Keep fit with your family - Set a good exercise example and kids will follow suit. If you want to change the way your family eats and exercises, then expect a challenge, says Dr Mary Gavin, co-author of Fit Kids (Dorling Kindersley). But hang in there. Dr Gavin says the lessons you impart today may become the health principles your child practices forever. Here she details five ways to get your family fit and fabulous.
Lead by example
Adult family members are important role models. Make the effort to eat well and exercise often and talk about it too. "Talk about why you eat fruit as a snack, take an exercise class or go for walks," Dr Gavin says.
Start young
Don't wait until your child has a weight problem before you instigate healthy eating and exercise habits. It's much easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight.
Exercise together
Make it a habit for the family to be active rather than sedentary. Take a walk after dinner, play in the park, walk the dog or crank up the music and dance. This burns energy and brings you together as a family.
Cook together
Research shows kids are more likely to try meals they had a hand in cooking. It's the perfect way to introduce them to healthy fare such as vegetables or low-fat meats. "They gain an understanding of healthy ingredients and older kids enjoy having the authority to select and prepare foods they like," Dr Gavin says.
Eat together
Eating a meal as a family sends a positive message about nutrition. Kids see their parents eating healthy food, which may inspire them to give it a try too. In addition, mums and dads will get the chance to offer nutritious foods, become aware of their child's likes and dislikes and enjoy sharing in their lives through casual conversation. ( bodyandsoul.com.au )
Lead by example
Adult family members are important role models. Make the effort to eat well and exercise often and talk about it too. "Talk about why you eat fruit as a snack, take an exercise class or go for walks," Dr Gavin says.
Start young
Don't wait until your child has a weight problem before you instigate healthy eating and exercise habits. It's much easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight.
Exercise together
Make it a habit for the family to be active rather than sedentary. Take a walk after dinner, play in the park, walk the dog or crank up the music and dance. This burns energy and brings you together as a family.
Cook together
Research shows kids are more likely to try meals they had a hand in cooking. It's the perfect way to introduce them to healthy fare such as vegetables or low-fat meats. "They gain an understanding of healthy ingredients and older kids enjoy having the authority to select and prepare foods they like," Dr Gavin says.
Eat together
Eating a meal as a family sends a positive message about nutrition. Kids see their parents eating healthy food, which may inspire them to give it a try too. In addition, mums and dads will get the chance to offer nutritious foods, become aware of their child's likes and dislikes and enjoy sharing in their lives through casual conversation. ( bodyandsoul.com.au )
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