Healthy Living Reality

Category: exercise

  • More Parent-Tested, Lifestyle Coach-Approved Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter Break: Immunity, Sleep, Schedules, and Screens

    More Parent-Tested, Lifestyle Coach-Approved Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter Break: Immunity, Sleep, Schedules, and Screens

    Winter break is a pause from the usual routine. For parents, differences at this time of year may include kids being home from school, prep for holidays and holiday events, and challenges like working during school closures, getting sick, or traveling in winter weather. 

    Unfortunately, winter break often means straying from healthy habits. The first post in this series talked about eating well, staying active, and hydrating during winter break. We also talked about maintaining mental health by establishing priorities and sticking to them. This post talks about supporting health with immune support, daily structure, healthy sleep, and responsible screen time. It’s worth it to take a few steps to support health during this winter break!

    Supporting Immune Health During Winter Break

    Winter break falls within peak cold and flu season, and COVID-19 is still a threat. Travel and gatherings like holiday parties and family reunions can increase the spread. 

    Here are simple tips to boost your immunity and reduce the spread of infections. 

    Washing hands is easy and effective.

    • Wash your hands properly before eating, after using the bathroom, and when coming back inside after going out.
    • Get recommended vaccines, such as for the flu and COVID-19.
    • Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamin C and other nutrients.
    • Stay hydrated with water, tea, or other low-calorie beverages. 
    • Get enough sleep and physical activity.
    • Wear a mask when around others. 

    Remember to assess risk before attending gatherings. If you or someone in your household is at higher risk for more serious illnesses, consider wearing masks or skipping the event. Similarly, be considerate if you’re planning to visit higher-risk individuals like grandparents. Inform them if you or your children are ill, and let them decide whether they still want you to come or if they want you to mask up. 

    Keep in mind that most colds aren’t serious. Kids are likely to get sick sometimes, just like grown-ups. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns. 

    Sleep: An Underrated Winter Break Health Habit

    Parents already know that sleep is critical for mood and behavior; tired children are no fun to manage. Sleep also boosts immunity, energy, and ability to think. Winter break is a great time to get more sleep for several reasons. 

    • It’s easier to set aside time for a bedtime routine when kids aren’t swamped with homework.
    • Days are shorter, so it gets dark earlier in the evening and stays dark later in the morning – perfect for sleeping!
    • There’s more ability to sleep in when you’re not rushing to gather kids, clothes, lunches, and homework, and get them off to school on time. 

    For best results, keep bedtime to within an hour of bedtime during the school year. That makes it easier to go back to school without causing sleep deprivation. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule also makes it easier to get to sleep and fall asleep, so it’s easier to get adequate high-quality sleep. 

    Also maintain habits like turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed, having a bedtime routine that’s consistent, and being active during the day so kids are ready to sleep at night. 

    Maintaining a Loose Daily Schedule Without Over-Scheduling

    Winter break offers the chance to be less strict with your schedule. You don’t have to drop the kids off early at school. They may not have certain after-school activities to attend. Work hours may be less rigid. 

    Plan to eat meals together at a consistent time, and the rest of your daily schedule can fall into place more easily.

    With extra flexibility, it can be tempting to let go of a schedule completely, but that can be a mistake. While some people perceive schedules as limiting, I like to think of them as liberating. Here’s why having a set schedule can be liberating.

    • It reduces decision fatigue because you’ve already decided when many events – like meals and bedtime – will occur.
    • It gives you control over your time because it lets you set aside time for what’s important to you, such as work, specific events, working out, and family time.
    • It lets offers kids predictability and stability, which lets kids thrive and feel secure
    • It lets kids see that you’ve set aside time for what they want, like screen time or play time

    To create a schedule that doesn’t make you feel trapped, start with a few anchor events to establish and maintain a daily rhythm. They may include:

    • Bedtime (and a bedtime routine before that)
    • Meal times
    • Outdoor times 
    • Nap time (if you have younger children)

    Depending on your needs and the ages of your children, other items in the daily schedule may include reading time, screen time, family play time, and quiet individual play time (when you can work if needed). 

    See how your schedule works for a few days, then tweak it if needed. 

    Screen Time: Set Boundaries That Actually Work

    Each family has different norms around screen time: how much, when, and what’s okay to do or watch. Ipads and other tablets, laptops, phones, and smart watches are abundant in most households nowadays, and they act like kid magnets. 

    Tablets can give parents a needed break while traveling, and it’s a time when kids are sedentary anyway.

    During vacation, it’s important to set boundaries that meet your needs. Usually, there’s a conflict between parents wanting to reduce kids’ screen time versus kids wanting to watch more and parents needing a way to entertain kids without them. 

    When you set boundaries for screen time, consider these aspects. 

    • How many hours are okay per day or week. 
    • Which device(s) your child will have access to.
    • Which guardrails you’ll put in place, such as supervising your child during screen time, using the device together with your child, or activating a child mode on the device. 
    • What your child may do with the device, such as doing educational programs, playing interactive games, or watching videos. 

    Whatever rules you set, stick to them just like you stick to any other rules in your household. Here are some rules you might consider. 

    • A maximum of two hours of screen time a day.
    • No screen time until after a certain amount of active time and reading or other educational activity.
    • The child must get your approval for each new activity, such as a new game or video.
    • The child must take vision and active breaks every 30 minutes, like running around the house for 1-2 minutes without looking at a screen. 

    All screens should be turned off for the bedtime routine. 

    Keep in mind that everyone needs a break – maybe even you. If the only way you can get a break and prevent a breakdown is to give your child more screen time, it’s okay. They’ll survive, and you need to, too. 

    Winter break and the holidays can be both happy and healthy, but it can take some planning and tricks to make it happen. How do you stay healthy during this time? 

  • Eat Well and Keep Moving: Simple Parent-Tested Tips for Healthy Living During Winter Break

    Eat Well and Keep Moving: Simple Parent-Tested Tips for Healthy Living During Winter Break

    Winter break brings a different pace to family life as schools close and schedules change. Childcare duties increase and holidays may bring extra responsibilities, but working parents may not have much time off. Minds and bodies still need care, so it’s a good time to take a practical and creative approach to staying healthy. 

    In winter weather, amid holiday cheer, and with tired, bored, or excited children, it can be even more rewarding to cling to healthy habits. Here are tips for staying active for parents and kids, eating healthy without excess costs or fights, getting outside time in any (safe) weather, and hydrating for health.. 

