Maintaining Family Health During the School Year

It’s so easy to lose track of what your children eat, how much they eat and exercise, and the amount of time they spend doing sedentary habits such as playing video games. The school year is busy, chaotic, and it leaves little time for anything.

As the school year continues to gain steam, it’s very feasible for parents to let their children lose control and fall back into unhealthy habits. But how can moms and dads reinstate a healthy environment in their household while juggling work, chores, finances, and the countless other tasks and responsibilities?

Here are a few tips that will set your family back on a safe road to healthy living throughout the school year. Perhaps these tips will institute a way of thinking healthy for your children that will stay with them outside the home.

Eating Local (Even in the Winter)

Eating the right vegetables and fruits becomes extremely difficult for families, especially during the winter months of colder regions. The local produce cannot grow in cold weather. Therefore, fresh fruits and veggies are shipped in from warmer regions. This increases the likelihood of pesticides used in the produce. Also, food prices tend to be higher in winter since products aren’t available locally. The transportation costs cause food inflation.

Perhaps invest in a service that brings local produce to your home. If available, visit the local farmer’s market. Instead of closing shop when the cold weather comes, countless farmers markets move inside to indoor locations such as churches and school gymnasiums.

Set aside a chunk of your Saturday or Sunday morning schedule to shop at the local vendors. Eating fresh and local produce promotes healthy eating in your family. Take your children to the markets to teach them about the importance of local vendors.

Depending on the time of year or season, perhaps it’s a great idea to start a family garden. Establishing a garden with fresh veggies and herbs raises healthy eating awareness in your family.

Although you may have heard this suggestion before, pack a lunch. Do not eat out at restaurants or fast food joints. Don’t give your children money every day to buy lunch at school. Packing a lunch usually saves money and is often healthier than school food.

Physical Activity – Sports

In addition to eating right, it’s essential to exercise. Physical activity for every member in the family is a key component to overall healthy living. Enroll your children in and encourage them to play community soccer, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, or any other sport that keeps them active.

When winter rolls around, maybe give them the option to learn how to snowboard or ski. Winter sports are becoming very popular. It’s a great idea to take a few weekend trips to the closest slopes for snowboarding lessons. Even searching the ads for women and men’s snowboarding jackets, snowboards, ski clothing and goggles will save money instead of waiting till Christmas time.

Children aren’t the only people who should exercise in the family. It’s never too late to play sports for mom and dad. If you’re up for the challenge, then join an adult sports league. These leagues give you the opportunity to make friends, exercise, and serve as a role model for your children.

Abby Evans is a freelance journalist currently covering and writing about family wellness and financing. Connect with her on Twitter.

Image Source – southernliving.com