Healthy Kids Day 2013
Today’s youth is more sedentary due to high-tech video games, “i-Products” and computers. Research has shown childhood obesity rates are progressing rapidly. In an effort to get kids moving again, Healthy Kids Day was created. On April 27th, YMCAs across the nation are encouraging kids to get up, get out, and go play.
So, how exactly do you pull kids away from the computer screens that are glued to their fingertips? Try these fun and easy tips that the whole family can get involved in to create healthy eating behaviors and increased physical activity,.
Get creative in the kitchen. By encouraging your child to cook with you, they can choose the foods they would like to incorporate into the meal. Spread an assortment of fresh vegetables out on the counter top. Choose red peppers, baby carrots, broccoli and eggplant for a vivid display. The rainbow of colors will capture the attention of the pickiest of eaters. Add herbs and spices for an extra boost of antioxidants.
Catch a breath of fresh air. As the weather gets warmer, take your family outside to play. Go for a hike, play a sport in the backyard, or take a walk at the neighborhood park. The beauty and excitement of the nature that surrounds you is infinite. Keep your family active to ensure a healthy summer and a healthy future for your children.
From plants to plates. Many kids don’t know where their food comes from. With produce coming from all over the world, you can’t blame them. By starting a garden right in your backyard, kids can gain a true appreciation for the food they are served to eat. They can watch the plants sprout right from the ground just as they are getting taller and stronger every day.
This Healthy Kids Day, inspire the kids in your life to create healthy habits. Incorporate each of these activities into an adventurous day for the whole family to participate in. Pick tomatoes off the vine from your garden to build a hearty sandwich for an afternoon hike. Be creative, enthusiastic and most importantly, be active!
Your turn to take action: Which of these activities will you participate in for Healthy Kids Day 2013?
I love the idea of healthy kids day. My children generally eat quite healthily but they could do with moving more, so it’s a good reminder to do something about that. Thanks for posting! 🙂
You’re welcome! With the nice weather here now, it’s easier to be more active with the kids outdoors.
Great ideas! We have a program in our town which teaches middle school kids how to cook and the importance of eating local! My oldest son participated a few years back and it was a truly wonderful program. Although my kids are certainly no strangers to video games and online social media stuff, they are also very active in organized sports and we ski/snowboard as a family in the winter and do a fair amount of hiking in the summer. I agree with you that in order to get our kids doing these things, we need to be involved and do them with them. Then it just becomes a natural thing in their lives!
Michelle, sounds like you have really incorporated healthy eating and activity with your kids. The program in your town sounds great…more communities should have programs like these. Thanks for sharing.