    Keeping Parent and Child Active During Winter Break

    Staying active is imperative for physical and mental health, but it can take extra planning during winter break even if it’s a habit during other times. During these weeks, we can be busier, schedules can be different, and weather can be rainy where I live. However, we can overcome these challenges with prioritization. Bodies need to move!

    Fortunately, I’ve been running for almost 30 years. It’s enough of a habit now that I know it’ll get done during break, too. It’s built into my day, from making sure I go to bed early enough to be rested by morning run time, to having child care lined up every morning, 6 days a week. 

    It takes a bit more thought to make sure my son gets enough exercise. He’s not lazy – he’s the opposite of it! – but it takes more planning to get him active than for me to run. When school is in session, he walks to and from school, plays a bit at recess and lunch, and plays for hours in the afterschool care program. 

    On break, here are some ways he stays active most days.

    • Yardwork and gardening with my parents at their house in the mornings while I run and take “me” or work time.
    • Various ball games with my parents in their backyard, including football, soccer, baseball, and creative variations of these. 
    • Walks and bike rides with me to any destination I can think of to make him interested enough to come alone without too much protest. A park, a store, the library, and a bus stop or metro station are common destinations. 
    • Walking to the park (about 15 minutes each way) for kickball, catch, or football.
    With the right gear, kids can get plenty of outside time in most kinds of weather.

    Rainy day options include these.

    • Dressing properly, mentally preparing to be cold and wet, and playing outside in mud and puddles with the thought of a warm shower and dry clothes when we come inside.
    • Going to our building’s underground parking garage for roller skating, a game of catch, or various other adventures. 
    • Playing in our building’s rec room/gym.

    Healthy Eating for All During Winter Break

    Health eating for the family can be challenging during winter break. Depending on your child’s habits and location, you may be used to schools providing milk, breakfast, lunch, and snacks. During break, you’re responsible for all food and beverages. It may be an extra responsibility for you, but see if you can turn mealtimes into a chance to spend more time together that you don’t get when your child eats lunch at school. 

    Thankfully, most kids prefer simple, familiar meals, so take advantage. Plain whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce, chicken or parmesan cheese, and a piece of fruit can be a balanced, easy, and welcome dinner, for example. For lunch, try items as simple as PB & fruit sandwiches on whole-wheat tortillas. Don’t sweat it!

    Here are some tips for healthy meals for everyone. 

    • It’s okay to repeat meals. Kids often love repetition. 
    • Keep serving vegetables and fruit at most meals. 
    • Try these ideas for healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. 

    Take shortcuts whenever you can get away with it to make healthy eating easier. Here are some examples. 

    • Make double or triple batches so there are leftovers to eat the next day or two. 
    • Use frozen foods like fish fillets, chicken tenderloins or breasts, vegetables, and berries to reduce pressure to shop frequently. 
    • Stock up on easy-to-use nutritious panty items like whole-wheat pasta, plain instant oatmeal, canned tomato sauce, peanut butter, and mixed nuts.
    • Make soups, stews, and casseroles with vegetables and lean proteins. They’re easy to make and easy to freeze.
    • Sandwiches are just fine for meals – use whole-grain bread, peanut butter or low-fat cheese, and a side of fruit or vegetables. 
    Whole-wheat spaghetti, turkey meatballs, marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese: dinner is ready!

    Holiday treats can feel stressful if you’re worried that your kids will eat too much fat and sugar or replace nutritious foods with holiday treats. To reduce anxiety and avoid fights, I suggest letting your kids eat treats at holiday events and parties. 

    Support healthy eating the rest of the time by having healthy foods in the home. Have healthy snacks always available so hungry kids will eat healthy, and keep your children eating at the table, not while watching a screen. In other words, have foods like fresh grapes, grape tomatoes, string cheese, and plain popcorn in the house, and keep chips, cookies, and candy out of the house. 

    Outdoor Time in All (Safe) Weather

    Did you know it’s okay to be outside in most weather? And that it has a wide range of benefits? Here are some reasons why it’s important to be outside. 

    • Getting natural light helps you sleep better because it helps your body set its natural circadian rhythm to be awake during the day and sleepy at night.
    • Being outside counts as being in nature, even if the only bit of nature you can see is a sliver of sky or a weed growing from a crack in a sidewalk. Nature improves mood and health. 
    • Being outside encourages movement because there’s more space. 

    It’s usually safe to be outside in winter except in any of the following conditions. 

    • The temperature with wind chill (“feels like”) is under 0°F (-18°C). 
    • There is a blizzard or whiteout conditions. 
    • Freezing rain or excessive ice makes the ground slippery. 
    • Thunderstorms are in the area. 

    For cold weather, be sure to layer up and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostnip. A warm jack like a lined puffer jacket can be a great outer layer for kids and adults. Add a hat and gloves or mittens for more warmth. 

    If it’s raining, but not freezing rain or with high winds, dress well and enjoy the puddles in the rain! A stylish and functional pair of yellow boots can keep kids happy and splashing. Kids seem to love umbrellas, too. Wear a waterproof rain jacket, and adults and kids alike can get some fresh air before coming indoors for a hot shower and some soup or tea.

    Hydration

    It’s easy to forget hydration, but it can help everyone’s energy and mood. Remember to drink often, even in cold weather. Kids are especially likely to ignore or miss thirst cues. 

    Any of these are good options. 

    • Water
    • Herbal tea
    • Broth
    • Tea with milk, which is an especially good choice for adding protein and calcium
    Make hot decaf coffee or tea with milk together for family time, hydration, and fun.

    It’s okay to relax during vacation, but it’s also a good idea to stay healthy. A bit of planning can make it easier for you and your family to be active, eat well, and feel better so you can get more joy from the season.

  • Why This Clear Plastic Raincoat Is My New Go-To for Rainy Runs — and the Rest of the Day

    Why This Clear Plastic Raincoat Is My New Go-To for Rainy Runs — and the Rest of the Day

    I’ve never liked rain, but read about why I don’t have to dread rainy runs and walks anymore!

    Kids may not even notice it’s raining, but I do!

    I got a raincoat! Speaking of those small purchases that make a world of difference in your life, this is one of them. I’d never had a raincoat that I liked before now. This new Clear Plastic Raincoat is making all the difference in my attitude towards, and experience during, rainy days. 

    Why I’m Outside on Rainy Days

    I’ve mentioned before that I run even if it’s raining (check out my personal running FAQs if you haven’t already!), and that I don’t have a car (read about how I get around here!). That means I can be outside and get very wet on rainy days. 

