Two Secrets to balancing Family, Fitness, & Healthy Living!

By Ericka Denke, Fitness/Nutrition Coach

Want to know two Secrets to Keeping Your Kids Vibrant, Strong and Healthy?  Well, it starts with you!  Parents, wish you could change and lead a PROACTIVE, healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family? If you answered "yes," continue reading.

 

In this article, I will tell you 2 ways to incorporate healthy eating and an active lifestyle into your day; because America's weight is spinning out of control (we KNOW this!) But as parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children the do's and don’ts of caring for themselves, so it only makes sense that we start with the basics. 

Tactic #1: Eat HEALTHY

Healthy eating means eating foods as close as possible to their natural state.

A natural, wholesome food WILL NOT contain these 3 ingredients:

1.  High Fructose Corn Syrup
2. Artificial Ingredients (Colors, Flavors, Sugar)
3.  Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated Oils

These ingredients are found in processed foods. AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE, especially if you are trying to lose weight and want your family to stay healthy! Make going to the grocery store a fun game for your kids –call it “who can pick out the healthiest food”. How will you know? Read the food labels.

Need more help? Michis Ladder is not a diet, but a substitution plan. Take this sheet with you to the grocery store for guidance!

Tactic #2: Exercise 30 minutes 6x/week

I know – who has time for exercise? Well I say that putting exercise on the back burner is in the top 2 health, youth and energy destroyers. You need it, your body wants it, and your kids want to play. Try just 10 minutes a day working out in your own home with “10 Minute Trainer” by Tony Horton.  Is that doable for you? Now ‘TIME’ cannot be your excuse!  Otherwise, take those little kiddoz for a walk or a bike ride. This is amazing bonding time and what a great message you will be sending to your children!

Your health and fitness habits send messages to your children whether you like it or not! Parents, we need to be PROACTIVE and be that role model! Let's ‘End the Trend’ today by starting in our own household. Let's make a pact with ourselves to change bad habits into good habits, and set the example for our loved ones so they can lead a healthy, proactive life too. These things are important, right?

Ericka Denke is a new mom and Nutrition and Food Science Major at South Dakota State University for Dietetics.  She is a Beachbody Fitness Coach. http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/erickadeneke#