Having a healthy lifestyle is not always about limitations.  I understand the focus that you may have placed on yourself, but why not share your new passion and involve the whole family.  The main goal should be about making a change that you can sustain, not one that has you falling back into your bad habits two weeks later.  Here are some ideas on how to involve the whole family and help get them on board with your new healthy outlook.

1.  Set An Example

It’s a lot easier to get the family on board when you lead by example, especially when you have young toddlers in the house.  Parents, how many times have your kids repeated something they heard you say.  I'm pretty sure you have lost count.  A great way to show the kids that Mommy and Daddy are making an effort to become more active is replacing soda and sugary drinks with water.  Kids will take note and be more open to try something different.  Also try dancing around the house to your kids’ favorite song. The kids will enjoy dancing with you, and you are moving as well.  Remember, you just need to move—you can be active and not go to the gym.  I'm pretty sure if you run after your kids for 30 minutes you will be worn out! No excuses.

2.  Exercise Together

 Build in some quality family time at least three days a week to exercise together.  Just as you plan family meals and bedtime routine, plan your 30 minutes to be active.  Round the family up and take a walk after dinner, but make the walk fun like searching for stars or catching fireflies. The weekends may allow you more time to get really creative.  Plan actives that everyone can do like bike riding, hiking,  packing up the family and heading to the park.  The most important thing is to get your game plan together and get the family moving! 

3.  Support Your Child Favorite Sport

If your kids are involved in sports, it would be cool if you got involved too.  I feel we can take this one step further.  Instead of only being the taxi driver, get involved with practice.  If your child likes soccer, get outside and kick the ball with them. If softball and baseball are popular, take a trip to the batting cages.  Your child will find it cool that you are taking an active role.

4.  Active Family Vacations

When you plan your family vacation have activities in mind.  For example, winter break will be coming up soon, go snowboarding or skiing.  If that does not work you can get a cabin for the family and go camping.  Georgia has a lot of great places to go camping. I know summer is over but, next year plan a beach vacation and test your paddle boarding and surfing skills. Try something different, but remember to somehow involve the whole family.

These are very simple ways to get the family moving. Talk with your kids and find out what they would like to do –trust me, they will be more excited to try new things. Remember you need to move, let’s get away from that sedentary lifestyle.  And if you don't have kids you can still apply some of the tips is your life.  Just make sure that you move. Small changes turn into big changes!