Creating Good Habits for your Kids

Everyone wants their kids to be healthy, but it starts with you. If you have struggled with your health or weight you know first hand you don't want your kids to go through the same thing. One of the main things I would say is not to make a big deal about your child's weight. It's not about weight but about being healthy. We are the example for our kids. You may find helping them will even help you.

CLEAN OUT

Start with some small things that you can control, like getting rid of the junk food in the house. If it's not there, you or your kids won't eat it. Instead, load up on healthier options. As I always say, balance is key and we all like a little treat sometimes :) Junk food available at their fingertips daily is not the answer. If your kids like cookies keep the frozen dough in your freezer instead of a bag in the pantry. Everyone will more than likely not have cookies as often when you have to bake them! It would be more of a special treat from time to time instead of everyday after school. Healthier options could be greek yogurt with fresh berries, a nice hearty cheese with somem crackers, celery, apples or banana with almond butter or natural peanut butter. Don't forget about water! We often don't drink enough ourselves. Your kids need about half their body weight in water.

COOK

Try to avoid eating out as often. You can never be sure what you are eating when you are going through the drive thru. It may seem convenient at the time but convenience over your child's health too often isn't worth the bad habits it can create. I'm not saying to never eat out, but 3 and 4 times a week is too much. Eating in will allow you to know exactly what you're eating and save you money. They key is just a little planning. Cooking just 3 meals a week can get you throught the whole week and save the night out for your weekend. A cooked healthy meal 3 times will more than likely allow for some leftovers for at least one other night. I sometimes will even cook a double recipe just so I can either have leftovers or to throw in the freezer for an already prepared meal for next week. To give yourself a break mid-week, implement a sandwich night on hump day! This can be easy and allow the kids to help with dinner. Get creative or keep as simple as you like. Throw some cucumbers, sprouts, tomatoes, hummus, avocado and anything else you can think of on that sandwich or wrap. Let your kids pick out what they like and make it your night off of cooking but still eating in and keeping it healthy. If they are not a big sandwich eater try wraps or even lunch meat with hummus or turkey roll ups with some cheese and fruit. The options are endless and easy.

STAY ACTIVE

There's so many things that can distract our kids from being kids and playing! TV, iPods, iPhones, iPads, X-box, ect. When they spend too much time on these devices they forget even how to go outside and play. I've been guilty of it as well. Encourage them to go outside. Get them involved in some kind of activity that will be fun and social and encourage them. It could be soccer, dance, zumba, running, basketball, hiking, gymnastics, karate or even roller skating.

Take an evening walk with them or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Just limit the TV and electronics so they can remember how to be a kid!

FRUITS & VEGGIES

If you know that your child is NOT getting enough fruits and veggies in thier diet then check out Juice Plus+. They have children's studies that show children who take Juice Plus+ are eating less fast food and more fruits and vegetables, drinking fewer soft drinks and more water and visiting the doctor less and attending school more. I know my kids don't get exactly what they need so I have them on this great product. It's basically vine-ripened dehydrated fruits and vegetables in a soft chew and my kids love it. The best part is that it's FREE for children when your order for yourself! Can't beat that. Get more info about Juice Plus+! To get your child's free contact me at toni@strengthhealing.com

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20