Raise a Healthier Kid with These 5 Steps
It seems like our lives are busier than ever–especially in the lives of our kids. As we shuffle them around from one activity to the next, it often means there’s less time spent preparing healthy meals for them and making sure they’re getting enough exercise. As a parent, there are several things you can do to ensure your child grows up healthy.
Make the Right Choices as a Role Model
Kids follow by example, so it’s important that you make good eating and exercise habits. Making healthy choices daily is a good way to instill the proper values and healthy eating habits in your kids. In addition, don’t complain when you choose to eat healthy food instead of unhealthy food. When your kids see you selecting healthy snacks over unhealthy ones and going for a run instead of sitting on the couch, they will follow suit.
Pre-Plan Healthy Weekly Meals
Take one evening at the beginning of each week to prepare healthy meals and snacks for the family. You will also want to take that time to pre-prep for those meals. Pre-planning weekly meals will put a stop to “just picking something up” when you’re in a crunch for time and lead to a better diet for your family.
Make a Healthy Grocery List
After you’ve planned your weekly meals, it’s time to make a grocery list. A list will stop you from purchasing impulse items like unhealthy snacks, as well as save you money. Take 15 minutes to sit down and create a list of only what you need and follow it once you get to the store. With a reduction in unhealthy foods, your kids will be less likely to eat them in the future..
Get Active as a Family
Encourage your children to get involved in a physical activity they enjoy, whether it’s the school soccer team or dance lessons. Also plan to exercise together as a family. In doing so, you’ll be setting a good example for your kids as well as bonding with them. Families who exercise together tend to be happier and healthier.
Take Care of Your Family’s Mental Health
Physical and mental health goes hand in hand, especially in children. Children–and adults–who are active tend to have better mental health than those who do not. So making sure your kids are getting regular exercise, nutritious meals, and a safe and secure environment is key to good mental and physical health.