Jump-Start Your Family! (Heart Health)

[b-man]

Jump-Start Your Family! (Heart Health)

If you're interested in jump-starting your family on a healthy lifestyle by making some nutrition and physical activity changes, here are a few strategies to get you started:

Recognize that you have more control than you might think. You can turn off the TV and the video game. You can choose to get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the rest of the way, especially when you are with your kids. You can give your family more vegetables for dinner.

Think about the immediate benefits. If reducing future heart disease risk seems a bit abstract, focus on the good things that can happen right now. You won't feel so full if you have a smaller portion or skip dessert. Going hiking with your teenager might lead to a wonderful talk that neither of you anticipated. A fruit salad tastes great and looks beautiful. Dancing with your spouse is lots of fun and can give you a great workout.

Make small, easy changes over time. Suggesting that family members take a run together every day will probably get you lots of eye-rolling and "no-thank-you's." It's easier and more appealing to start out with some new approaches to nutrition and physical activity that the whole family is really willing to try. For example, take a walk after dinner a couple of nights a week instead of turning on the TV. And, instead of chocolate cake with frosting, enjoy sliced strawberries over angel food cake.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to engage your family in a healthy lifestyle. You'll be surprised how easy it is to develop good habits that will last a lifetime!

B-man