My Flabby Family – How to Keep the Entire Family Fit
February 09, 2009
“Do as I say, not as a do” is surely not a principle that is encouraged when it comes to shaping your life. Exercise is encouraged for everyone, from young children to their great grandparents, and everyone in between. As parents, it’s important to be good role models for your kids and walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Exercising together as a family can be great for the physical health of the individuals, but it’s a wonderful way to enhance communication between family members and the overall relationships as well. You’ll be surprised what people say when walking together!
In addition to exercising together as a family, eating together as a family is important too. Unfortunately, few families set aside time for family dinners; both parents often work and kids are doing many different activities that dinner time is often no time. How do you create time together? The key is making time to be together, not finding it.
Find a time everyone can be together. Now schedule this, just like any other important event; it’s something that can’t be put off, or pushed aside for a more convenient time. There are a few ways to help make eating together possible and enjoyable.
1. Choose 1 night each week where the kids are in charge of cooking. Depending on their ages, this can be a meal they plan and prepare 100% on their own. Or maybe, if the kids are younger, you help them put things together, but still give them important roles.
2. Allow your children to pick 5 foods they want each week to add to the grocery list. Work with them to then educate them on their choices.
3. During the warmer months, try gardening as a new activity. And keep a spot for the kids to have their “own” garden within the family spot – they can pick their favorite vegetable to grow and cultivate themselves. Those who have their own garden eat more produce.
When everyone is on board, success is easier to come by. No one is immune to disease. No one is immune to weight gain. Share your healthy habits with your kids and your entire family will benefit!
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