While warm weather can mean barbecues and social gatherings that are focused on food, it also means more opportunities for you to spend time outdoors with your family, and help you achieve your goal of living active, healthy lives. Being outside together for regular activities or sports increases fitness and strengthens family bonds. Here are some simple ways you can encourage your family to get outside and help them eat healthier.
* Exercise without realizing it. It is possible to incorporate physical activity into your family’s day. To get to the mall, park at the farthest point in the lot. Then walk to the entrance. Use stairs instead.
* Fool your eyes and your belly. You can trick yourself and your family to eat less by using smaller plates. You will eat more if you have a larger plate.
* Be a role model. Learn how to control portion size, read labels and opt for smaller packages of your favorite foods. “No one ever said you need to give up the foods and drinks you love to be healthy, but you just need to enjoy them in moderation,”Alisa Snows, a registered dietetician, says so. Many companies offer portion control options to help you manage your calorie intake. Coca-Cola offers a Mini can with 90 calories for smaller appetites.
* Put down your fork. Enjoy your meal. Slow down. Focus on the food and take the time to really enjoy the flavours and textures.
* Bond together. Dinner should be about sharing time. Encourage everyone to participate in the preparation of healthy meals. Don’t forget to wash and dry the dishes together after the meal. It will save you some time.
“Living a healthy lifestyle as a family can still be fun. The key is to balance calories you consume with regular exercise,”Winters Notes
Last, but not the least, don’t just sit in front of your TV after dinner. Take the family on a walk.
