So I am starting to get the message: not only do I have to be sure my family has healthy eating habits, but I need to be establishing healthy lifestyle habits too.
Some of the greatest things we can do for our children are to be a good example, to live the life we want them to be able to live. For most of us adults we are going to be trying to get our physical activity from that dirty word "exercise", but as far as our kids know they are just Playing. Isn't it much nicer to look at it from your child's view and just Play?
We gathered everyone off the couches Monday night and headed out for walk through the campground. One of my older sons thought it was pointless so we said we were going to check and see if there was an open camping spot for us to cook dinner there. Not only did we have a very nice walk, but we did find an open spot and we were able to cook dinner there, which resulted in lots of playing in the stream and on the rope swing while we waiting. With just a little bit of encouragement to get off the couches, my family spent the entire night out of doors playing and being active.
Last night my husband just opened up a blanket in the backyard and took the baby outside to sit. We ended up playing on the swing and throwing the football around. Before we knew it, all the kids had joined us outside, some had even willingly turned off their computers and phones and come outside to be with the family.
There are lots of great sources for information on being more active with your kids. Here are some ideas if you need them. The key to a healthy lifestyle is keeping yourself (and your kids) balanced. Energy in + Energy out = Balanced. Aim for balanced weeks if you are having a hard time wrapping your head around daily totals. If you are going to a birthday party, plan the day before to take a family walk. If you are going to have a big holiday coming up, plan on doing some activities that get you and your family moving.
What a great excuse to start today! Use an activity as a reward for good behavior instead of a "treat". After dinner, turn on some music and show your kids how it is done. (or at least how is used to be done). Play an active computer or video game with your kids. Or everyone throw some shoes on and walk around the neighborhood.
Not only will this make a big difference in your children's lives now, but you are establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime as well as giving your children one of the things they want most - more of your time. And who knows... You might lose 10 pounds in the process of teaching your kids that you were frisbee champ back in the day for a reason.
