The new year brings a new beginning. Each year, people vow to live a healthy lifestyle. And, overall have a happy and healthy family. Team up with your family for your journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Research shows that social support makes it easier for people to make positive changes in their lives. Also, those who make changes as a team are more likely to successfully reach their health goals.
According to Healthy People 20-20, most adults, adolescents and increasing numbers of children do not get enough physical activity in their daily life. There are so many causes including an increase in labor-saving devices, increased use of automobiles, school cutting physical education classes and an increased popularity in sedentary leisure. Many of our top tips help increase the healthy movement in your family’s lifestyle.
Many people struggle with living a healthy lifestyle because they think it is hard and that they will have to give up their favorite treats. Creative problem solving and planning allows your family to enjoy “sometimes treats” while eating healthy throughout the year.
The primary areas to focus on for a happy and healthy family include good nutrition, appropriate portion sizes, improving physical activity. And, keeping up-to-date with preventative care. Your family can have fun while pursuing health. Here are five tips to help your family work towards health goals while having fun.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand To Have A Happy And Healthy Family:
It is no secret that growing children are hungry after school. Stock your kitchen with healthy foods your family enjoys such as cut vegetable sticks, nuts, fruits, and healthy dips like guacamole or salsa. People of all ages are more likely to make healthy choices when it is convenient. Be sure to adjust this tip to accommodate your family member’s needs, preferences, allergies, and dietary concerns. Overall, healthy snacks is key to having a happy and healthy family.
Involve the Kids in Meal Planning and Shopping:
Parent sometimes find it difficult to train their children to eat healthier foods if they already have bad habits. Some parents find it easier when the kids are involved in the decision-making process. Allow them to be creative. Healthy choices do not have to mean eliminating all your family’s favorite foods. Do your kids love “Chicken Fingers”? Brainstorm ways to make it healthy. For example, you can make your own baked Chicken Fingers with chicken breast, Panko breadcrumbs and pair it with healthier dips and vegetables.
Make Family Fun Time Active To Have A Happy And Healthy Family:
Plan active fun during your family day out. We promise, this is a must to ensure a happy and healthy family. Some inexpensive examples include hiking or flying a kite at a beach or park. Look for fun local recreation centers that offer family swimming, climbing, trampolining or skating. Perhaps the whole family can sign up for a 5k fun walk or fun run.
Turn Sedentary Time into Active Time:
Experts say we are less active than previous generations. This is partially due to labor saving devices and partially due to the popularity of sedentary leisure activities. Anytime you add movement to otherwise sedentary activity, your family’s health will improve. Be creative in finding new ways to move. For example, if you watch network television, create a game where you whole family gets up and moves during the commercials. If you watch streaming entertainment or premium cable, make a game where you all get up and move when certain words are said or when a popular character appears.
Stay Current with Exams and Preventative Care:
This tip is not as fun as the others, but it is so important. Be sure that every family member stays current on physical exams and preventative care. Early detection saves time, money and precious lives.
These five tips are just a start to help with your family’s journey to health in the new year. Feel free to involve the whole family and share ideas with each other. If you make your healthy lifestyle fun and social, everyone will find it easier to make healthy choices and to have fun while doing it.
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