kids to be fueled in a way that has them feeling their best too!
Example of Our Kid’s Meals
Breakfast
- Eggs
- Gluten Free Oatmeal and Fruit
- Veggie and Meat Frittata (egg Pizza)
- Sprouted Grain Bagel with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey
- Egg and Banana crepe
Lunch
- Roasted Turkey and cheese roll up
- Carrots and peanut butter
- Kefir yogurt
- Plantain Chips
- Almonds
- Good Pepperoni
- Banana and Peanut Butter
- Freeze dried fruit
- Dried Fruit
- Tanka Bars
Dinner is what we eat, no special kid meals.
Lessons Learned:
- Kids don’t often listen to our words but they will follow our example. This is true for fitness and nutrition.
- Youngsters generally prefer to stay up late, eat garbage foods all day, watch endless hours of screen time, smoke and drink like their friends, sit on a couch and not do chores, etc. It is our job as parents to set rules and limitations, so kids can learn how to live fulfilled and healthy lives, despite their whining and complaining.
- Be the person you hope your children will become, even if it means you can’t stay up late, eat garbage, drink soda and juice, be on Facebook all day, and lay around endlessly doing nothing.
MC2Charlotte 