Tips on Keeping the Whole Family Healthy

In this day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in work, Television, and Social Media.­ Unfortunately, the more time we spend focused on these things, the more focus we lose on what’s most important—family. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and before you know it, the year has passed and you’re struggling to remember what it is your kids are up to or into. With that being said, we know it’s a struggle to balance work and family life. We’re here to help you gain that balance, and focus a bit more on yourself, and most importantly, your family.

 

Here are some tips on how to keep your whole family healthy, and happy!

 

Easy Nutrition

  • Meal Prep.Your weekly routine will go a lot more swimmingly if you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to make for dinner tonight. Plan ahead for healthy, nutritious meals (think eat the rainbow)
  • Do it as a team.Involve your kids in the weekly menu selection, and allow them to help you prepare one meal a week. This makes them feel included and accountable for what your family is eating.
  • Learn about the food you eat.Encourage eating healthy fresh foods every day and explain how foods can have a positive or negative effect on our bodies. You can teach them to read labels, look for healthy ingredients, or explain the benefits of each veggie you’re chopping up. By teaching your kids, you’ll also learn (or re-learn) important things about the foods we eat.
  • Don’t buy the sweets!If they aren’t in your house, the kids won’t miss them. Replace processed sweets with sweet fruits and homemade whip cream.
  • Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand.This will help you and your kids from feeling “hangry.” Try almonds or other healthy nuts!
  • Drink lots of Water.Swap soda for water, low-fat milk, or juice (but limit juice to 4 to 8 ounces a day, since it contains natural sugars and lots of calories). Encourage water as the go-to drink for everyone in your home.
  • Serve food in small portions.Let your children ask for more if they are hungry
  • Bake, broil or grill your food.

 

Keep it Moving

  • Exercise together 20 minutes a day.This should be a minimum. Go for walks early mornings before school, or after dinner, or teach your kids a yoga routine to energize them in the morning or unwind before bed.
  • Make it fun. Program your children from an early age to think of exercise as fun and engaging, instead of a chore. Make up games to play outside, play a game of soccer, or have a dance party
  • Challenge each other.Who can do the most crunches or push-ups? Who will win the race?
  • When you can, ditch the car and walk to the store. Take the stairs.

 

Family Time

  •  Limit Screen Time. Shut off the TV (or computer, or video game console, or tablet) after a max of two hours a day—this goes for you too! This frees up time for more physical activity and can contribute to kids’ weight loss.
  • Eat Dinner together. Use this time to discuss your day, feelings, ideas for the weekend or family announcements. Kids will get used to this routine and look forward to the time they can sit and be with their family
  • Go on family dates. Plan ahead mini stay-cations, movie dates, or a trip to the zoo. This keeps the whole family excited and gives you something to look forward to! Mark the calendar with your kids for added excitement, countdowns, and so that they’ll development a sense of time.

 

Schedule & Organize

  • Develop routines.This will help the entire family stay on track and give everyone a sense of comfort. You’ll know what time dinner is, when to do homework, and when to go to sleep.
  • Organize. Keeping things organized will also help de-clutter your mind and help keep to your routines. Lay out your kid’s clothes for the week ahead of time. Show them where the healthy snacks are kept. Show them where to put their favorite toys. This will help free up time from cleaning, leaving more time for family!

Lead by Example

  • Be a Role Model.Inspire your kids by setting a good example. Show them how to be active and healthy– don’t just tell them! Eat healthy snacks with them, and drink your water. Your kid will hop on board!
  • Cheer them on.Encourage them, praise them, showthem how to improve. Don’t do their homework because it’s easy for you. Show them how to learn.
  • Communicate.Show them how the work through their emotions by openly communicating to them about yours.

The key to these tips is togetherness. Live, Learn, and grow together. This will show your kids what a healthy family environment is, and set them up for a lifetime of health and happiness!

 

Sources:

https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-healthy-children-and-families/

https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307339,00.html?

https://www.kabritausa.com/blog/4-tips-encourage-healthy-habits-whole-family/fhttps://www.verywellfamily.com/lifestyle-changes-to-make-today-1257028https://www.huffpost.com/entry/habits-of-healthy-families_n_5751d497e4b0c3752dcd8f97https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/healthy-habits-family/