How to stay in shape as an Au Pair

Staying in shape as an Au Pair in Sweden or France might seem easy, but depending on where you spend your Au Pair experience, not gaining weight can be hard. Burgers, Hot Dogs, Milkshakes or Mac and Cheese: typical US-American food is usually everything but healthy. If you have ever been to the USA, you might have noticed your clothes feeling tighter at the end of your vacation. As an Au Pair in the US, I noticed the exact same thing. So, in this article, I’ll give you some tips on how to maintain your weight that I wish I had known when I started my Au Pair experience.

Don’t change your eating habits

When going abroad you are likely to change your eating habits from one day to the next. Try not to. Yes, you are going to adapt to your Host Family’s diet, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your own. What’s worked for you before, will keep on working for you. So, instead, try to incorporate your favorite dishes into the family. They might even enjoy learning more about your home country’s culinary culture.

Enjoy everything in moderation

I know, when you go to a different country, you want to try all of the amazing food it has to offer. I’m not telling you you can’t. All I am saying is, try to do so in moderation. Try that milkshake, but don’t let ordering a milkshake with your burger become a habit.

Sign up for a gym

The most important part of maintaining your weight as an Au Pair is being active. Sign up for a gym, go for a run in your neighborhood or take a dance class. Whatever you sign up for, make sure you actually use it. I know Netflix sounds a lot more tempting after a stressful morning, but if you’re anything like me, you might start binge-watching. So, try to make working out a priority and do it as soon as you can. When you’re done with your workout you won’t have to feel guilty about turning on the TV anymore.

Be active with your Host Kids

Being active doesn’t have to be limited to your free time, though. Your Host Kids enjoy being active, too, so why not ride your bikes together? You could also play catch or soccer. Kids usually have a lot of energy, so there’s a good chance of getting a lot of cardio in.

I’m not telling you all of this, because I think being in shape is the most important thing in the world. I’m telling you this, because when I came home from my Au Pair year I had gained a lot of weight and didn’t feel anything like myself. If I had followed my own advice, who knows, maybe I wouldn’t have felt that way.

The most important piece of advice in this post: Remember that your weight doesn’t define you.

Sammy-Jo