When petrol got ridiculously expensive, I knew I had to stop saying I'll cut back, and actually start doing it.  So one day, in the second half of winter, I decide that today was the day I was going to walk to the grocery store.  I had no idea

just how many ways I was going to benefit.

We always get told as parents to make sure our kids eat healthy right?  Well, for me, it was one thing to say it in theory, and another to try to force them to eat the apples instead of the chips.  When I started walking to the shops instead of driving, I discovered that I couldn't carry 20 bags back home with me (carry as in put on the stroller handles), so I had to stick to my grocery list.  I found myself walking past those tempting displays of chips, chocolates, biscuits and ice-cream, not because I have the will power to say no to those oh so yummy goodies, but simply because I knew I had to get some wheet-bix, rice and spaghetti sauce among other things home and I just didn't have the room or strength to carry any more.  Now that my house isn't always stocked with junk food, my kids (and myself for the first time in my life) are snacking on fruits! 

I'm also getting some exercise into my days, which in turn actually give me MORE energy.  Since I have been walking, we have been going to the park much more, and now that we're going to the park more, my kids are happier and much better behaved.

We can also continue to go to McDonalds for 50c ice-creams every now and then, and other family outings that actually cost money, something we wouldn't be able to do if we were constantly forking out to the petrol man.

I'm also feeling much better about myself.  Since bubba number 2, I haven't been able to go back to my figure from before becomming pregnant with him.  And it's made me feel down and that snowballs with other things and gets me irritable and impatient.  My kids don't benefit from me being like that, but as I lose the weight, I become happier, and they DO benefit from that.  Plus I have been able to save money by not having to buy more clothes - yay!

So, with all these benefits, I recommend to everyone - give it a go!  My next test is seeing if I can keep it up during summer!