By Staff
We all know how important it is for adults to watch their food intake and get in shape this time of year, but did you know your children need just as much exercise and healthy foods as you do?
This time of year especially, tables, cupboards and holiday parties are filled with all those yummy junk foods. It is also the time of year when all of the best movies are on television and children complain that it's too cold to play outside.
While it's ok to eat these foods, in moderation, and a few movies are great, it is important for parents to make sure healthy foods available and that their children are getting enough exercise this winter.
Here are some fun holiday tips for you and your children:
Cook with your kids
Children actually love cooking with their parents and are more likely to eat what they've helped make. Gather the family around and make a dinner that is fun like spaghetti, mac and cheese or chili! This will also give your child a sense of pride knowing they helped make dinner.
Get out that bike or play a game of football
Don't let the snow put a damper on your summer fun. Skateboard, ride your bike or inline skate on clear sidewalks, when the weather allows. You can even round up some of your friends and play a game of football or basketball. There's nothing like tackling someone in the snow!
Build a snowman to keep fit
You're never too old to build a snowman and it can be a fun way of keeping active over the holidays. Be creative and dress your snowman up anyway you wish!
Help out around the house for some holiday exercise
Chores, chores, chores. Every child's least favorite word - but it wouldn't hurt you to get your kids to help you with the housework over the holidays.
Doing a few extra chores is a good way to stay in shape and will teach your children responsibilty!
Stay in shape with snowball fights this winter
What's more fun than plastering your friends with snowballs? It's also a great way to work off all those cookies and chocolates you've probably been eating over the holidays. No head shots though!
Go sledding or skiing
There's nothing better than sipping hot chocolate and slidding down a monsterous hill with your family on a cold snowy day. Athough it may not seem like sledding would give you a work out, it does! You work the muscles in your arms when holding on to the tube and and burn calories when climbing that big hill to get to the top!
Skiing is also great not only for your legs, but almost every muscle in your body. If you've never been skiing, make this the year to try!