Come On Y’all, Let’s Move

The Let’s Move program has made many of us more aware of our food and fitness choices, here are some great tips from the First Lady

The Let’s Move program celebrated its one year anniversary last month and SupermarketGuru wants to congratulate the First Lady and all she has done. So, let’s take a look at some great tips for getting the whole family eating more healthfully and moving more from the Let’s Move program.

Parents and caregivers have a huge impact, and have the ability to set a great example for their kids by creating a healthy home environment. Let’s Move suggests some easy to implement tips that every family should consider. Whether your family adopts one or all five tips, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Keep fresh fruit and vegetables handy for healthy on the go and easy to grab snacks. Keep in mind that whole fruit contains fiber that is lost during the juice-making process, so eating fruit helps you feel more full than drinking fruit juice.

Take a walk with the whole family after dinner. Making physical activity a priority and also setting achievable goals are keys to success. A great “Let’s Move” idea: celebrate special occasions - like birthdays - with something active, such as a hike, a volleyball or soccer game or playing Frisbee at the park.

Plan your menu for the week, also get the kids involved – let them choose the veggies, that way they will be more likely to eat them. Maybe even aim for trying something new like a colorful veggie once a week.

Turn off the TV, computer and put cell phones away at the dinner table (and other meals you eat together). Paying attention to meals aids in digestion and helps us assimilate nutrients more readily.

Speak to your school’s principal, or start off speaking to a teacher about implementing a “health team” at school… and get involved! A healthy school environment – including healthy meals and a physical activity program- encourages academic success.

More great tips for kids: drink lots of water - buy a reusable water bottle that kids can bring to school and to after school activities and sports. If you find one in their favorite color buy it! They will be more likely to use it if they like the way it looks.

Encourage kids to get up and move during TV commercials - kids will inevitably watch TV so make the best of it and as the Let’s Move program encourages - do jumping jacks during commercials.

Visit Let’s Move for more tips and ideas on how to get your family moving more.