Healthy as a Family
Eating right and staying active should not be a chore. Is should, however, be a way of life. Your children look up to you for guidance in life. The way you eat and how active you are is no exception. Teach your children the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. The eating and exercise habits you show your children now could be lifesavers later in life.
Most families are busy nearly all of the time. It can be easy to start some unhealthy habits when you have a busy family. Some nights you might be so tired at work that the simple solution is to stop to pick up some fast food. Your kids might eat in a rush after soccer practice, do some homework and then sit on the couch and watch television until bedtime. Unhealthy eating and sedentary habits are not good for anyone.
Having fast food now and then is not going to hurt anyone. However, it should not be part of your daily or even weekly diet. Sitting as a family to watch some television or a movie is fine too as long as that is not the only activity you do as a family. Few things are harmful if they are done in moderation. The problem arises when less than healthy habits become a way of life.
Plan meals for an entire week. This will help you to create a grocery list for your shopping day. You will save time each night by knowing in advance what you are going to cook. Planning ahead also helps you to make sure you have everything you need to cook the meal before you start to prepare supper. By deciding what meals you are going to make in advance, you are also able to select healthy choices rather than dining out or grabbing some unhealthy foods at the drive through.
Make certain to serve your family a few servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. Limit the amount of fat you prepare for your family. We all need some fat for our bodies and it is all right to treat your family as long as you do not prepare meals high in fat each day. You will also want to reduce the amount of sugar your family eats. Make health snacks such as fruit cups and pudding desserts rather than cookies and cakes.
Every week you should also get active with your family as often as possible. Spend a weekend afternoon at the park. Play with your kids. They will enjoy the time you spend with them and you will all be staying healthy. If your children are older, encourage them to play sports in school. You can stay active yourself by taking part in some of their workouts. For example, if your son or daughter jogs to stay fit for their sport, you can join them on their run every once in awhile.
Keep your family healthy by teaching them a healthy lifestyle. Be a positive role model by being healthy and active yourself. Your whole family will be healthier if you make a pledge to work towards health and fitness together.