6 Healthy Living Tips From the Sears Family
I am so thankful for the healthy living tips my parents instilled in me as a child. The word balance comes to mind as I recall savoring those birthday treats (I loved marshmallows!), yet my mom always did her best to sneak in veggies and even whole wheat pasta before it was the popular thing to do. The more you can educate the whole family on the “Why” behind the food choices, the less of a battle it will hopefully be. Dr. Bill teaches to connect with your child, for instance, telling them that this is grow food that will help them play soccer better (soccer food), or help find the answer to those math questions (brain food).
Your family can be your best support system or your worst enablers. Women struggle more with this, it seems. It can be extremely tough to stick with your goals if others in the home want unhealthy food all the time. I get that. Can you imagine a home where everyone supports one another most the time? We know this is easier said than done. However, here are 6 healthy living tips to help get you started!
- Make it fun! Have a household challenge like who can drink more water instead of sweet drinks. At the end of each week they get a prize (that is not food related). And of course, work toward just not having sweet drinks in the house at all. Have diluted juice instead.
- Have everyone write down their favorite foods, including fruits and vegetables they are most willing to eat. Plan dinner accordingly, and get the kids involved with the cooking when you can. This helps them understand the value of whole-foods
- Make a rule that you all have to earn “screen time” by spending time outdoors—playing, walking, riding bikes, or doing chores around the house. Make specific plans for outdoor playtime.
- Have meals that include “build your own” elements like tacos and salad bar, that way everyone gets items they like. Plan themed meals like Meatless Monday and Salmon Saturday, or Smoothie Sunday
- Start a family healthy-living calendar where everyone can plan and input their activities. Hang a big paper calendar in the kitchen or use Google Calendar. Make sure both spouses plan time for self-care
- Have a “grab and go” snack box. The key to healthy snacks is to have them prepped and visual!
Chopped veggies with hummus or guacamole
Nuts and seeds
Hard boiled eggs
Greek yogurt
Olives
Popcorn (popped with olive oil)
Fruit
String cheese
My whole family has gotten on board. I make an effort now to take the kids on bike rides, and we often hit the trails behind our house. We are enjoying making small changes in our eating habits, and it is so much easier when the whole family is on board. If you don’t buy, it they won’t eat it. My kids now enjoy air-popped popcorn instead of greasy potato chips.
-A T5 mom of three
Lead by Example:
In the new Book The Dr. Sears T5 Wellness Plan we talk about being that “Walking board”. Lead by example if you can’t quite get your loved ones on the healthy living train right away. Stay patient and consistent! Let their reluctance motivate you to be the family member who feels so good that your enthusiasm becomes infectious. Even if they don’t jump on board right away, at least you have peace of mind knowing that when they are ready, they have a leader in you. Let family members’ unhealthy choices be reminders of why you’re transforming yourself. When my husband wakes up the morning after indulging in a bit too much celebration, I can’t help but giggle to myself in gratitude that I can stay strong. Parents, I know the battle over healthy food came seem daunting at times, however I would like you to be encouraged that your efforts will not be in vain even if seems your guidance is going in one ear and out the other. I went through a rebellious stage in college which resulted in a health crisis, yet when I was ready to take charge of my health I was so grateful for the principles my parents helped instill in me.
Cheers to healthy living as a family!
Coach Erin Sears Basile