Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard. Small changes can go a long way in improving your daily routine and overall health. Instilling healthy habits at an early age can play a significant role in keeping your children healthy throughout their lives.
Here are a few tips to getting your lifestyle on the right track.
Get Active Go for a walk, ride a bike or simply play outside! Physical activity is essential for growth and development. Join your children in creating a goal to be active for one hour each day. Not only does staying active strengthen muscles and bones, it can help to use up all that excess energy!
Drink Water Skip the sugary sodas or sports drinks, and reach for the water instead. Water is the best way to quench your thirst and as a bonus, it’s good for you! Reduced fat milk is also a great option for children over 2 and is rich in calcium.
Eat Fruits and Veggies Rich in nutrients and low in calories and fat, fruits and vegetables are a healthy addition to any diet. The high water and fiber content make them filling and can boost immunity. Aim for 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables each day.
Skip the Screen Too much time sitting in front of the TV or playing on tech gadgets can increase a child’s risk for obesity. Consider breaking up screen time and limiting it to 2 hours per day. Games and activities are a great way to keep your children active, and increase the time you spend together as a family.
Snack Less Limit the number of snacks your children eat in a day. When snack time comes around, opt for whole grains, dairy products, fruits or vegetables. Snack cakes and chips are high in sugar, calories and saturated fats and won’t keep you full.
Brush Up Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush… the key to a healthy, sparkling smile is as simple as brushing your teeth. Remind your children to properly brush their teeth twice a day.
Eat as a Family Life can be crazy and schedules hectic, but try to set a goal of eating together as a family at least once per day. Use this time together to teach your children about healthy foods and appropriate portion sizes.
Wear Weather Appropriate Clothes Though that princess dress may be her favorite article of clothing, it isn’t appropriate to wear to the store on chilly mornings. Teach your children the importance of wearing jackets, hats and other weather specific clothing.
Like all things in life, balance is key. Be a positive role model for your children and make healthy choices for yourself. Surrounding your children with positive role models, healthy food options, physical activities and stimulating mental challenges can help your children to be healthy, well rounded adults.