Get Moving Toward a Healthy Lifestyle

What You Need To Know

The two keys to your child's good health are good nutrition and daily physical activity. A healthy diet includes eating a variety of foods, as well as eating in moderation. Daily exercise strengthens growing muscles and bones, and gives kids a confidence boost, even if they aren't superstar athletes. Here are seven ways to head in the right direction:

1. Make weekends active. Ride bikes, go for a hike, or head for the skating rink.
2. Have your kids help with active chores--washing the car or raking leaves.
3. Walk as much as possible. Pick a parking spot that's farther away. Take the stairs.
4. Serve smaller portions, and let your family ask for more.
5. Work fruits and vegetables into every meal. Slice bananas on cereal. Sneak spinach into spaghetti sauce by whirling it in the blender.
6. Have the whole family eat meals sitting down at the table. Avoid eating in the car, or in front of the TV.
7. Don't bring soda and processed snacks into your house. You can't eat the junk if it isn't handy. 

Look for ways to make moving fun, and get the whole family on board. Play a game of impromptu softball together. Rainy day? Blow up a balloon and bat it back and forth in the living room.

If your schedule forces you to pick up a pizza on the way home, serve it with a salad, and a bowl of strawberries for dessert.

Try out new fruits and vegetables. If you always eat iceberg lettuce, try romaine or mixed greens. If you only buy apples and oranges, buy a mango. Explore the farmer's market for new finds.

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