What keeps you up at night? Childhood obesity, underage drinking, smoking, lack of exercise, Diabetes. These are all concerns for parents these days. If you want your kids to adopt a healthier, wiser lifestyle, it all begins with you. Children learn more by watching what you do than by listening to what you say.
So, how are your lifestyle habits? Not great? What can you do? Consider taking these steps to put yourself and your family on the road to better health and fitness:
- Work closely with a personal trainer. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your family. Coming up with a program that will suit the needs of family members of varying ages isn’t easy though. A trainer can help you plan activities that will work for you while encouraging family members to get involved. You may want individualized plans or you may want to incorporate family exercise time that’s fun. Skiing, hiking, bike rides, walks or even jogs through the park might do the trick.
- Make eating right cool. Children are not born with a hatred for fruits, vegetables and other healthy food choices. They learn to scorn these things when processed, sugary and salty snacks and treats are introduced into their diets. Reserve the unhealthy snacks and fast-foods for occasional treats and make the healthy options the staples in your house.
- Make sure your family sees you eating healthy foods. If you munch on grapes, yogurt or whole grain crackers in between meals, your children will be more likely to do the same (not to mention you’ll be looking and feeling great!). At mealtime, present healthy options, but do take the steps to make them tasty and enjoyable. Remember, you’re the adult, you get to make all of the decisions. Grilled or broiled lean meats, fresh vegetables, whole-grain side dishes and other similar choices can be both healthy and flavorful.
- Make exercise fun. When it’s your time to exercise, don’t let your kids hear you complain. If you really can’t handle the idea of a trip to the gym on a particular day, load up the kids in the car and go for a hike or a ski. Heck, have a snowball fight or just head to the backyard for a game of Frisbee or something fun. You’ll know it’s exercise, but your kids won’t.
- Work on breaking bad habits. If you smoke or drink too much (common issues here in Alaska), take steps to kick these habits. When children see their parents smoking or drinking, they associate these behaviors with being grown up. They also believe they are acceptable. Reducing drinking and/or giving up tobacco can send your children the message you want them to learn.
If you want your family to become healthier and more fitness conscious, you must take the first steps. When your children and even your spouse see you having fun, feeling and looking great, they are likely to follow your example. Working with your trainer can help you get off on the right foot to effect a healthy change for yourself and your family.
About the Author
Ginny Grupp is the owner of AlaskaFit, LLC, Anhorage’s fastest-growing fitness company. If you’re ready to begin living a healthier, more fit lifestyle, please call 783-1241 right now to receive a complimentary nutrition and fitness Consultation (valued at $97).
If you’re not yet ready for our free consultation offer, please complete the form to the right of this article and get instant access to our “5 Fat Loss Tips” Free report.
