Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
Variety, Balance and Moderation, a common sense approach to Healthy Living!
There is no secret to healthy eating. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish and legumes. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar and saturated fat. Good nutrition should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle, that also includes regular physical activity, smoke-free living and stress management. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to weight gain and obesity.
Healthy Children, Healthy Choices
• Keep a bag of pre-cut vegetables in the refrigerator for easy snacking anytime.
• Choose whole grain products more often. Try using whole grain bread instead of white bread for sandwiches.
• Get the children involved–if the child is included in making food choices, (s)he is more likely to eat it!
• Balance your children’s day with physical activities that are informal and unstructured, particularly for children who tend to shy away from competition.
• All kinds of physical activities are important, including walking to school, household chores, biking and skipping.
• Set healthy examples–your child watches what you eat and how you eat.
• Set snack times a couple of hours before the next meal, so that your child is hungry at mealtime.
• Cut sliced fruit or sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
• Encourage sampling, but don’t force your child to eat new food.
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