5 Healthy Habits for a Healthy Family

On a scale of 1-10, how healthy do you think your family is? I think my family is probably about an 8.

We are pretty active each day. We have a large backyard so we play kick-ball, T-ball, tag, etc., quite frequently. When the weather is not great for outdoor activities, freeze dance is a favorite indoor game to get the wiggles out.

As for eating together, that can be more of a struggle. Each of my kids have a ton of extracurricular activities. We try to eat together as a family at least 3 times a week. We are working on doing this more often.

Here are some key habits to promote a healthy family.

Discuss good nutrition

Talk about good nutrition with your kids. Explain the need to eat food from the various food groups and how foods help us maintain good health.

Make healthy eating easy

Kids will often eat food that is easily available and ready to be eaten. Encourage your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables by making them just as convenient as sugary snacks. For example, place baby carrots in small bags on an easily accessible shelf in the refrigerator.

Plan meals together

Get your kids involved in creating family menus. Take them shopping to have them help select foods they would like to try. Have them read food labels to better understand the nutrition content as well.

Play together every day.

Here are some ideas:

Create a friendly competition: Make a dance party with points awarded for the best moves. Who in your family can take the most steps in a day, do the most push-ups, or twist into the most complicated yoga pose?

Step up the Silly Factor: go all out with crazy costumes and crazier moves. If you’re taking a family walk, tell jokes or sing goofy songs as you go. Silliness is definitely a favorite for my family.

Be Newbies Together: As a family, choose a new sport and learn it together. Martial arts, horseback riding, and dance are especially well-suited to varying ages and skill levels. Last winter, I took skating lessons with my daughter. I had not been on skates in years so it was really fun to try it together.

Do it for a cause: Especially if your family has been personally affected by the issue, a run, walk, or even a car wash that benefits a beloved charity can provide just the inspiration you need for some family physical activity. Plus, you can’t beat the extra feel-good message you’re sharing with your kids.

Have a set bedtime routine

A good night sleep is important for the entire family. For younger kids, reading to them is a great way to bond and help them drift off. For older kids, help them stick with a routine and keep the electronics out of their rooms.

How do you help your family stay fit and healthy?

Lydia

Saturday 2nd of March 2013

I try to model for them - they see me eating well and being active, they tend to do the same. Great ideas here!

Liz at Willowbrook

Thursday 28th of February 2013

This is a great post. Whilst I think it's certainly very important to instill healthy values in the little ones, exercising together as a family can be great for the older generation too. For grandparents, gentle exercise such as walking round the park can help to keep joints and muscles healthy - and everyone can enjoy the time spent together!

Personal trainer st johns wood

For living healthy life it is important to eat well and healthy food. It is good to add natural healthy food in diet. Food effects on our health so people should eat healthy food to maintain health and fitness.

Jadey Sam

Friday 22nd of February 2013

I love being silly - it makes parenting more fun!

Still Blonde after all these YEARS

How do we get kids away from M&C and Nuggets??? That's what I want to know. So gald you are supplimenting!

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