10 Fun ways to maintaining a Healthier Home Environment for your Kids

I think we are all becoming a lot more conscious of the need and benefits of maintaining a healthy environment for our kids. Coolbaby.ie blog looks at some current research into how me might achieve this balance, however we have tried to keep it simple and fun. Let us know what you think!

1. Plan healthy, tasty breakfasts. Offer children a lean protein at breakfast such as eggs, string cheese, fresh fruit or berries. Whole-grain cereal with nuts is another option. Top off the meal with a glass of milk or yogurt.
2. Discourage mindless munching. Don’t let kids eat in front of the TV or computer and gradually restrict eating and drinking to the kitchen table.
3. Get them involved. Take kids to the supermarket. Skip the sweet aisles and have children select one fruit and vegetable to try each week. At home, include children in lunch and dinner preparation.
4. Get some shut-eye. Allow kids no more than one hour of media time before bedtime (and ideally not just before they go to bed). Try to make sure they get the required 9 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Research shows that lack of sleep equals unwanted weight gain, behavioral problems and difficulty concentrating the next day.
5. Teach kids to dance. Tell them you’re playing Strictly Come Dancing and let them waltz, do the cha-cha-cha or swing dance. This active time will burn four to five times more calories than sitting and improve their overall health.
6. Play outside with your children. Mothers and Fathers should teach their kids to throw, catch, kick, pass, jump and ride a bike because their kids may not be learning these important skills at school.
7. Encourage physical-activity breaks.Research indicates that kids should not sit still for more than 60 minutes at a time. When they are doing their homework or on the computer, they should get up regularly and move around. A good idea is to have them do at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity after school.
8. Cut down on sugary drinks. Instead offer water and milk, even low-fat chocolate milk.
9. Use smaller plates. Research shows that kids serve themselves more at lunch when they use adult-sized dinner plates compared with using child-sized plates.
10. Trick their tummies. Add fiber-rich vegetables — such as spinach, butternut squash, broccoli, carrots, peppers and onions — to lasagna, casseroles, pasta dishes and pizza. The veggies lower the calories and increase the nutrients in each bite.