Bonitas Member Magazine 2018 - B-Living Issue 1 | Page 23

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