What I’m Learning Helping My Parents Stay Healthy

Now that I’m home in Boston, and my parents continue to take steps—mostly on their own—toward better heart and bone health through nutrition and movement, I’m reminded just how hard it is to do things on your own.

No matter your age, creating new habits, changing old patterns, and showing up daily for your health takes effort. And doing it without a built-in support system? That’s next-level hard.

At the end of every newsletter, Zoom call, nutrition class, strength class, or kin class, I always remind everyone: “We are better together.”

And it’s more true now than ever.

When the Routine Changes~

My routine with my parents had to change last week. I wasn’t in their kitchen in Tennessee anymore—living and breathing their fridge, pantry, grocery store, and kitchen. I wasn’t there to prep, build, feed, or talk through every meal and move with them.

So, how could I possibly help them from 19 hours away?

I changed it up.
I flipped the script.
I simplified everything.
And I called in backup—my sister, who luckily lives just 45 minutes away.

3 Ways We’re Keeping Them Accountable~

1. Accountability:
   We set small, trackable goals. They text me photos of meals, steps, or progress—anything to keep the momentum going. Even the smallest check-in matters. My sister is stepping it up on Sundays and grocery shopping and helping with some prepping.
   

2. Teaching:
   I keep the learning simple. Each week, I focus on one key concept: protein at breakfast, adding color to the plate, or pairing movement with meals. No overwhelm, just steady education.
   

3. Fun + Gratitude:
   I make sure they know how proud I am of them. I celebrate the “little” things—because the small stuff builds into the big stuff that truly matters:
   

• A stronger heart.
  

• Healthier bones.
  

• The ability to live independently longer.
  

Our Current System: Prep, Build, Stack~

• Prep: They have a few weeks of prepped meals ready to go.
  

• Build: Each week, I send an easy meal idea to “build” together—something realistic and nutrient-rich.
  

• Stack: We “stack” habits like grocery shopping, hydration, and moving daily… and we stack the good stuff in their kitchen so it crowds out the sweets and snacks.
  

The Real Lesson~

This whole experience reminded me — it doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect. It just has to be consistent.

Progress happens in the small, everyday moments. And it’s always easier when you’ve got people around you cheering you on.

This journey with my parents has reminded me of something I tell every client: progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we lean on each other, stay curious, and keep stacking small wins.

We really are better together. 💛