Tips to keep your
family fit and healthy
South Africa has one of the world’s highest obesity rates, especially among young children.
Researchers have found that just 30 minutes of exercise a day can help you improve the quality of
your health and decrease the chances of getting lifestyle diseases. Here are a few simple tips on
how to stay active and spend some quality time with your family too.
Make exercise and healthy eating easy
If you have healthy snacks on hand instead of processed
foods, it will be easy for your children to make healthy
choices. You can also lead by example by asking your
family to go on a bike ride or walk together after dinner,
giving your kids the opportunity to get active and spend
time together at the same time.
Kids will be more likely to go outside and play with a dog
in the yard to stay active, and you can also walk your dog
in the evenings as a family, to burn calories after dinner.
Of course, your kids may complain about walking the dog
at first. But if they can take their scooter, skates, or bike
along, then a family walk will be much more fun.
Try something new together
Choose healthy social options
Instead of going out to takeaway restaurants this year,
consider a healthier option. You can meet loved ones at
the park for a picnic, get outside for a game of soccer
or have tea at a nursery coffee shop. Make time to take
part in activities you love. Play with a pet, go swimming
or jump on a trampoline. This will improve your happiness
levels throughout the year ahead.
Start moving daily
Try to exercise every day, even if it’s just a little bit. This
will make you feel better, look better and help you get
through the day. Walking is great exercise. Try walking
for 30 minutes, three times a week. This will keep you
strong and fit.
Consider getting a pet
Although trying a new activity may be intimidating
at first, mastering a new skill will build confidence and
help your family to burn kilojoules simultaneously. Try
to bring more variety to traditional exercise by taking
your kids horse riding, bowling or miniature golfing to
keep them entertained. These new activities will benefit
every member of the family and will also help to build
confidence as your kids learn new things.
Don’t give up
Most importantly, remember, if you get distracted or feel
worn out and start to feel discouraged from changing
your lifestyle, don’t beat yourself up. Ask yourself what
is the one thing you can do at that moment to help you
succeed with your healthy lifestyle this year. Make that
small change. This will help you stay in control of your
situation and get you back on track. Small changes are
the key to success. Make 2018 your healthiest year yet!
If your family has been thinking about getting a dog for
some time, this may be the perfect opportunity to do so.
B-Living Issue 1, 2018
Page 22