    Thankfully, it doesn’t rain much here. I might run in the rain about 10 times a year. Aside from picking up my son from school, I can usually stay inside the rest of the time it’s raining. However, for those times when I do have to run or go outside in the rain, I get wet. I don’t mind it that much, but when I am wet for too long, I get cold, and that makes it hard to run. 

    (In case you’re wondering why I don’t just stay inside on rainy days, I don’t like being inside all day. I feel trapped. I have trouble thinking. Luckily, I’m able to walk in our building’s underground and underused parking lot and stay dry). 

    Bulky Raincoats, Lightweight Ponchos, and Running Jackets Didn’t Work for Me

    It took me years to settle on this plastic raincoat. For almost two decades, I didn’t wear rain gear while running in the rain.  I probably didn’t care much as a middle school and high school student. By college and graduate school, I was in a place with a true winter, and was probably so happy to be running in summer rain instead of winter snow that I didn’t bother worrying about it. 

    A classic rain jacket never did the trick for me. It was too bulky.

    That changed when I came home (to a warm place!) after graduate school. To stay drier, I tried running jackets that were described as waterproof. They weren’t, but I tried for years. 

    Then I started wearing plastic ponchos from dollar stores. They were pretty effective, but had some serious flaws. They are intended to be disposable, meaning they tear easily when putting them on and taking them off. They are loud. They act like a parachute because they’re so big and floppy. And, you can’t adjust them if something goes wrong. The rain just comes in. 

    For the rest of the day, a poncho works, but it has the same problems. It’s hard to manipulate. It’s awkward. And, it doesn’t dry fast, so if you come in from one run or walk and it’s wet, it’s nearly impossible to put it back on within a few hours.

    A bulky raincoat is good for walking around, but it’s a bit of a nuisance. The thought of having to put it on makes me not want to go outside. 

    I needed a solution for running and walking, and for easy use throughout the day. The plastic raincoat was it. 

    Great Features of My Plastic Raincoat 

    Here are some features of my raincoat, which I purchased for under $15.

    • It has a detachable hood, which I appreciate because I don’t like running with a hood. I wear a cap or visor to keep rain off of my glasses.
    • I got a medium size because the reviews said to order a size up. That was appropriate for me, and I can wear my normal clothes underneath it.
    • It has nice clear plastic pockets in the front.
    • The sleeves snap at the wrists for good fit and better ability to keep long sleeves dry underneath. 

    It’s super light weight so it doesn’t bother me at all. 

    Keep trying until you find rain gear that works for you. It’s worth it!

    Here are more advantages 

    • The raincoat is easy to put on and take off, even when wet
    • It dries quickly
    • It lets me adjust a bag or shoes without disrupting my whole run or walk
    • It is comfortable and doesn’t flop, drag, or make much noise when I run
    • The sleeves are longer and more protective than in a poncho, so my clothes underneath stay dry even if the rain is heavy.

    Comparison of a Plastic Raincoat, Plastic Poncho, and Heavy-Duty Rain Coat

    Comparison: Plastic Raincoat vs. Plastic Poncho vs. Heavy-Duty Rain Coat
    Feature Plastic Raincoat (clear shell) Plastic Poncho Heavy-Duty Rain Coat
    Waterproofness High — full waterproof shell that keeps most rain out. Variable — lightweight but often gaps at sleeves/neck allow water in. Very high — purpose-built with sealed seams and durable membranes.
    Ease of put on / take off Easy — conventional coat shape makes dressing and undressing simple, even when wet. Can be awkward once wet — large loose shape is harder to manage on/off. Moderate — engineered closures, but heavier and bulkier to remove/store.
    Packability Very good — lightweight and folds compactly for a bag or pocket. Excellent — typically folds very small (thin plastic). Poor to moderate — bulkier; may compress into a stuff-sack but takes room.
    Breathability Poor to moderate — non-breathable plastic can trap heat and moisture inside. Poor — thin plastic traps heat and can lead to clamminess. Good — often uses breathable membranes (Gore-Tex, etc.) and vents.
    Mobility / running Good — fitted shape and sleeve design allow freedom of movement; less flapping. Poor — flaps and billows; can catch wind and impede movement when running. Good — designed for activity; articulated cut and secure closures help movement.
    Durability Moderate — thicker EVA-style plastic holds up better than disposable options. Low — very thin, intended short-term use; tears easily. High — built for repeated long-term use in harsh conditions.
    Maintenance / cleaning Easy — wipes clean, air dry quickly. Very easy — wipe or toss when done; not designed for long-term reuse. Moderate — machine wash / technical care instructions may apply.
    Hood security Good — drawstrings, fitted hood stays put (improves with a cap underneath). Poor — hood often loose and can blow back; minimal structure. Very good — structured hoods with adjustable brims and seals.
    Sleeve length / coverage Longer sleeves provide real arm coverage and better protection. Often shorter or open at sides — less reliable sleeve protection. Excellent — tailored sleeves with cuff closures to seal out water.
    Style / visibility Clear option lets your outfit show through; simple aesthetic. Utility-focused; usually inexpensive-looking. Range from technical to stylish — many color and cut options.
    Cost Low to moderate — affordable and reusable (under $40 typical). Very low — cheapest single-use option. High — investment piece (technical materials drive price up).
    Best use case Everyday commuting, walking, errands, and rainy runs where packability matters. Emergency cover, one-off events, or when cost/space are the main concern. Outdoor work, serious hiking, prolonged wet-weather use, or cold/windy conditions.
  • My New Wireless Earbuds: Affordable Choice for Park Play, Music Sharing, and Work Calls

    My New Wireless Earbuds: Affordable Choice for Park Play, Music Sharing, and Work Calls

    Sometimes, a small purchase can make a big difference in everyday life. That’s the case with my new wireless ear buds. My old ones broke. Since I have been using them nearly every day, in many situations, I made it a priority to get new ones fast. I’ll use them while playing sports, making phone calls, and occasionally sharing a listen with my son, age 8. 

    There are so many nifty products out there, from tech-related items to household gadgets to clothing, accessories, and toys. Each one may be “just a few” dollars, but together, the purchases add up. It’s hard to tell which may be worthwhile, and which may be something that doesn’t improve your life. 

    Wireless ear buds can be a lifesaver if you work in an office and want to listen to music without disturbing coworkers.

    In this case, the $10 I spent are a good choice. Bluetooth, wireless ear buds let me listen while at the park and transition instantly to making phone calls or joining meetings remotely. They save time because I don’t have to fiddle with wires, and they let me have more “me” time because it’s easy to start listening at any time. 

    Battery and Other Basic Features

    These ear buds have features that appear standard for their price range. 

