Moms Need Excerise Too!

Most moms put their kids first. They are worried about taking care of their kids and somehow forget to take care of themselves. However, it's important to take time for yourself so that you can take care of your family. Your kids will see the healthy example you set for them and want to be healthy too. I understand that it can be a hassle to find a babysitter, get out of the house, or just find time to exercise, so here are some ideas to get some physical activity while still living your busy life. Involve your kids. Stretch together. Lift and twirl them. Jump rope together. Run with a jogging stroller, while older kids ride their bikes. Play tag. Walk or ride bikes with kids to and from school. Buy home weights. Get an exercise ball. Dance. Do Yoga. If you feel you have to go to a gym to work out try trading babysitting with a friend. She could watch your kids why your at the gym and you could watch her kids why she goes to the gym. There are so many things you can do to be active in your day to day life... but there are even more excuses. Don't use them. Make your health a priority and your family will benefit also.

Fruit and Veggie Fun

Getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day can be difficult and overwhelming. Have you ever considered making it a family affair? Getting you kids involved? Try picking a new fruit or vegetable to try every week or month. Have your family help you pick it out and find creative ways to prepare it. This is a fun way to stay healthy and receive the many benefits that fruits and vegetables have to offer. If your family doesn't love fruits and vegetables don't be afraid to sneak them into your favorite family meals, simply cut up some broccoli and slip it into the pasta sauces, etc. But one thing is for sure you'll never know you like it if you don't try it. Need some recipe ideas to include fruits and vegetables into you family's diet, try the CDC's recipe search. Click on the fruit or veggie of your choice and what type of food you want and in seconds you have a delicious meal, side dish, or dessert with all the nutritional information included!

Ideas from Real Moms

I spent the past weekend with a few moms, all of which have very healthy families. I thought it would be a good idea to get a few ideas from them on things they do to keep them, their spouses, and their kids healthy. Here are a few of their suggestions.
- Rather than pushing their kids in the strollers to the park they have them walk or ride their bikes/trikes.
-They walk to the park for healthy picnics.
-It's easier to get their kids to ride bikes or play outside when they do it with them.
-During the winter they take their kids to the community rec center, Kangaroo Zoo, etc. to make sure their kids are still being active.
-They cook healthy meals on the grill with their husbands while playing with their kids in the yard (throwing a football, etc).
-They do yard work with their kids.
-Have family contest (pull-ups, push-ups, etc.)
-When its cold outside they also like to turn on some music and dance!
For more family activity ideas visit the LDS Family Activity Website or Moms Buzz.