10 Tips To Help Kids Embrace A Healthy Lifestyle

To change a generation, we must start with the youth, so it's important to remember that September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. While there's been some improvement in the fight against childhood obesity, we still have a long way to go. As adults and parents, a proper example is very helpful when it comes to encouraging healthy habits for children. Kids tend to follow what we do more than what we say.

Let’s walk the walk when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Here are 10 ways that we can set wonderful example for a healthy future.

1. Play.

Find activities that you and your kids can participate in together.

2. Cook.

Show your children that you cook. Their eyes are always watching. If they remember you calling for take out rather than actually preparing food, it will make a difference.

3. Exercise together.

Create memories as well as traditions when it comes to health. Go for walks, bike rides, or runs together. Kids will see that exercise is both family time and a lifestyle habit. It will stick with them.

4. Create kitchen time.

Share responsibilities in the kitchen. This also create a time where kids can learn to create their own healthy snacks.

5. Snack healthy.

Whether it's in the car, after school, or running errands let the kids in your world see that you plan and pack snacks that are healthy.

6. Eat together.

Find time to eat together and communicate with your kids. As you share a healthy meal, you're also increasing healthy communication skills.

7. Share the importance of healthy living.

Wherever you are on your personal journey, be transparent with your children while you share the importance of healthy living. It won’t register if you take a "do as I say, not as I do" mentality.

8. Encourage organized sports.

Sports can be healthy for a child's overall development. It can increase communication skills and sportsmanship, as well as their athletic ability.

9. Visit the farmers market.

Create lessons and educate your children about the process of growing produce. A great activity is to find a recipe, allow your child to shop for the ingredients and make the dish once you get home.

10. Have fun.

Healthy living isn't a chore; it's a way of life, and kids should feel the same way. Share fun activities, delicious food, and set the foundation for a healthy long life for the child in your world.

To help you get started, here's an easy and fun recipe that kids can make!

Green Pepper "Octopus" in Hummus

Ingredients:

• 2 Green Peppers
• 1 Package of Hummus
• 2 Black olives

Directions:

Spread the hummus on the plate.

Slice the top of the pepper off for the body.

Clean out the middle of the pepper.

Turn it upside down in the middle of the hummus.

Use slices of the other pepper for the legs.

Put four slices of pepper on each side.

Dab the olive in the hummus and place on the pepper to use for the eyes.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

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