    • 8 hours of continuous playback or use time on a single charge
    • 48 hours of overall use time stored in the battery pack, or charging box
    • Easy bluetooth connectivity – they pair within seconds when I turn on my phone’s bluetooth setting
    • A mic with noise cancelling for easier phone calls

    I chose the red ones. As usual, I chose from the colors that were the least expensive. I was pleased to find red because my previous ones were black, and I found those hard to find. I also wouldn’t have wanted white because it looks dirty so soon. 

    Comfort Features

    These ear buds are designed to fit 99% of ears. They come with 3 different sizes of ear bud coverings so you can find the one that works for you. They weigh only 4 grams – that’s what a teaspoon of sugar weighs, to put it into context. Soft and comfortable, it’s easy to forget that you have them in your ears!

    Finger Tap Controls

    You can control the ear buds using finger taps. 

    Earbud Touch Controls
    Function Control
    Volume Down One tap, left side
    Volume Up One tap, right side
    Previous Track Long tap, left side
    Next Track Long tap, right side
    Answer Call One tap on either side
    Hang Up One tap on either side
    Voice Assistance Triple tap, left or right

    It looks like a lot now, but I know I’ll learn the various tap controls quickly as soon as I start using them. 

    Use Bluetooth ear buds to keep you company as you walk.

    Water Resistance: IPX7 Rating

    I’m satisfied with the water resistance feature. It’s sweatproof, drizzle-proof, and hopefully a little bit resistant to spills – after all, I’m not perfect, and I live with an 8-year-old. It’s rated IPX7. Here are the features. 

    IPX7 — What’s OK (✓) vs What’s Not Recommended (✗)
    OK (✓) Not Recommended (✗)
    ✓ Drizzle / light rain (walking, short outdoor exposure)
    ✓ Sweat during workouts (running, basketball, tennis practice)
    ✓ Accidental splashes (water bottle spills, playground splash)
    ✓ Short bursts of moderate rain if you quickly get under cover
    ✓ Submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (pools, puddles, sinks)     		✗ Prolonged exposure beyond 30 minutes underwater
    ✗ High-pressure water jets (showers, hoses)
    ✗ Saltwater or chlorinated water over time (may damage seals)
    ✗ Extreme temperatures while submerged

    My Daily Uses for Ear Buds

    I use ear buds for active time, “me” time, parenting time, and social time, and work time. For safety reasons, I don’t use wireless ear buds for running. I prefer wired ear buds so I can use just one ear bud and have the other ear fully tuned to traffic and other potential dangers. But for my other listening purposes, ear buds work well. 

    I like listening while I do other things, so it’s convenient for me to have wireless ear buds that won’t get tangled up with my tennis racket, kitchen knife, or keys on a lanyard. Here are some of the times I regularly use ear buds.

    • Playing tennis against a backboard 
    • Shooting baskets alone on a court
    • While walking to and from supermarkets or aimlessly in the neighborhood
    • At home if my son is home and doing his own activity
    • In our building’s gym if someone else is present and I don’t want to bother them
    Find comfortable and water resistant ear buds to make running easier.

    One of my favorite ways to use them is to listen to my son’s playlist with him. We’ll each take one ear bud, and he’ll put on his playlist on my phone. I don’t typically like the music he listens to, but it’s fun listening together and knowing he handpicked each song. 

    Hopefully you got some insight or ideas for your own listening convenience. When do you use earbuds or a headset, and what features do you like to have? 

  • Reflections on a Week of Court Time at the Park: Enjoying Tennis whether Alone or with Others

    Reflections on a Week of Court Time at the Park: Enjoying Tennis whether Alone or with Others

    When I have time after my morning run, I try to walk to the nearby park with my basketball, tennis racket, and balls. Most mornings, I play alone, shooting hoops or hitting a tennis ball against a backboard. Twice this week, however, I played tennis on the actual court. One day, I was volleying with someone way better than me. The other day, I was the more experienced player. My week’s experiences reinforced that whether alone or against someone better or worse than me, I can enjoy myself, relax, and feel good while playing tennis. 

    Here are some benefits of being on my own, hitting against someone better than me, and hitting against a beginner. 

    Nature Is Healthy

    Research consistently suggests that being in nature is good for mental and physical health. It helps clear the mind and improve mood. Getting some daytime sunshine supports your circadian rhythm for better alertness during the day, and better sleep at night. Being outdoors to exercise also tends to encourage longer bouts of activity, leading to benefits for weight control, blood sugar management, and other improvements in chronic condition risk.

    “Nature” can be a beach, forest, field, or desolate mountain, but it doesn’t have to be. A few trees or bushes in an urban area can provide benefits, especially if the sky is visible. The important things are to get fresh air in an open or green area. 

    Playing Alone Is Therapeutic

    Most days, I play alone. I shoot a basketball on an empty court, or I hit a tennis ball against a backboard. Repetitive? Yes. Boring? No.

    Sunshine and trees give a beautiful backdrop to gather my thoughts.

    Here’s what I like about playing by myself.

    • I can practice specific skills. I can work on forehands, backhands, serves, or anything else against a backboard. I can catch the ball each time and set up my next drill. You can’t do that type of repetitive and controlled practice when you’re on a court and volleying with someone.
    • I can play left-handed. I like to play half left-handed, half right-handed. That gives both sides an equal workout, and hopefully it improves my coordination on both sides instead of just my dominant [right] side. It feels disrespectful to play left-handed when I’m playing against someone because it’s not giving them my best. 
    • I can listen. With my bluetooth ear buds, I can listen to anything on my phone. Recently, I’ve been listening to videos on YouTube for learning Turkish. I’m a kinetic learner, and I concentrate best when I’m moving. A mindless activity like hitting a ball against a wall is perfect for me to listen carefully.
    • I can socialize. I use my ear buds to talk on the phone. Playing tennis or basketball at the park often doubles up as my social hour.

    Playing alone is great, but playing with a partner has different benefits. 

    Benefits of Playing Tennis with a Hitting Partner

    Playing tennis with a partner is a different experience than playing alone. It’s less predictable – I can stand around more, and I might end up running more to chase balls. I can’t specifically practice certain skills. But there are many benefits. 

    • I learn to react faster. Against a wall, I’m in control. I know where the ball’s going and how fast, and how I’m going to hit it. Against a person, nothing is predictable. It can come to my forehand or backhand, fast or slow, with top spin or back spin. Learning to respond is something you can’t learn while playing against a backboard. You improve quickly when playing against someone.
    • It’s heart-warming. Silly as this is, it is nice to be doing an activity with someone, even if you can’t hold much of a conversation from opposite sides of a net. I feel like I belong, and share the love of playing a fun game with other people. 
    • It’s motivating. As comforting as it is to see the same players out there day after day, it’s even nicer to be one of them. They’re welcoming and warm, accepting of my poor play, and happy to offer encouragement and advice.

