5 Ways to be a Healthier Family this Year

The following post is from Jen from Forever, For Always, No Matter What:

January is always a great time to rethink or renew some goals. Almost everyone would like to drop a few pounds, and talk to just about any mom and she will tell you she has a desire for her family to get healthier. However, the truth is it can feel like a daunting task. There is so much conflicting information about what to eat, and what not to eat – it can make a person run through the nearest drive-thru.

What does it mean to be healthier?

I think the definition varies from person to person. Concentrate on what that means for your family and then proceed accordingly. Don’t worry about what the neighbors are doing down the street; do what works for you.

Here are 5 super-easy ways to help your family get on track to better health. A quick tip: don’t make a big announcement like, “Hey kids, we are going to get healthier this year!” because I’m pretty sure no one will reply, “Awesome, Mom, we can’t wait! Where have you been hiding the broccoli anyway?” These ideas are so easy, no one will even realize what’s going on!

5 Easy Tips for a Healthier Family

1.  Drink More Water – Make a point to swap out a few sugary drinks each week. Instead of milk or some other drink at dinner, opt for water. You can even consider skipping the juice at breakfast; most juice is just a pile of sugar. Much better to eat an orange than drink a glass of orange juice. Skip the sugary, chemical-filled sports drinks and encourage the kids to take a water bottle to the next practice. Carry around a water bottle when you are out and about and you will be surprised at how much you drink when it’s right near you.

2.  Eat More Fruits & Veggies – Instead of saying, “We are never having desserts again!” try adding an extra veggie or two at dinner and offering fruit for dessert. Offer a variety of veggies for lunch and leave some cut up veggies on the counter during the afternoon for snacking. Crowd out the bad with the good. Instead of cutting things out, add more good stuff in to the day.

3.  Exercise More – Make a point as a family to get out and stay active. Try new things like ice skating, roller skating, sledding, or a family swim. For more ideas, check out 10 Ways to Keep Kids Active in Winter. Join your kids, don’t just sit on the sidelines.

4.  Use Less Processed Food – Try making a few more recipes from scratch and don’t always rely on packaged foods. Changing up 2 or 3 recipes a month can make a big difference. It really is possible to find a healthier alternative for almost anything. Just check Pinterest.

5.  Eat at Home – Eating at home is good for the waistline and for the wallet. Remember, dinners don’t have to be elaborate or fancy. Try soups in the crockpot and freezer meals for busy evenings.

Small changes can make a big difference over time. Set a goal to implement a few of these ideas for the new year and you and your family are on your way!

	Jen is a homeschooling mom to 6 children and is not content with the ordinary. Life is an adventure with much to be explored. Stop by Forever, For Always, No Matter What as she navigates life in a large, slightly unconventional, always-striving-to-be-a-faith-filled family. She can also be found on Twitter, Pinterest and Google+