I wanted to start a thread here that focuses on not only our weight loss and fitness efforts-but passing along healthy habits to our children. I have lots of little things that I do to help my children lead healthier lives. I am a firm believer that children will grow up and continue the habits they learn when they are young. Here are a few of the things I do with/for my children:
~NO FRUIT SNACKS~
I remember when I was a kid and Fruit Roll Ups first came out. At the time, they actually had pureed fruit in them-they were textured and actually had bits of ground strawberry seed in them. Over time they just got cheaper and cheaper-now they are pretty much a flat Twizzler. I don't buy any of these no-fruit, sugar laden things for my kids. There are a zillion brands now and I just don't buy them.
My kids don't miss out on anything-because I have found a wonderful substitution. In the health food section of the grocery store, or in a health food store I have found Stretch Island Fruit Leather. They are individually wrapped fruit leathers that are 100% fruit and juice. Nothing else-no preservatives or added sugar. It is a big deal to them once a week at the store to "pick out" their own flavor. They are usually 2/$1 or 3/$1 on sale. And I know what's in it.
~EXERCISE~ In the spring-fall seasons with weather permitting, my husband and I take the kids for a walk on the local walkway 2-3 times a week. My kids are young-so we usually walk 1/2 mile with them one way, and turn around and walk 1/2 mile back. They can easily go for a mile at a reasonable pace, (more of a stroll for me-but my oldest is 6.) and it is nice family time to talk together. During the colder months I have a few kids exercise videos for them-Elmocize, Exercise With The Teletubbies, Yoga For The Kid In All Of Us, Denise Austin's Fit Kids, Swamp Stomp, Little Kicks, and many others are out there online for sale. Check them out for one appropriate to your child's age level. I also swim with my kids a couple days a week in the summer.
~SMALL CHANGES FOR BETTER NUTRITION~
I make healthier choices for my kids by just making small substitutions.
I buy the little applesauce cups all kids like in the no sugar added variety.
If the kids want juice boxes, I only buy 100% juice-no Capri-Sun or Hi-C or Kool-Aid Bursts that are 80-90% sugar water.
If the kids (and my husband ) absolutely must have hot dogs-then I buy turkey ones instead of regular.
I only buy whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta over refined varieties.
My kids drink 1% milk instead of 2% or whole.
I offer my children fruit for snacks-grapes, apple slices, mini raisin boxes, etc. instead of cookies.
I buy reduced sugar and sodium peanut butter and all fruit (no sugar added) jams for their pb&j's.
These are just a few of the things I "sneak in" on my kids. If you have things you do, I'd love you to share!