    Whether better than more or worse, playing with a partner has benefits. 

    You have to learn to react quickly when you’re playing against someone.

    Learning from Superiors

    I’m grateful to play with people better than me, as happened earlier this week. He and I played for nearly an hour. Here is some of what I gained.

    • Humility. Every so often, my hitting partner didn’t go easy on me, and smashed a ball past me. It reminded me to be grateful he was even playing with me!
    • Technique. I gathered a few pointers from my hitting partner, including why I wasn’t hitting my forehand very well, and how to hold the racket more properly. 
    • Patience. It’s tough to be the bad one. It’s tempting to get upset and frustrated, but that’s not helpful. It doesn’t help my own game, and it doesn’t make it more pleasant for my opponent. So, I try to smile when I mess up, and to show that I’m trying my best, even if I’m not able to return the ball all the time.
    Some people play with real tennis clothes and strong serves. I’m not one of them.

    I can learn from beginners, too!

    Playing with a Beginner

    I also had the privilege of playing with a beginner. It wasn’t painful; it was actually motivating, and it helped my own game. Here’s why.

    • I practiced control. When you’re playing with someone who can’t hit very well, it’s best to hit the ball to them and at a certain speed. That takes control, which is a skill in itself. Learning to aim and control force is applicable when you’re trying to win games, too. 
    • I learned technique. While my hitting partner had less lifetime practice than I do, she’s taking lessons, and is learning techniques. I noticed that she had a good ability to hit forehands that she had to reach for; that’s tough for me, so I asked for an explanation. 

    Balancing Solo and Partner Play for Consistency and Growth

    They say that “mixing it up” is good for your exercise routine. While “they” may be recommending more variety than the difference between playing tennis alone versus against someone, “they’re” right. Allowing my sessions at the park to be slightly different, unpredictable, and always positive makes me eager to come back each day. I let myself be obsessive about running, counting each mile and minute, but loosening up for sports at the park is a fun contrast. 

    How do you stay active and keep it fun?

  • How to Stay Consistent with Fitness: Make Friends with 80-Year-Olds at the Gym

    How to Stay Consistent with Fitness: Make Friends with 80-Year-Olds at the Gym

    I’m not a very social person. Maybe I take after my dad. I’m happy to be by myself, and I usually find it tiring to be around people. It’s been like that for me since middle school. At the same time, though, I’ve always had a group of friends around me due to exercise. In middle school, high school, and college, my friends were my teammates. In graduate school, my friends were running partners. And for a decade after that, my friends were my gym friends. 

    Here’s the story of how I met my gym friends and why they are such a special group for which I will always be grateful.

    A Lucky Meeting

    I had never been regular at a gym, though I’ve always been active. I joined a gym in 2012 to take advantage of the classes they offered, but didn’t plan to do much more than attend one or two dance or aerobics classes a week. It was a women’s gym, though that’s not why I joined. It was affordable and within biking distance, and had a good class schedule for me.

    When I had mild plantar fasciitis one day, I had to cut my run short. I headed to the gym to use the elliptical machine, and that’s when I met “them.” “They” were a group of ladies, aged about 55 to 87, who had been working out together for over 20 years. There was one “young” lady who was only 35, and who had been with them for about 5 years. 

    A Warm Welcome from the Gym Ladies

    They were the gym ladies. , and they welcomed me warmly. They let me into their “group” and introduced me to everyone. They explained the birthday protocol – each lady was responsible for bringing cupcakes to the gym on another lady’s birthday – and told me the lady for whom I was responsible, and the date of her birthday. 

    These ladies had met each other at the gym. Most of them would not have met each other anywhere else. They were a diverse group, including working and retired teachers, a bank teller, a real estate agent (who ended up selling me my home), a saleswoman, a beautician, an entertainer, a president and founder of a non-profit, and some stay-at-home moms (one of whom now works with me). There were parents of children ranging from 5 years old to 65 years old.  They inspired each other to keep showing up at the gym each morning.

    A row of dreadmills becomes less dreadful when you have friends on either side!

    I hadn’t intended to continue using the gym on a daily basis once my plantar fasciitis cleared up. I’d planned to go back to once or twice-weekly dance fitness classes. But the joy of having a whole new group of friends

    An Always Honest and Open Group!

    Though they were among the most consistent and probably fit people of their age, they never pretended that it was easy to come to the gym. The standard response to, “Good morning! How are you?” was, “I’m here.” That might expand into, “I’m doing my best,” “It’s tougher than usual today,” or, “One day at a time.” 

    But instead of that feeling negative, it felt real. We knew we were working hard to be at the gym. From scheduling the time to actually coming, it’s a real effort to work out each day. And that’s where friendship comes in. 

    A Decade Working Out with My “Gym Friends”

    We were each other’s “gym friends.” We welcomed each other, texted or phone when someone was an unexpected no-show at the gym that morning, and were completely open with each other. 

    We’d take machines next to each other whenever possible. We’d have a whole row of ellipticals, or be in smaller groups on the bikes or treadmills. It didn’t matter that a 30-something-year-old (me) was next to an 80-something-year-old. We could chat and work out together. 

    We talked about everything and nothing. What else do you talk about when you’re “stuck” on a gym machine for 30, 60, or 90 minutes? You have time to talk deeply about anything! Since it was a women’s-only gym, we felt comfortable talking loudly, often loudly enough to annoy most of the other women who were present. (In our defense, anyone was welcome to join the conversation…)

    We worked out, laughed, and helped each other at the gym and in life.

    There was no pressure put on our friendships. We accepted each other and looked forward to seeing each other at the gym. We might see one or two of each other outside of the gym occasionally, but there was no requirement. We knew we’d get to see each other at the gym the next morning to start the day off right. You could get a hug if you were down, or a hug if you needed to celebrate. We were there for each other. 

    Continued Friendships After a Decade with the Gym Ladies

    I was able to take advantage of our daily chit-chats and workouts for nearly a decade, until 2020. I learned so much from these women. They shared their wisdom with me, and I learned about acceptance, advice, support, and so many other qualities that these kind people learned through life lessons and were generous enough to share with me. I learned that very different people can benefit from being around each other and listening to each other.

    The gym closed when COVID-19 hit, and then permanently closed due to bankruptcy. By the end of COVID-19, my habits had again changed, and I’d returned to running and biking on my own, perfectly content fitness-wise. 

