I have three kids, and my husband and I like to teach the children a healthier lifestyle by example...rather than telling them we are going on a diet together.
Some of the things we do as a family:
~When the weather permits, we go for a family walk a few times a week. Nothing big...just walking around the neighborhood with the kids.
~We play Nintendo Wii. Silly, I know, but just like Dance Dance Revolution, it is a video game that requires you to get physical, rather than just sitting on your rear, moving just your thumbs.
We love the bowling and golf!
~Simple changes around the house. We have absolutely NO fruit "drinks" like Capri-Sun, Hi-C, Sunny Delight, Snapple, etc. in the house. Any juice that the kids drink has to be 100% juice. Calorie wise it might not make a huge deal, but nutrition-wise it does. I don't want them drinking colored corn syrup.
~I only buy unsweetened applesauce.
~We all drink skim milk, and eat skim yogurt (except for the baby/toddler-who needs the fat.)
~Whole grain bread instead of white or wheat.
~The kids eat oatmeal, or cereal with less sugars and additives-like Cheerios, etc.
~I serve a fruit or vegetable with EVERY meal.
~I keep healthy snacks on hand, such as string cheese, raisins, fresh cut up fruit and vegetables with dip, etc.
~When we eat out as a family, we will choose Subway instead of a burger joint, or we will order thin crust pizza instead of pan, or stuffed crust. (Less fat and calories per piece.)
There are a lot of small changes that you can make for the better.