The season of Candy canes and pumpkin pie has past, and with 2018 upon us, now is the time to teach your children about creating healthy eating habits. Even for parents, New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep. This year, try creating New Year’s resolutions as a family. Eating habits are the perfect place to begin your healthy journey together; try these four easy hacks to help jumpstart healthy eating in 2018.
Start the Morning Right
- Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, it triggers the metabolism and brain for a healthy and active day. In 2018, focus on putting sugary and unbalanced breakfasts in the past. This year, start each morning together as a family, with a healthy and hearty breakfast. It can be as simple as fresh fruit smoothies or a bowl of oatmeal, both which contain protein and nutrients to keep your family alert and active until lunch is served. Here are a few options from a previous blog.
Cut out Soda and other sugar-packed drinks
- Sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest benefits. Soda is a popular and tasty drink, filled with loads of both artificial sugars and high fructose corn syrup. If your family drinks soda, start the year by eliminating it. Replace all your soda with sparkling water, natural water, or milk. You can also try some fun infused waters for a splash of flavor.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
- Snacks are easy and we need them for those busy and rushed afternoons. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips or cookies, grab a pre-sliced bag of apples or carrots. Begin each week with prepping snack baggies filled with vegetables or fruits that you can grab and go.
Try New Recipes as a Family
- Bring the whole family into the kitchen, and make mealtime a family activity. Let your kids help with the cooking while learning about how the fresh ingredients help their bodies grow. In doing so, you are not only teaching your kids how to eat properly and helping them learn healthy eating habits, you are also bonding and learning the value of teamwork.
Creating goals as a family is not only a great way to bond, it also gives you, as their parent, a chance to help establish healthy eating habits at a young age. New Year’s resolutions can be a challenge to keep until the end of the year, but together as a family, you can begin the journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