    But many gym friendships continued. I stay in touch with many of the ladies on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis by phone. I speak with others more sporadically. Every so often, I meet one or another of them somewhere around town, like a market, park, or home. 

    We’re all grateful for those years at the gym and for each other. Some joined new gyms after COVID-19. Others, like me, developed different habits – hikes, classes on Zoom, mall walks, park walks. Some are too old to work out daily anymore – getting to 100 years old while in shape to be self-sufficient is already terribly impressive to me! 

    I am grateful to have met this group of women. I don’t miss working out at the gym, but I do miss the daily chats. Sometimes really great things happen in life, and that gym was one of them for me.

    Which friends and lessons do you truly value?

  • Tricks to Get Out the Door to Run in the Early Morning

    I’ve mentioned a few times that I run a lot. I’ve been running 5-6 days a week for almost 30 years. The past few years, I’ve been running about 60-70 miles per week. I posted recently about how I started running, and last week I posted questions and answers about my running. Today, keep reading to find out how I get out the door consistently to run.

    Common Challenges to Exercising Regularly

    Staying consistent with an exercise routine is often a struggle. Most people cite reasons like being too tired, not having enough time, and being unmotivated. Other barriers include not knowing what to do, not enjoying exercise, and not seeing results. Bad weather, lack of facilities, and having pain or illnesses are also likely to get in the way.

    These struggles and obstacles are real. I face many of them, too. As a single working parent, I give up a lot for my runs. I plan carefully, and use what I have in my favor: high motivation, support from a lot of people, and a long history of running daily. 

    Logistics: Getting Childcare for My Runs

    When I first decided to try for a baby, I promised myself that a child wouldn’t interfere with my running. I’ve kept that promise, thanks in part to careful planning for childcare. For more than 8 years now, reliable and wonderful people have stepped in to watch my son and let me run.

    When my parents are in town, they’re kind enough to watch my son while I run and have some “me” time in the mornings. When they’re out of town, my son and I have been lucky to have some of the world’s best babysitters. (Side note: if you don’t think your family’s babysitter(s) are the world’s best, consider looking for another one. A great babysitter makes life so much better). 

    Scheduling: Making Time to Run

    Another thing I make sure to do is set aside time to run. I prefer running early in the morning for a few reasons. First, it’s when I have energy. It’s also somewhat before I’m fully awake, so I’m too confused to take the time to consider not running. Finally, it lets me finish running before 8 or 8:30 a.m., so it’s extremely rare that anyone from work would need to contact me before I’m done running. 

    Before I leave in the morning, I need to get my son up and make sure he’s showered, dressed, and ready for breakfast. That means I need to get up early, which means I need to get to bed early. In fact, I go to bed shortly after my son does, which means I have very little work time or down time in the evening. After my son has lights-out, I eat a late-night snack (I always have liked eating at night! Currently it’s oatmeal), then go to bed. 

    More Tricks to “Make It Easier”

    I do everything I can to make running the “easy” or “default” choice. For example, I sleep in my running clothes and have my running shoes outside. My mp3 player is charged and sitting near my keys, which are by the door. There’s no organization or thought needed in the morning before I run; everything is ready by the time I go to bed the night before. 

    A List of Mental Tricks

    With all that prep, I still need to use a lot of mental tricks to get started and keep running. Having a babysitter or my parents coming at a scheduled time is a good start; I have no ability to postpone starting my run. 

    If it seems too daunting, I remind myself that I’ll be starting out so slowly that it’ll feel like I’m walking. I tell myself that if it feels too hard, I’ll slow down until it’s comfortable. I tell myself to get through one mile, then 2 miles, then a half-hour. At 5 miles, I tell myself that I can go for a while longer and be at an hour. A few miles later, and I’m done if it’s a 10-miler. 

    Throughout a run, I give myself permission to stop if I really need to. Focusing on being in this moment (“I’m okay right now”) lets me relax and keep going; there’s no need to worry about the next moment (“What if I get tired?”). 

    If I feel tired when I start or during a run, I tell myself I can take a nap later. That’s extra helpful on cold days when I feel like going back to my warm bed. 

    Instead of running a big loop, I run several laps around the block we live on. This is easier for me because I can tell myself, “I know I can do one more lap.” For other people, committing to a big loop might be easier because there’s no way to quit. 

    I try to make my runs entertaining by saving music for them. I don’t often listen to music at other times, so it makes my runs special. I might also listen to the news – another luxury that I try to save for running. 

    Since I’ve been running for so long, I know I can count on feeling better afterwards. If I go for a few weeks without feeling better afterwards, I know it’s time for an extra day off. That’s pretty rare, about 2-5 times a year. 

    It’s a Give-and-Take

    I give up a lot for running. For most people, it’s not worth it. More social time, more screen time or reading in the evenings, and the ability to sleep in may be more valuable to them than the extra miles I’m able to get in by giving up so many things. I don’t recommend it for everyone; I just recommend considering some of my strategies if you’re having trouble being consistent with your exercise routine. Consider what you can do to have more energy, make more time, and get what you need from your exercise routine, and make it happen as best you can.

    How do you get active or stay active despite challenges you may face?

  • My 30-Year Running Journey: How I Got Started

    I’ve been writing this blog for a while now and I haven’t really mentioned running. When you find out how much I run, you might think that it’s strange that I haven’t talked much about it yet. It may be because running has been a part of me for about 30 years. 

    Although I run six out of the 7 days most weeks, I don’t talk much about it in my daily life. If you ask me what I did today, I probably won’t think to mention that I ran. I probably also won’t explain that I brushed my teeth, took a shower, gave my son breakfast, and went to work. Those things just happen. 

    Here’s a short background on my running and how my running is now, with more sure to come in future posts.

    The First Run Around the Block

    I was always an active child, but my first memory of running for the sake of running was one time when I was being too active in the house and my dad said why don’t I go run around the block. I did.

    We lived on a fairly big block. One lap around it was about 0.6 miles. I remember getting very out of breath and feeling as though it was a very long way, but I finished. I don’t think I enjoyed the run, but it felt good to finish. I was probably about 8 years old. 

    I remember running in anything I was wearing, with my hair flying everywhere!

    Fifth Grade Presidential Fitness Test

    Back then we had to run a mile in fifth grade and our teachers timed us. We didn’t practice first, of course.

    I don’t remember why, but I didn’t run my mile when the rest of the class did. I remember watching them and cheering. I was probably lucky that I got to see how big of a mistake it was to start too fast. Students who did had a lot of trouble finishing. Since I had no experience, it was a good lesson for me to get before running my own mile.

