Although many people quit their New Year’s resolutions (only about 8% don’t), it can be fun to make them. Making resolutions as a family can make them easier to keep, because of the added accountability! Consider making resolutions as a family to start living a healthier lifestyle in the new year.
1. Eating more fruits and vegetables
Most of us try to choose healthier options and read the labels at the grocery store, but fruits and veggies are the cornerstones of healthy eating. Ideally, we are taught to get at least 5 servings of produce every single day! Trying to at least hit 5 servings of produce every day is a great way to instill healthy eating habits in your child, without letting diet culture in. Get creative with how to include more fruits and veggies in every meal of the day, as well as eating them as snacks! Fresh-cut produce and vegetables as well as hummus are great ways to add just one more serving into your day.
2. Family walks
While gym memberships and classes can be fun, they can also be inaccessible or inconvenient. Walks are a much more accessible form of exercise you can do as a family! Try to set a specific time every day to take a walk as a family. This can be especially fun if there are different parts of your neighborhood to explore, or if you can take your pet along! Use this time as a way to reconnect as a family while taking care of your bodies. The same way family dinners can allow you to connect, device-free walks are a great addition to your routine as a way to connect. Ask your children questions about their day, at the very least giving each one a chance to tell you the best and worst parts of their day.
3. Start a mindfulness practice together
Mental health is just as important as physical health for your well-being, but it often gets overlooked. There are so many ways to practice mindfulness together! A great way to start teaching mindfulness to your child is through breathing exercises. An easy one to use (that also helps young ones with counting) is in for 4, out for 4; in for 4, out for 8; in for 4, out for 12. Other creative ways to work on mindfulness are meditating on Scripture together or taking a few minutes to stretch quietly each day.
These are a few great healthy habits for you and your family to start this New Year’s Day!
