New Year Series - Healthy Eating and Fitness, Plymouth
So, as we look back on those long Christmas lunches, those delicious delicacies and all that demon drink, we know it’s time to tighten the reins. When the days get colder the warming snacks somehow get even more tempting.
Yet, what are we encouraged to replace all that seasonal self-indulgence with? Yep, you got it - the healthy stuff!
Yes, it’s the ‘New Year’ influence, kick-starting us somewhat reluctantly into action. It’s time to sit down (not for long enough to get comfortable, of course) and review our health and fitness.
How often have you thought to yourself "Yes, this year I will get healthy. I will get fit. Drop a dress size and feel good about myself". How often do your good intentions wither during the second week of January, as the demands of family life over-ride the dream of a fit, healthy lifestyle?
Well, how about tackling the ‘second week in January’, slump by motivating your whole family to get involved? Before you imagine a contentious battle with your children, the TV remote and a keep fit DVD, think of the huge benefits to be had - including the boosted self esteem.
Time for action!
If you make your activities exciting, you’ll be more likely to maintain a good level of fitness. So bringsome fun back into the home. For example you could jig around the house to music or hold a dancing competition.
Yes, even Mums and Dads can battle it out as they impersonate John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in the living room!
Or why not rummage through the garden shed and see what delights you can unearth? Give those footballs, basketball hoops and tennis rackets a new lease of life.
Walk the dog. If you don’t own a hound of your own, maybe there’s an elderly neighbour who would welcome you walking his dog instead?
Buy a FitBit or pedometer and aim to complete 10,000 steps a day.
Learn to rollerblade or skateboard. Why let the kids have all the fun?
Ride bikes on the cycle paths near parks and rivers. Plan ahead - schedule a long bike ride during your free weekends.
Learn different somersaults on a trampoline
Make a splash! Dig out your swimming costumes and go for a swim about at the local pool.
In addition, invest in your health!
Treat yourself to a gym membership, and look into the different activities that you and your child could sample together.
Introduce your child to a variety of sports; you may discover an unidentified natural talent.
Speak with your child's teacher who may have seen a natural ability that could be developed.
In the same vein, experiment yourself. Try your hand at a new sport of your own. You never know where it may lead.
Munch on the good stuff….
You won’t have to look far for an avalanche of information on healthy eating. And what better time is there to re-evaluate your diet than in the New Year? Clear out those kitchen cupboards, bin foods that you no longer want or food that will not assist a healthy diet.
Healthy Eating Tips:
Never skip breakfast. It is regarded by many health practitioners as the most important meal of the day. If your appetite is small first thing, munch on an apple or nibble on a bit of toast. Anything is better than nothing.
Get your children involved by taking them shopping to help select the fruit and vegetables. Or ask them to make a simple salad. You could also encourage your child to grow some herbs or vegetables.
Eat more fruit and veg. Although the recommended daily amount is five-a-day, any amount is better than none at all. Persevere with children and offer them a variety of different fruit or vegetables. Introduce healthy snacks such as crunchy carrot sticks or a bowl of satsuma segments.
Enjoy your meals together and let your child see you eating a wide variety of good food.
Include healthy foods in all meals and snacks. For children who complain about eating veg, remember that vegetables can be disguised as part of a meal.
Check sugar and fat content on food.
To keep down the cost, choose fruit and veg that are in season.
At an ideal stage in their lives, children of primary school age are more receptive to learning about healthy food and the benefits that go with physical activity.
It is now that they start to help choose their lifestyles, so good guidance is important. It can begin their year with good eating habits and regular fitness. Plus, it can begin the habit of a lifetime, too.
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