    I ran it a day later, at the same time as a good friend. I don’t remember the running itself being too terrible. I remember finishing and being more out of breath than I’d ever imagined. (That became a more familiar feeling later on, as I began to race). 

    My time? 6:59.71. My teacher decided to round it up to 7:00 for his official submission. In my head, I always considered it to be a sub-7 mile.

    (I won’t bore you with many of my racing times. This one, however, is one that has stuck with me because it’s my first). 

    From Just One of the Sports to a Daily Pursuit

    By the time I got to middle school, I had been looking forward to after-school sports for years. I had a fabulous PE teacher in Middle School. Four days a week, she taught us organized sports if we stayed after school. Twice a week, we played the sport that was in season: volleyball and flag football during the fall soccer and basketball during the winter and softball in the spring. 

    The other two days, we ran after school. As with the other afterschool activities, running was a good experience. The older students were welcoming; I remember the ninth-grader that I was running with stating proudly (or kindly) that now she had a sixth-grade friend. It was an encouraging atmosphere. If you passed someone or they passed you, you both said or grunted something like, “good job,” or, “keep it up.” There was no competitive spirit; it was strictly supportive. 

    As with the mile in fifth grade, I didn’t enjoy much about the actual running part, but it felt very good to stop. I also felt very proud, including for the next two days when my screaming muscles reminded me of the two and a half miles through which they’d carried me. 

    I returned two days later for the next run after school, and I kept it up for all three years of middle school. I am forever grateful to my PE teacher for all she gave me and all of us in terms of her time, expertise, and love. Like many teachers, she was so selfless. She cared so much, and got the best out of us. 

    The Rest Is History

    I ran steeplechase once in college. I am sure it was good for a laugh for spectators. As a terrible steeplechaser, I didn’t find myself very funny.

    My running path was not atypical after middle school. I joined my high school’s cross country and track and field teams. In college, I ran cross country and distance races in track. I ran road races from 5k to marathons in graduate school. I ran a couple of marathons after that. Eventually, I had no more interest in racing, so I stopped. 

    Running After a Racing Career

    I may have stopped racing, but I’ve kept running. I still run 55-70 miles a week. I still run hard when I feel like it, but without looming race dates as deadlines for achieving fitness milestones, I don’t have to run hard when my body asks me not to. Running is both more pleasurable and less injury-inducing when my body dictates my training instead of the calendar dictating. 

    I appreciate having running as something that’s entirely mine. Very few people care whether I run. People rarely ask me how my run was, and I don’t have anything interesting to tell them anyway. I still find that every day is a struggle to get started, but by now, I know that the benefits will be worth overcoming the dread of getting started. 

    It’s important to appreciate yourself and your run. It helps you remember how much it benefits you, so that you can be motivated to do it again tomorrow.

    I hope that I can run for a long time to come. If not, I hope that I will find something else that makes my body and mind feel at peace. 

    What do you do for yourself that is “right?” Is it exercising, doing a hobby, or something else?

  • Why We Don’t Own a Car (And Why It Works for Us)

    Most Americans have cars, but we don’t. We walk to get to most places, we use grocery delivery services and walking for groceries, and we are able to borrow my parents’ car for all necessities and some fun. Here’s why I choose not to purchase a car, and how we make do.

    Getting Around by Borrowing a Car

    To be clear, I have good access to a car. My parents own one. It was new in 2001. It has 30,000 miles on it – which you can see means that none of us drive much! Since they’re out of town more than half of the year, it works out for both parties if I drive their car when they’re gone. I usually take it out once a week to take my son somewhere that’s not within walking distance. We may stop at a supermarket to buy something heavy if it’s on the way. 

    My parents own a car and let us borrow it. It’s far from a Mercedes, but it works!

    Cost Benefits of Not Owning a Car

    It’s expensive to purchase and own a car. There’s the initial investment of $5,000-$50,000, depending on factors like whether you buy a new or used car, and what make and model you purchase. Then there’s insurance, gas, and repairs. A common estimate is about $12,000 annually. 

    There are estimates comparing the cost of owning a car to the cost of using a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. The breakeven point may be around 6,000-8,000 miles per year; that is, if you drive more than that, you should be a car. If you drive less than that, take rideshares. 

    Responsibility Benefits of Not Owning a Car

    Cars are a headache, unless you’re one of those people who loves cars, takes pride in them, and enjoys taking care of them. I’m not. To me, they’re a form of transportation with no emotional benefits. So, I’m just as happy not to worry about maintaining a car, getting it serviced, and handling repairs. (Of course, when I’m responsible for my parents’ car, I do all of those things, such as replacing the radiator last year when necessary). 

    Environmental Benefits of Using Cars Less

    The environmental benefits may be most impressive of all, though I can’t claim that the environment has been the deciding factor in my choice not to own a car. 

    Every time you walk a mile instead of drive one, you’re saving about:

    • 400 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (or 150 for an electric vehicle)
    • 3-7 gallons of water

    Walking causes about 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to driving. 

    Having fewer cars on the road also reduces environmental impact from things like repairing roads. 

    Health Benefits of Walking

    Walking instead of driving is a form of exercise. It’s good for me, and it’s an easy way to get an extra few minutes of walking with my son. We can talk while walking, and both of us can use the movement and fresh air. 

    Let’s face it: most Americans would probably be healthier if they had to park their cars ⅓ of a mile away. They’d think before driving and possibly walk instead of driving sometimes if they knew they had to walk 7 minutes to get to their car and another 7 minutes to walk home after using and parking the car. 

    How Else We Get Around

    With a car being just a small portion of our transportation, how do we get where we need to go? We walk to most places. We take the bus or subway occasionally. 

    Walking Most Places

    We walk most places. Here are some of our frequent destinations. 

    • My son’s school is ½ mile away. 
    • My parents’ house is ⅓ mile away. 
    • A supermarket with great prices on produce is 1.25 miles away. 
    • The park where my son likes to play is ½ mile away. 
    • The public library is 0.75 miles away. 

    Plus, since my son attends the local public school, most of his friends live within a mile of school, or within walking distance for us. 

    As you can see, most of our life is within walking distance!

    Public Transportation

    Public busses are fun, but they’re not always frequent where we live.

    We live in a city with notoriously inadequate public transportation. We don’t take it much for necessities, but we do take it a lot for fun. It’s a way to get places without using a car, and it’s easy to take my son’s bike on board a bus or subway. Plus, kids and students get free rides, so I only have to pay for myself.

