Staying fit and healthy is so often seen as something that you need to work hard to do. One of the most common excuses you hear for unhealthy lifestyles is that people simply do not have the time to fit in exercise and eating well. However, we have provided 3 tips for building health into your family’s routine. If you build these healthy habits with your family early, then health simply becomes part of your and your children’s normal daily routine and not something that is an extra effort.
Here are three simple tips for including health in your everyday routine:
Eat Breakfast Every Day:
Breakfast is often one of the first things to get skipped on a busy day. However, taking five minutes to eat something healthy will save you time and energy later in the day. Eating a proper breakfast will help sustain energy through to lunch. It will also prevent the temptation to reach for unhealthy snacks or overeat later in the day. Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated; something quick and simple such as toast with peanut butter, overnight oats, or even a banana, will do the trick. These are also things you can get the kids to sort out for themselves. It will save you the time and help them build good habits.
Tip: Protein is an important part of a healthy diet at all ages. So, include foods such as yoghurt or eggs in your breakfast.
Go on Adventures:
Try planning a regular family time when you get outside and do something active together. Maybe something like a Sunday morning which might otherwise be spent sitting around. Try new activities, play an active game, go for a bike ride, take a class together, or simply just go for a walk and explore your local area. This is a great way to bond as a family and spend time together, as well as build movement and exercise into your day in a fun way.
Tip: Don’t rely on just finding time to do this when you can. Schedule it into your routine and put it on the family calendar so it becomes part of your family’s everyday life.
Lead by Example:
As the main role model for your children, maintain healthy habits. This will help them to see health as a regular part of everyday life. Life is busy, it can be difficult or even feel selfish to dedicate time to our health and fitness, but by doing so you are not only helping yourself but also your whole family through an example. It doesn’t mean you have to be spending an hour in the gym every day. Little things like a quick 10 minute YouTube workout are perfect. Joe Wicks has some great ones that are also brilliant for getting the kids involved so you can spend ten minutes exercising together.
Tip: We’re all guilty of slipping out of our usual routines while on holiday but try to still incorporate some of your healthy habits. Look for hotels with a gym or active activities that you and the family can make use of while you are away. By doing this, you are keeping up your healthy routines while having fun.
Above all, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The idea is to build health into your daily family routines so it is no longer something you have to think about. Start with something small and build up from there. Remember, exercise can be fun. It is a great way to spend time together and bond as a family.
