How to Become a Healthier Family Without the Tantrums
Magazines display thin celebrities, while fast food restaurants display low prices and convenience. Sunny days encourage us to run or walk outside, but our electronics tempt us to play temple run instead. No wonder we have issues leading healthy lifestyles!
It’s important to begin implementing good decision making when it comes to food and exercise at an early age. It’s also important to keep some tips and tricks up your sleeve in case you fall off the wagon here and there. Whether you want to get your family in shape, or maintain your healthy lifestyle, we have everything you need to do just that!
Practice Self-Control
It’s worth mentioning that despite popular belief, not-so-healthy foods won’t kill you. You’re allowed to have some chips with your sandwich at lunch, and it’s okay to treat yourself to a little dessert here and there. The problem arises when we start eating these things out of habit and desire rather than in moderation.
It’s the Most Important Meal of the Day…
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day! Food is used to fuel your body, and what you eat at the beginning of the day impacts what you’ll crave for the rest of it. Whether you’re at the office, the gym, or PTO meetings, you can’t produce success when you’re running on tasty cakes and iced lattes.
Lead by Example
Your child gets his/her eating habits from you, so lead by example! Introduce fruit, eggs and whole grains into your morning routine. Instead of throwing a pop-tart or frozen waffle in the toaster for your little one, cut them up a banana with peanut butter. This healthy swap provides them with a good source of Vitamin C and protein, serve it up with a glass of milk and they have their calcium too!
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Mid-day Hunger Attacks
To avoid binge eating (and we typically don’t binge on celery sticks and carrots…) eat every 2-3 hours. Small meals and snacks throughout the day leave you feeling full, reduce cravings, and increase your metabolism.
Ditch the Donuts!
It’s a good idea to rid your home of ‘unnecessary’ junk food. Microwavable burritos and two gallons of fudgy-wudgy ice cream will never serve the stomach well, ever. Keep a large bowl on your kitchen table or counter filled with healthier options such as trail mix, nutri-grain fruit bars, peanut butter crackers, or oatmeal bars. When hunger strikes, your family will be more likely to snack on the food right in front of them- rather than raiding the cabinets for cheese doodles and Doritos.
Sorry, We’re Closed
Set a designated time that the kitchen will close every night. This means after 8 o’clock no food or drink is allowed aside from water (and maybe a glass of wine or two...). This allows your stomach to digest your dinner properly, and prepares your body for a night of sleep. Closing down the kitchen will also nip those late night junk food cravings in the bud.
Stay Hydrated
Often times we confuse hunger with thirst. Next time you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water and see if your cravings diminish. Along with the food we eat to fuel our bodies, water plays a necessary role in providing us with enough energy for the day. It also flushes toxins out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells- so drink up!
Start Moving!
If you’re not a fitness fanatic try going for a walk when you get the urge to indulge, take the kids to a park, or simply play in your backyard- just get moving! If you are an active person then set mini-monthly goals for yourself such as cutting down your mile time, or adding more weight to your sets- signing up for an adult sports league is also a great idea! Sign your kids up for various sports like softball, dance, swimming, etc. Maybe they’ll find their passion in an activity they didn’t even know they were good at, and grow up to live a healthier lifestyle because of it.