our busy lifestyles can be hard on our family's health. Rushing to and from school and work can make it difficult to find time to be physically active. We were also able to slip into the habit of choosing unhealthy snacks and take-away food or spend our free time watching TV or at the computer.
However, this option can be harmful to our health and the health of our children - both now and in the long term. That's why it's so important to stop, take stock and make a conscious decision to follow a healthy lifestyle.
How to live a healthy lifestyle
There are five simple ways for your family to live a healthy lifestyle and get back on track:
1. Get active every day
- Regular physical activity is essential for healthy growth, development and welfare of children and young people.
- They should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including vigorous activities that make them 'huff and puff'.
- Including activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days a week.
- Parents should be good role models and have a positive attitude to become active.
2. Choose water as a drink
- Water is the best way to quench your thirst - and it did not come with added sugar found in fruit juices, soft drinks and other sugary beverages.
- reduced-fat milk for children over two is a nutritious beverage and a source of calcium.
- Give kids the whole fruit to eat, instead offering fruit juices which have a lot of sugar.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eating fruits and vegetables every day helps children grow and develop, increase vitality and can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
- Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five vegetables daily servicing.
- Have fresh fruit available as a convenient snack and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal.
4. Turn off the screen and get active
- Sedentary or 'still' time spent watching TV, surfing online or playing computer games associated with children becoming overweight or obese.
- Children and young people should spend no more than two hours a day at the amusement 'small screen'. Break up long periods of use as often as possible.
- Plan a variety of indoor and outdoor active games or activities for your children, as an alternative to watching TV or playing on the computer.
5. Eat fewer snacks and select healthier alternatives
- healthy snacks help kids and teens meet their daily nutrition.
- Snacks based on fruit and vegetables, reduced fat dairy products and whole grains are a healthy choice.
- Avoid snacks that are high in sugar or saturated fats - such as chips, cookies and chocolate - which can cause children to put on excess weight.