Getting Healthy With Family
Good nutrition and daily exercise go hand-in-hand. Both reduce the likelihood of excess weight— and extra pounds raise your risk of chronic health conditions. These same health cornerstones also relieve stress and give you and your family more energy. But getting and staying motivated can be challenging. What can you do?
- Get sporty. Mini-golf, touch football or soccer are great ways to instill team values without relying on complex rules. Even an old-fashioned field day means time spent outside rather than inside scrolling on smartphones.
- Infuse your lives with fun activities. Planning a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood or signing up for a challenging workout class together are great ways to bond without feeling bored.
- Leave your comfort zone. Having a routine can be a double-edged sword. It holds you accountable but can also become monotonous. Select one day a week to do something different — such as trying a new walking or biking path — to keep things fresh.
- Pump up free time. Relaxing doesn’t have to mean being lazy. Schedule small bursts of activity during shared time with family, such as taking a walk downtown after seeing a movie or playing charades after dinner.
- Restock your pantry. Purchase candy and soda for special occasions only. Don’t stockpile unhealthy snacks. Instead, keep whole-grain crackers, hummus and fresh produce on hand for everyday snacking and meal prep.
- Throw a party. Time spent together calls for healthy celebration. Host a low-key party and ask everyone to bring one healthy snack to share. Offer sparkling water with fruit-filled ice cubes as an alternative to soda.
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