Raising a family isn’t an easy task, and trying to involve them in a healthy lifestyle is sometimes even more complicated. But that doesn't make it any less important! In fact, the stakes are pretty high if you put off getting healthy for too long.

Your family’s fitness and nutrition are something that needs to be taken seriously. It is important to create healthy habits early on (don't worry, we'll show you how!) ☝🏻

There's no need to mention that a healthy, active lifestyle, besides helping maintain weight, can also prevent health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and high blood pressure.

The trickle-down effects of good health are immense, but to achieve them, a familial support system is needed. This way, they can respect your decision and support you, instead of being an obstacle.

The path to improved health 💪🏻

Besides sharing about this new lifestyle with your family, you should also take some time to delve into your family medical history. This may help determine if you have a high risk for a disease.

Don't get us wrong, just because your parents or other family members have a condition doesn’t mean you will have it now or will in the future. That’s why learning about your health history is important.

Steps to a healthy lifestyle

1. Plan a weekly menu and prep your meals 🗓️

Keep track of how many times you and your family members eat. After this, when you can do a little planning, it’ll be easier to organize everything.

2. Watch less TV ❌📺

TV can be educational, entertaining, and if we’re honest, a way to keep the kids busy.  However, it should be limited. Nowadays kids, and plenty of adults too, sometimes spend hours watching tv, when that time could often be better spent outside or getting in some daily movement.

3. Promote activity 🏃🏻♀️

Like what we mentioned before, children and adults should engage in physical activities for at least 60 minutes each day. This is especially important to build strong bones and muscles.

Try activities such as jumping rope and dancing to keep your family excited about exercise. Every family is different, so work with yours to create a list of physical activities that everyone enjoys doing together.

Even during commercial breaks or between Netflix episodes, have a friendly competition to see who can do the most pushups, hold a plank the longest, or do the most jumping jacks. Play is good for your family's health.

4. Eat meals together 🍽️

When families eat together, they are more likely to eat a more balanced, health-conscious meal.  Also, mealtime as a family is a good opportunity to maintain good communication between family members.  As a result, you stay connected. Who wouldn't want that?

5. Eat healthily 🥦

There are plenty of ways healthy eating can improve your family’s general lifestyle. Some tips are:

• Start the day with a healthy breakfast. It refuels the body and provides energy for the day.
• Let kids help plan and prepare 1 meal each week.
• Take your time eating, and chew slowly. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to tell the body that you are full.
• Eat more vegetables.
• Serve a variety of foods.
• Serve food in small portions.
• Read nutrition labels for serving sizes. This information can help you select foods that fit your family’s needs.
  

6. Drink lots of water 🥤

The body cannot work without water.  We recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day to maintain good health and prevent disease.

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By following these tips, you will take your family down the path toward improved wellbeing and happiness ✨