Ways for Kids to Become More Aware of Physical Activity and Nutrition

At a young age, children should start learning the importance of healthy eating and staying active. By teaching them this at a young age, they can grow up in a healthy environment and prevent the consequences of being sedentary and overweight. 

Although this sounds like a good idea, it is often a hard job to try to get young ones to be active or eat health foods if they don't like them or don't seem interested in a particular activity. However, there are some things that we can do to engage children in the process of being active, eating healthy and learning how important  these things are in our lives. 

• Go for walks/bike rides
• If children are not into sports, or not playing one at the time, going for family walks or bike rides is a good way to get outside and get active.
• Play a new sport
• Whether this means joining a team or just playing catch or kicking a ball outside, introduce kids to new sports. This gives them an opportunity to learn as well as try new things while being active. 
• Listen to music and dance
• Let the kids get creative! Let them choose the music and just have fun. Encourage them to make up a dance of their own to their favorite song.
• Keep a physical activity record
• Make a schedule of activities and stick to them. Also, make sure there is at least 30-60 minutes of activity scheduled each day. Try to keep screen time in the same log and limit the amount of time watching TV or playing games each day.
• Find out more about food
• Learn about what foods are good for us; what foods help grow strong bones, which ones give us energy and which foods have vitamins and minerals.
• Look out for calories
• Teach kids what calories are and how many they should be eating each day. Teach them that calories are energy, and that if we consume more than we burn, it could cause weight gain.
• Make a healthy dish
• Take kids to the grocery store with you and let them help pick out the food. Also include them in plan planning and prepping and cooking healthy meals.
• Instill awareness through books
• Rent or buy books that include sports and physical activity to keep children engaged and aware of exercise and activity.

It is up to the adult in a child's life to teach them the healthy ways of living. By doing so, we are helping their future and longevity. So, start now with teaching your children healthy eating and physical activity habits.