Parents must keep their families healthy. The healthier the family is, the happier the members are. It is easy to say that you will make your family healthy with a healthy lifestyle, but that’s not always how it works. Building a family isn’t an easy job. You’re busy all the time, and before you know it, you’ve already forgotten your responsibilities.
Studies show that over the years, more and more children are suffering from obesity. Families need to embrace healthy living to prevent health problems such as diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. A healthy and active lifestyle can help to keep an ideal weight.
Healthy habits are vital in the early stages of the family. Integrating a healthy lifestyle will help you make wise choices for your loved ones. Children imitate parents; thus, a good example is crucial. Check the recommendations below to lead a better life.
Ways To Improve Family Health
Eat Better (for children)
- Begin the day by having a healthy breakfast. Breakfast refuels the body and supplies the energy needed for the day.
- As much as possible, eat together as a family.
- Take your time in eating and chew slowly until you feel full.
- Eat more whole grains like oats, brown rice, rye, and whole-wheat pasta. Try eating a minimum of three ounces of grain every day.
- Eat lots of vegetables and fresh fruits. Target a total of 2 fruit cups and 2 1/2 veggie cups every day.
- Get plenty of fluids to drink. Choose water, low to non-fat milk, and beverages with minimal calories.
- Serve food in modest servings.
- Serve a wide range of dishes.
Eat better (for parents)
- Praise your children for making healthy habits. Do not just reward them with food.
- “A clean plate” doesn’t always mean that your child is done eating. If your kids are still hungry, serve them more.
- Check the serving size on the nutrition label. This information might assist you in choosing foods that are appropriate for your family.
- Opt for foods that can be baked, broiled, or grilled.
- Cooking with butter or vegetable oil should be avoided. Olive, canola, or sunflower oil are healthier alternatives.
- Snack on foods that are high in nutrition and energy.
- For you and your children, consult your doctor for supplements.
Tips for being active (for children and family)
- Increase your physical activity. Every day, try to get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity. Small bursts of exercise throughout the day can be a great option to keep everyone active.
- Physical activity is an essential part of your daily routine. Before or after meals, take a family walk or do something fun.
- Make family playtime enjoyable. Shoot hoops or play tag to stay active.
- Make an effort to be active at home. You can dust, vacuum, garden, or walk the dog to keep your body moving. These are effective calorie-burning activities.
- Make sure to go to your routine medical checkups. Sometimes, illnesses and diseases lurk without you even knowing. The adults should consider visiting a scoliosis consultant to ensure that they are not putting themselves at risk of fractures.
- When you go on vacation, include activities like hiking or biking.
- Find out your daily calorie requirements. Keep the number of calories you consume equal to the number of calories you expend.
- Limit your daily TV, computer, and video game usage to no more than 2 hours. Instead, promote physical activity.
Tips for being active (for parents)
- At work or in stores, park the car further away.
- Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs.
- Take the bus one stop sooner and walk the remaining distance.
- While watching television at home, get some exercise. Stretch, lift weights, and use a machine.
- Take a walk when doing some errands.
- Set an example for your children. Do physical activities every day.
Follow these additional suggestions to help you and your family live a healthier lifestyle
- It is a good idea to keep a food diary. Do keep track of everything you eat. Record how much you consume, and the time you ate food.
- Record your daily activities. Keep track of the type, duration, and intensity of your workout.
- Use the kitchen table. It’s best not to eat in the car or while watching TV. Removing distractions can help you stay focused on tracking your food intake.
- Set goals that you will be able to achieve. Attempt to consume more veggies and fewer high-calorie items.
- Only eat when you’re hungry. If you’re bored, tired, or stressed, don’t eat. Create new habits instead. Take a walk, play a game, read a book, or phone a buddy, for example.
- Prevent yourself from overeating. Push the platter away once you’re no longer hungry.
- Go on grocery shopping with a full stomach. A full tummy while food shopping will help you make better choices. When your stomach is empty, it is more difficult to resist an impulse or make incorrect decisions.
- Choose water or a low- or no-calorie beverage. A 32-ounce can of ordinary soda can have up to 400 calories.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Having a healthy lifestyle is essential for keeping your family actively happy. There are plenty of benefits in choosing healthy living. Besides, teaching your kids to lead a healthy lifestyle will help them achieve their life goals with a positive mind and strong body.
