Staying fit during the brutal winter months can be tough to do. Between Christmas pitch-ins, cookie-baking marathons, whole milk hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream and cozy winter weather, putting down the food and getting out to exercise can seem nearly impossible.
Even worse? Your kids will mimic your lazing behavior. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity in the United States has tripled. In 2008, over one third of children and adolescents were considered obese. But the most sobering statistic: this upcoming generation is the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents because of the cardiovascular, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure complications associated with obesity.
As scary as these stats sound, childhood obesity is 100% preventable. Check out the tips below to see what you can do to help your kids establish healthy habits this winter that will last a lifetime:
1) Skiing or Snowboarding: Getting kids involved in outdoor winter sports like skiing or snowboarding at an early age is a great way to ensure a lifetime of healthy habits. Skiing or snowboarding is great for kids to get exercise, breathe some fresh air, develop their motor skills and have a great time. A 90-pound kid can burn over 350 calories in just one hour of downhill skiing or snowboarding. If you add up the many hours kids can spend on the slopes without getting tired, you can end up with a fun, amazing workout. Be sure to invest in quality snowboards, skis, ski jackets and ski boots to make sure your kids aren’t out on the slopes with faulty or malfunctioning gear. Most items are available for rental at the slopes.
2) Active Video Games: If you have a Wii or Xbox Kinect, your kids can exercise without knowing they’re exercising. Even if you don’t invest in the Wii Fit, games like Just Dance, Boxing or any game that requires constant movement is an excellent way to exercise for hours and have a great time doing it. These games are especially great for cozy winter nights at home.
3) Indoor Sports: Ice Skating, Soccer, Intramural Sports: Winter is a great time to take advantage of the indoor sports facilities or intramural leagues you may not prioritize in the summer months. Ice skating is a great winter indoor activity that the entire family can do together. Indoor soccer and intramural sports are a great way to meet new friends, get involved and stay fit at the same time.
4) Healthy Foods: Christmas is infamous for its gluttony. Cookies, hams, candies, chocolate — there’s no shortage of delicious comfort foods to partake in. And, while these foods are okay to enjoy during Christmas, doing so in moderation can be hard to do. Try to limit your intake of the less healthy foods and prepare healthier foods in their place. You can make lower calorie hot chocolate by using skim milk and holding off on the whipped cream or prepare a healthy broth-based soup with plenty of veggies and lean meats.
As winter sets in this year, start getting your kids excited for a healthy, active season. Ask them what they’d like to do, book a ski trip and maybe a buy a new active video game for the kids to master. When spring emerges next year your kids will be in great shape to get out and play!
By Contributing Author, Nan Gibbons http://www.eatbreatheblog.com
