Obesity is a condition that has plagued American’s for decades. In America, at least 33% of children and teenagers are either overweight or obese. Obese children often become obese adults. In fact, in September 2015 it was reported that an average of 20% of American adults were obese. Obesity is the cause of many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, hypertension, gout, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. Encouraging your family to stay fit and active will help to reduce the risk of obesity and other health conditions.
Staying fit and active, however, incorporates more than just doing a few exercises each day. Being active is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle focuses on monitoring what we put into our bodies and what we do to keep our muscles active. The following tips will help you monitor food intake and find creative exercise activities. Following these tips will help you and your family maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Tip #1: Eat Healthy Meals
A balanced meal isn’t found at your local fast food restaurant. It isn’t loaded with sugar and grease. Instead, it has a good serving of vegetables, a protein, and a starch. It is also prepared with minimal use of grease. Instead of frying your chicken, consider roasting or baking it. Instead of loading your plate with rice, make some baked potatoes. Steam some vegetables with a little butter to give them flavor so that your children will be encouraged to eat them. Find creative ways to include vegetable in your family’s diet. Encourage your family to drink water instead of soda and other sugary beverages. Eat fruits instead of pastries and sweets. Making the change to your family’s diet will be hard initially, but it will be worth it in the end.
Tip #2: Plan Outdoor Activities
Make being active a family team activity. There are many creative outdoor team activities that you could plan for your family to do on the weekends. You could create a simple obstacle course that has a variation of challenges. You could have a sporting competition featuring your family’s favorite sport. Whatever you choose to do, make it something that is done regularly and incorporates each person in the family. Also, ensure that it is something that will make them sweat.
Tip #3: Schedule 30 Minute Exercise Routines
Plan a good exercise routine for at least 3 times a week. There are many exercise routines available on You Tube with varying difficulty levels. Popular personal trainers, such as Sean T, also have affordable exercise routine DVDs. You could also plan family walks or run within your community. Mix up the routines each week so that no one gets bored. Don’t slack off from the routine. Meet with your family and come up with a family exercise goal. That will keep both you and your family motivated to regularly carry out the exercise routines.
Taking care of your family’s health is crucial. Practicing a healthy lifestyle can save you from expensive doctor’s visits and hospital stays. It can also mean the difference between life and death. Following the aforementioned tips will help you and your family remain healthy, fit and active.
