It’s that time of year again when the down jackets have been dusted off for use and the trucks start rolling south for the winter. You have everything imaginable packed and organized for the horses; you can set the farm up in under a day and know that when the first hoof hits the driveway your animals will be set up for success. But have you set yourself up for success? We take such care to recognize how taxing it is on the horses to move around so much, yet few people recognize how taxing it is to their own bodies to do the same.
Winter series are a special beast. In some ways they are fabulous. For three to six months you can sleep in the same bed, drive the same roads, and shop in the same places. You can have a routine and–dare I say it–almost live like a “normal” person. In other ways, people dread it. It is week after week of very long days with no weeks off–and barely a day off if you are lucky.
Winter IS a great time though to get yourself into a healthy eating routine. Most people will live in a space with a kitchen, and the ability to cook for oneself means smaller waistlines and fatter wallets. Of course, it takes a little planning prior to relocating and afterwards to continue each week while you are there.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to come up with the ideas and needed items for success! I have put together five essential cooking items to bring with you when you are moving into your winter apartments (and any other apartment there after!) and some other meal planning tips.
Want these tips? Read the article within the HorseGrooms Community and set yourself up for nutritional success for the winter show series this year. All you have to do is set up a free profile in the HorseGrooms community and you’ll gain exclusive access to special resources, opportunities, courses, and more. View the exclusive article within the Community here.
Besides being an avid amateur equestrian, Kimberly Maloomian is a registered top dietitian. She has been the lead dietitian at The Miriam Hospital in RI and she runs her private consulting firm Kimba’s Kitchen offering medical nutrition therapy, weight management strategies, and wellness services for individuals or companies nationwide.
Kimberly: “In my late teens and early 20s I was a groom, on the road, failing at keeping myself healthy. Much of the reason I became a dietitian was to learn how to properly care for myself, and it has evolved into a passion for helping others learn to do the same. I identify with all the grooms out there and while the industry and world are always evolving, one thing remains constant. What we put into our bodies leads to our success in everything we do, and mentoring people to be the best versions of themselves is the ultimate honor.”
