Top 10 Family Fitness Lifestyle Habits
Families that want to live a lifestyle of family fitness must commit as one unit. This makes it much easier for kids to accept and even embrace changes in their eating habits and activity levels when there’s support from other members. These tips apply equally to Families looking to lose weight or prevent obesity while beginning lifelong healthy routines – everyone can benefit from improved nourishment and increased activity no matter where they begin!
01: Commit to Moving for One Hour a Day
Encourage your children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily (for weight-loss, maintenance, avoidance of obesity issues and overall wellness). That could include 20 minutes walking to and from college, 15 minutes of physical play at recess or 25 minutes playing football either casually or with teammates. Make sure your kid has all necessary gear such as a baseball mitt or bike safety helmet but remember there are lots of ways they can stay active without needing these extra items.
02: Stock up on Fruits and Vegetables
Stocking up on fruits and vegetables is an essential step to take for healthy living.
Encourage your child to eat five or more servings of produce each day, helping them avoid less nutritious options and providing them with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Have them try the “rainbow challenge”: How many different colors of fruits and veggies can he consume in one day? A week?
03: Be a Role Model to Inspire Kids
Set an excellent example for your children by adopting a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. You don’t have to become the world’s greatest runner overnight, but adding in walks after dinner or yoga classes in the morning can do wonders for their development. Also try using less of your car and more pedal power – either on foot or by bike!
04: Hydrate Regularly
Switch from soft drinks to water, low-fat milk or juice (limit juice intake to 4-8 ounces a day since it contains natural sugars and plenty of calories). Encourage everyone in your household to make water their go-to beverage of choice.
05: Limit Screen Time
Turn off the television (or computer system, game console or tablet computer) after two hours maximum per day. This frees up more time for practice and may contribute to weight-loss in children.
06: Indulge in a Healthy Breakfast Every Morning
Eating breakfast helps your child avoid snacking on empty calories later in the morning when she’s “sooooo hungry.” Make sure they get a nutritious breakfast with whole grains, fruit and protein; skipping meals does not promote weight-loss in any age group!
07: Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Ensuring your family gets enough rest each night can help prevent weight gain in both children and adults.1 Additionally, maintaining a healthy and balanced weight and getting adequate day-to-day exercise will improve rest quality. So make sure everyone in your house is getting plenty of shuteye each night.
08: Eat Meals at Home
Eating out or going to your favorite fast-food place may provide some healthy choices, but it’s much simpler to manage your family’s fat and calorie intake if you prepare food from home.
09: Reimagine Practice to Make Kids’ Physical Activity More Enjoyable
- Rethink Practice for Enhancing Kids’ Motivation
- Make Physical Activity Funnier
Practice doesn’t have to mean an organized group sport or course. Family tasks, lawn work and playing at the park all get children up and moving. Asking them to teach you a new dance move or race you to the edge as you walk down the block are great ways to keep them engaged as well.
10: Be Your Child’s Cheerleader
Cheerleading is an integral part of child development and should always be part of any parent’s arsenal.
Particularly during adolescence, children require constant motivation to stay active and move their bodies. Acknowledge them for making small changes or weight loss initiatives rather than expecting big results.
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