Healthy Ideas for the Whole Family

Lately, people everywhere are working toward getting in shape, eating right and encouraging younger generations to do the same. Now’s not the time to let the idea of leading a healthier lifestyle scare you, it’s a time to have fun with it! In fact, people are more likely to be active when surrounded by family and friends. So why not get the whole family involved? Here are a few great tips for encouraging the whole family to enjoy being healthy - together. 

Make playtime active

• Team Sports: Enrolling the kiddos in little league baseball, the local swim club or even karate can give them a way to enjoy their free time while staying fit. As a parent, this gives you the opportunity to help them practice at home, giving you the chance to participate in an encouraging way. Even better, if you have background knowledge in the sport of choice, you could volunteer to be a coach – giving you and your child time together to look forward to!

• Video Games: Yes, you read that right. With today’s technology, you can find video games that make you jump, run, dance and swing. If you have children who are more into getting to the next level on their favorite game system and are less into outdoor sports, offering games that get them off the couch is a great place to start!

• Family Fun Day: Try choosing one day per week that the whole family can make time to spend together. Instead of seeing a movie, go to a local park and enjoy a picnic or find a nice bike trail. This will encourage family bonding and will give everyone a chance to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Nutritious snacks, please!

• Bake Together: Spending time together baking and cooking in the kitchen is not only a great time to bond, but it allows you to start teaching the kiddos about nutritious snacks early in life. Use this time to teach them about measurements, what treats contain sugar and how much fun healthy baking can be!

• Healthy Snack Options: You can take almost any recipe and make subtle substitutions to increase nutrition or reduce sugar and fat. For recipes that include fresh milk, try using skim milk, or lowfat regular or chocolate milk. Also, real fruit is always better than using a sugary imitation. Then, pair these snacks with a nutritious glass of milk – hot or cold! With 8 essential nutrients, it will give the kiddos the protein, calcium and vitamins they need to say active.

What are your favorite ways to keep the whole family active? Leave a comment!