    Drawbacks of Not Owning a Car

    It’s definitely less convenient not to have a car. There are many times when I would like to just get in the car and go somewhere, whether to a store, to pick up my son, or just to get away. It is a little harder to arrange playdates that are out of walking range, doctor and dentist appointments, and other things that are too far to walk to. And sometimes I simply don’t feel like asking my parents for yet another favor like borrowing the car, especially when it’s not something essential. 

    No Car in My Future…But What About My Son?

    I don’t expect to ever purchase my own car. I don’t like driving, and as rideshares and self-driving vehicles become more mainstream, I can’t see myself needing to take on the headache of owning a car. 

    I wonder if my son will want his own car, though. I can imagine that after so many years – his whole life – of needing to think carefully before going anywhere or plan anything, he may feel that having his own car gives him immense freedom. 

    If he gets one, I hope he’ll give me rides sometimes.

  • We Tried Grocery Delivery from Amazon Fresh – Free Trial!

    Everyone seems to use Amazon nowadays, but are you familiar with Amazon Fresh? It’s Amazon’s brick and mortar grocery store. There are only 64 locations nationwide, but they’re strategically placed and are increasing in number. I got a free trial. Here’s how it’s going (hint: I’m using the service a lot!).

    Free Trial Offer During Amazon Prime Days

    Amazon Prime Days occur during July each year. During this year’s event, I took advantage of an offer for a free three-month trial of free grocery delivery for orders over $25 from Amazon Fresh. I don’t usually sign up for trial offers because I’m afraid I will have trouble cancelling them, but Amazon makes it easy. I’ve never had trouble navigating their subscription services and cancelling on time. 

    There’s an app for that! Now, it’s Amazon Fresh and free grocery delivery!

    Delivery and In-Store Shopping and Pick-Up Options

    Anyone can shop in Amazon Fresh stores. Amazon Prime members receive special discounts, similar to other supermarket chain’s membership cards that entitle you to lower prices. Prime members also get free grocery pickup on orders over a certain amount.

    Grocery delivery is only free for Prime members on orders over $100. Less than that, and it’ll cost you at least $9.95 for grocery delivery. You can choose from 2-hour and 1-hour delivery windows. For quicker delivery, you can opt to pay more.

    To get grocery delivery on orders over $25, you can sign up for their grocery delivery service. It’s about $10 per month, depending on whether you pay for a full year or monthly, and whether you have any other special discounts. 

    The Expected Benefit: Convenience Without a Car

    The convenience of Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service is wonderful for my household. We don’t own a car, so it is nice to have groceries delivered to our front doorstep. I get most of my food through Walmart Plus InHome for most groceries, and through frequent walks to a nearby ethnic store for produce. 

    My son can eat an astonishing amount of watermelon, making Amazon Fresh delivery service especially convenient for us.

    With Amazon Fresh, I’ve been able to get watermelons regularly this summer. They’re something I prefer not to get from Walmart, as quality varies, and they’re too heavy to carry home from a supermarket. They’ve been excellent, and my son loves having so much watermelon. 

    It’s also been nice having narrow delivery windows. When I can schedule a delivery within a 1 or 2-hour window, it’s far easier for me to order frozen foods. Other services often have a four-hour delivery window.

    The App Works, But Not Perfectly

    Finally, the app works, just like you’d expect from Amazon. It’s easy to navigate. And, when you load coupons to your wallet, it’s a seamless process and the discounts appear as they should when you’re checking out.

    A drawback is that I’ve been unable to edit my order after checking out, even though it says I should be able to. Somehow, it won’t save my changes, so I’m in effect unable to make changes.

    An Amazon Benefit: Dependability

    Amazon has fabulous customer service, and their grocery delivery service has been consistent with that pattern. They deliver within the scheduled delivery window. Products are high-quality. And, products are largely correct. I rarely have to spend my time with customer service trying to get a refund, which is different from other services I’ve tried.

    An Unexpected Benefit: Prices

    I hadn’t realized how many low-cost items Amazon Fresh has. If you’re buying national brand items, they’re often lower in cost than at other stores. If you’re able to find the product in Amazon Brand (such as Happy Belly, Amazon Saver, and any of their other in-house brands), it’s sure to be high-quality and low in price. 

    Tomato soup is high in potassium, a source of vegetables, and very affordable at Amazon Fresh.

    For the best deals, check in often! Prices can vary widely from day to day. And, they’re not always advertised in the sales flyer. 

    In the past week, I’ve found these deals. 

    For more savings, I use my Amazon credit card through Chase. It gives me 5% cash back on Amazon purchases. 

    Not a Fan of Tips

    Amazon Fresh asks you to tip. Of course I do it. I understand that it’s how the delivery drivers make a higher wage. But I don’t like the concept of tipping. I would much prefer to be charged a price that includes the driver’s wage and doesn’t require a discretionary tip. 

    When I use Walmart Plus InHome, I don’t have to pay a tip. That’s because I pay an extra annual fee for the InHome service compared to standard Walmart Plus. It makes my shopping and calculations easier.

    I also don’t like how Amazon Fresh inputs a default tip amount of $5. That’s 20% for a $25 order or 5% for a $100 order. Does that make any sense?!

    I do like that you can edit the tip for up to 24 hours after the order has been delivered. 

    Items Are Out of Stock

    Amazon Fresh items are constantly playing musical chairs. They’re in stock, out of stock, and in stock again. It makes it hard to plan ahead. Sometimes I place an order even though one or more of the items I wanted aren’t in stock. 

    Sometimes they’ll come back into stock at great prices, and I’ll feel pressured to place an order quickly before they go out of stock, but I don’t need $25 worth of items. It’s a theme I’ve also noticed when physically shopping in Amazon Fresh stores; it’s rare that I come away with every item on my list, even when my list only includes items in the weekly sales flyer. 

    Bottom Line: Love It, But Won’t Renew

    I have been enjoying the Amazon Fresh delivery service. I’ve been getting items like watermelon that are otherwise difficult for me to bring home. Many foods have been inexpensive. And, it’s been easier for me to purchase frozen items.

    Thankfully, I’m in a position where I don’t have to renew the service (and pay for it). I am lucky enough to get what I need from Walmart and stores within walking distance – including Amazon Fresh! We have one less than a mile from our home. 

    Interestingly, it seems as though Amazon is increasing the selection of groceries, including some produce and frozen goods, that it makes available through its “same day delivery” service for orders over $25. I am excited to see how that plays out. 

    How do you do your grocery shopping? Where do you shop? Do you drive, walk, or use delivery services? Which stores do you shop?