Does geography have to be destiny? This work-at-home mom says "no." There are definitely things that you can do to protect yourself and your family from the obesity epidemic that is sweeping the nation, even if you do live in one of the fattest states (as I do).
Here are five tips for a healthy family:
- Say "no" to sedentary. If you and your family must sit while you do it, find another activity. Choose swimming over boating, dancing over watching movies, hiking over television, and so on.
- Find fresh food, not fast food. As a working mom it's very easy to rely on fast food to fill the need for a quick family meal. Did you know that a salad can also be prepared quickly? Here's a whole lot of quick and easy salad recipes from About.com's calorie-count page.
- Do it yourself. Sometimes the activities that we outsource for the sake of convenience are the activities that could provide our bodies with much needed exercise. I'm talking about mowing the lawn, vacuuming, walking the dog, and so on. Your body, and your pocketbook, will thank you.
- Be a participant, not a spectator. Don't just watch the big game. Find your own big game and be a part of it. Also teach your children to become participants and not spectators.
- Plan vacations around activities. A horseback riding or hiking vacation is fun and will be a lot better for your family than a vacation focused on sunbathing and food.
Leave a comment and let me know.
Oh, but fast food tastes so good! ... Wait a minute. Fresh food tastes even better.
Posted by: Easton Ellsworth | August 28, 2007 4:33 PM | Permalink to Comment