By: Prohealth WWH Fitness Staff
You can encourage and motivate your family to have healthy eating habits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “behaviors that influence excess weight gain include eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages, medication use and sleep routines. Not getting enough physical activity and spending too much time on sedentary activities such as watching television or other screen devices can lead to weight gain.”
Being active and eating healthy foods will help the entire family to grow and maintain a healthy weight. Here are some tips from the American Psychological Association that can help you develop good eating habits for your family.
First, you should help your child establish good eating, exercising, and sleeping habits early in life. Exposing your family to a variety of flavors and healthy food options early prevents having to break unhealthy habits later. A helpful tip would be to keep healthier food options in the home such are low-fat frozen yogurt and fruit. Encourage your child or teen to eat more fruits and vegetables by making them just as convenient as sugary snacks. You could place fruits and vegetables in small bags on an easily accessible shelf in the refrigerator. An early start means that your family will be familiar with healthy food options.
Second, model healthy eating. When your children observe you buying, cooking, and eating healthy foods, they will be more likely to eat healthy foods themselves. Make healthy food appealing by using it as a reward for good deeds as someone would candy and sugary foods. Make healthy food options tasty and desirable.
Finally, have as many meals as possible as a family. Family meals are a good opportunity to share in your children’s lives and talk about healthy eating habits. Family meals also engage your children in conversations about what a healthy meal looks and tastes like. Plus, eating at home helps you control your children’s meal portions.
Remember that healthy eating along with exercise supports your fitness goals. We offer nutrition services at our facility if you need guidance, encouragement, and motivation. For more information, please visit the Member Services Desk.
Reference:
https://www.apa.org/topics/families/healthy-habits
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html
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