With television shows like “Honey, We’re Killing the Kids” and the “Biggest Loser,” we are frequently bombarded with the fact that American families, for the most part, are not living healthy lifestyles. So, how can we make our homes into good health zones?
Smaller Meals
Eating smaller meals more often during the day is healthier than eating three large meals. It also keeps the metabolism at a more even keel. Since you are breaking up the food intake, you won’t have as many blood sugar highs and lows. People who eat more and smaller meals throughout the day tend to reach for junk food less often. That’s because our sugar spikes after a large meal, then “crashes” soon after. This makes us crave carbohydrates to increase blood sugar again, which is why we reach for starches and sweets.
Fewer Snacks and Treats
Get rid of the goodies. This is the hardest one for many families since many of us have grown accustomed to treating ourselves, or treating our kids, with yummy treats. Try to limit the number of snacks you keep around, trade a few munchies in for fresh fruits or veggie sticks, and reserve desserts for special occasions instead of something that is eaten daily (or two or three times each day). You can also trade in rich, fattening desserts for something lighter, such as Jell-O.
Encourage Regular Exercise
Even if you don’t have the space or the funds to create a home gym, you can make one space into the family exercise area. Even if it means doing jumping jacks in the family room, jumping rope in the basement, or pulling out and putting away exercise mats each time you use them, it is important to encourage regular exercise. If these don’t appeal to you, try to motivate your family to take walks regularly or to go outside and have a game of softball, horseshoes, or tag.