1. Cut the sugar cord
Not to scare you but the average American consumes about 66 pounds of added sugar per year. Added sugar causes loads of health issues and is most notably linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Wean your family off and start inspecting labels for hidden sugars in products you wouldn’t suspect like peanut butter for example. And if they love juice, squeeze it fresh yourself to avoid sugar bombs. And try replacing traditional sugar-laden desserts with fresh fruit.
2. Let your slow cooker do the cooking
Take the time on a weekend to plan ahead and you’ll find you have much more time to relax at the end of your weekdays. Planning meals ahead for your slow cooker is a smart, efficient and healthful way to come home to a nutritious and delicious meal that you only have to serve once everyone is home. Extras can be frozen for other chaotic nights, making it hard to come up with excuses to pass through the drive-thru or order unhealthy options.
3. Get moving together
Instead of everyone gluing themselves to the sofa, get the family outdoors for a walk or out in the yard to play catch, chase, or whatever gets you moving. There might be some resistance at first but keep at it and make it fun. Before you know it, your kids will be begging you to go bike riding, fly a kite, play soccer in the yard, or whatever else you’ve got.
4. Prep breakfast ahead of time
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids in school. It helps regulate their blood sugar levels and gives them better power for academics. Plus, it reduces their chances of being overweight. Get breakfast ready in advance and the kids (and parents too) can just grab and go in the morning.
5. Eat probiotic foods
The gut acts as a second brain so keeping it healthy is a must to avoid illnesses and infections. Have the family eat more Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and olives to let the good bacteria in the gut flourish for your health.
6. Sleep on time
Lack of sleep has many negative effects from contributing to weight gain to cognitive impairment. Have everyone in the family, yourself included, get to bed at a reasonable time. Because blue screens from smartphones, laptops, and TVs can stimulate the brain, set a timer so that everyone can power down their devices or dim them 30 minutes before bed. In this way, you’ll all sleep better, and good sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.
When you activate these healthful tips into your family’s lifestyle, you’ll find that you’ve got a happier, healthier family under your roof.
