How to Introduce Health and Fitness to Your Family

Do you make excuses to avoid physical fitness? Are you often tired?

Many people tend to procrastinate when it comes to exercise and fitness; for once, you may plan to 'start tomorrow', or tell yourself that the chocolate dessert you are going to have will be your last... the list goes on and on till you are still stuck with planning a whole lot but implementing nothing.

Do you lack the motivation to exert yourself to gain that lean and fit body? You have to make the choice, because your life and the well-being of your family are at stake.

As concerned parents, we should also motivate our kids to a higher level of fitness. Such training should ideally start at home. Anything done as a family will instill the values in your kids and strengthen the family bond.

For one, try to have family meals. You can ensure that your kids are having healthy home cooked meals. Wean them away from processed foods that have almost no nutrients. Incorporate as much fruits and fresh vegetables as you can. Raw fruits and vegetables are beneficial, as their nutrients are intact. You can add carrots, lettuce, cabbage, sprouts, etc. to your salad.

Allow your children occasional treats, but make sure this does not translate into frequent indulging. Instead of aerated drinks, introduce them to smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Incorporate chopped fruits in jellies and custards. Kids might not want to eat healthy food, so you have to trick them into it.

Teenagers are also very fussy about food. Peer pressure and body image issues dictate their food choices. Teach them about healthy weight loss. Eating the right kinds of foods such as beans, legumes, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, salmon, halibut, mackerel, broccoli, berries, etc. are among the wide variety of foods that help your body lose fat.

As we grow older, we tend to suffer from high levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other such lifestyle diseases. The extra fat that we consume clogs our arteries and slows down the blood circulation to our heart. So while planning the daily menu, include foods that will help keep your heart strong.

Most vegetable oils are rich in saturated and trans fats. Switch to coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Omega 6 found in most oils is very dangerous when taken in excess. Ensure that you consume Omega 3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel, trout, halibut, avocado and flaxseed oil instead, as these curb the accumulation of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Instill in your kids the benefits of a healthy life. Don't allow them to turn into couch potatoes. Organize family outings. Go trekking or on nature walks. Take your kids to the park regularly and play various games.

Fun games such as catch, Frisbee, treasure hunts, or competitive games such as baseball will be enjoyed by everyone. Swimming, jogging, and cycling are good ways to work up some sweat and lose a lot of weight.

Exercise does not have to be strenuous. It can be fun and relaxing. If you implement a healthy lifestyle in your family, it will go a long way in making every one fit and disease-free.