Family Resolutions for a Healthier 2016

It’s a new year!  Why not get the entire family involved in living a healthier lifestyle?  This can be done using the 0-5 easy steps listed below: 

0:  Eliminate sugary beverages to zero (none) in your family’s diet.

1:  Incorporate one hour of physical activity per day into everyone’s daily routine.

2:  Limit screen time for you and your children to less than two hours per day.  This includes televisions,     computers, and cell phones.

3.  Eat three servings of low-fat milk products daily.  Skim milk, yogurt, and cheese are examples.

4.  Drink four servings of water every day.  A serving size is 4-6 ounces for young children and 10-12 ounces     for older children and adults.

5.  Eat five servings of fruits and / or vegetables each day.

To make these lifestyle changes easier to become habits for your family, try to introduce 1 or 2 each month.   Becoming physically active as a family can be a simple as playing ball, hiking local trails, riding bikes, roller skating, dancing, or walking the dog.  It may be more practical to “get moving” in short 15-20 minute segments.  Keep food portions the size of the individual’s fist.  Only fruits or vegetables should be offered for second helpings. 

http://www.choosemyplate.gov provides practical information to individuals to help build healthier diets with resources and tools for dietary assessment, nutrition education, and other user-friendly nutrition information. The online resources can empower parents and guardians to make healthier food choices for themselves and their children.

Here’s to a healthier 2016!  Good luck!