Fitness, Foods and Moods: Keeping Your Family Fit

We all want the best for our families. We envision healthy, physically fit and happy children. Yet in today’s hectic world, it can be difficult to meet our ideals. During stressful, busy times, healthy diet and exercise often fall by the wayside.

We know that good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for physical health. Likewise, our mental health also depends on proper diet and exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise can improve mental health and enhance energy levels. And the American Dietetic Association warns us that poor diet can compound stress and depression.

Try these simple steps to keep your family healthy and happy:

Create a family fitness plan.

Without a plan, family fitness can easily become another resolution never fully realized. Assess

your family’s interests and abilities, and choose activities to match. For instance, if everyone likes water and knows how to swim, head for the pool, lake or ocean for a workout the whole family can enjoy. Set fitness goals, such as reaching a healthy weight, reducing cholesterol levels or exercising a certain amount per week. Your doctor or other health professionals can help you set your goals.

Get everyone involved.

Make getting healthy a family project and find ways everyone can participate. Take turns selecting a family fitness activity each week. Involve friends and relatives in your fitness activities, and ask for their support in reaching fitness goals.

Get moving.

Medical experts recommend at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week for optimal health. Luckily, there are hundreds of ways to exercise. Find the best ways for your family to exercise. Whether you play basketball or take a walk in the park, get moving!

Eat and sleep well.

Include a healthy diet and sleep schedule in your family’s fitness plan. Avoid high-fat, sugary, salty, and processed foods. Skip fast food. Aim to get seven or eight hours of sleep every night for good health.

Have fun.

Exercise doesn’t have to be tough, inconvenient or dull. By having fun and being creative, your family is more likely to stay with the program. Try a family “treasure hunt” at a beach, park or your backyard. Collect items in the environment, like seashells, pine cones, leaves and rocks. Or have fun creating a family dance routine—record it with a video recorder or perform for relatives.

Changing lifestyle habits isn’t always easy, and fitness hurdles can be difficult to overcome. If you need help, I'll be there! Contact me today!