In today’s society, where obesity and poor health are a way of life in addition to being a rising problem, it’s important for parents to find ways to teach their children about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Kids need to learn early on how to fuel their bodies with nutritious foods and that they should spend more time playing outdoors then they do sitting in front of the television.
The only way that they’ll learn these practices, however, is if we show them that healthy can be fun. Use these five tips to encourage your kids to be healthy;
Get active as a family
Instead of making exercise a chore that needs to be crossed off a to-do list – something that is sure to be unappealing to your children – make it a regular, fun part of every day, and something that the whole family does together.
Play games of tag in the front yard, go on family bike rides, take long walks around the neighborhood after dinner, or play family-style volleyball or flag football.
Kids need to see that working out doesn’t have to be torturous, and that by choosing active hobbies that you enjoy it can be a lot of fun.
Serve meals rich in fruits and vegetables
Healthy food sometimes gets a bad rep as being bland and boring; however healthy food doesn’t have to lack flavor. Experiment constantly with different fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Change up the different spices you use to flavor your foods, and alternate between broiling, boiling, baking, roasting, and grilling foods.
The more adventurous you get in the kitchen, the more likely you are to find foods that your family loves that are rich in healthy options.
Visit farmer’s markets and let kids help pick your produce
Get your kids involved when it comes time to pick produce. Take them to the local farmer’s market, where they can learn about the different types of produce, and let them choose a new fruit and vegetable each time you go.
Many farmer’s markets or local farms also offer times where you can come and pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a great experience for the kids. When they are involved in the process they are much more likely to want to eat different foods.
Have kids help in the kitchen
Let your kids cook with you during the evenings so that they can learn how to healthily prepare meals.
Learning to cook how you cook will lay the foundation for how they cook later on in life. They will also want to eat the meals prepared because they had a hand in making it, and they’ll take pride in serving the meal to the rest of the family as well.
Lead by example and teach kids the tools they need to make healthy decisions
Above all else, teach your kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle by living that life yourself. You have the ability to impress upon them that working out is an important and daily part of life, and that choosing to eat healthily can be just as delicious as indulging in high-calorie fare.
When you’re at the grocery store explain to them why you are picking the types of foods you are, and show them how to read different nutritional labels. Include them as much as possible in your own healthy lifestyle.
To put it simply, Children are like sponges, and they will retain the information that they get from you, both from listening to you teach them and from watching you live your life. Instead of teaching them to destroy their body with unhealthy habits, teach them to love and respect their body by eating well and working out.
So what are your thoughts on this?
About the Author
Paul and his wife Julie both spend quite a bit of time coming up with ideas, blogging, and researching all things related to childcare. They take care of all the necessary information related to 'babysitter job'. He personally thinks his blog will help find information on all things related to a babysitter.
Who's Managing This?
Hi, I'm Aditya Samitinjay. I started this blog to help people not repeat the same mistakes that I've done. My writings are mostly based on Mental Health, Lifestyle, Self Improvement and Healthy Living. You can read the entire thing in the about page. You can also follow me here:
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