by Cj Luddeni

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

Changing ways can sometimes be met with resisitance. I know, because for me, change isn't ever easy. Especially when it comes to my lifestyle and routine.

But changing your family's activities towards a healthier lifestyle can, with a little creativity on your part, be easy.

I have stepped into the role of my family's self appointed-leader, shopper, meal maker, snack coordinator and entertainment guru all in one. It is easy to not upset the cart and to let sleeping dogs lie, but I wanted my family to become healthier and active. But I wanted to do this without them realizing what I was doing.

As summer approached, I began changing my shopping habits, purchasing more vegetables instead of chips. Rice crackers and unsalted snacks in place of the usual over seasoned variety. Lower in fat items, cheeses and dairy instead of my family's usual favorites. And although I don't believe any soda or pop is a good choice, I switched to caffeine free for my family. Water is my number one choice, but I know we all occasionally want flavor in our beverages.

I offer more fruit in place of sugared snacks, brownies and cookies. Cut up apples and celery with peanut butter are a great substitute. They give you the crunch your mouth wants as well as the sweet/salty taste you and your children crave.

I now offer two lightly seasoned vegetable choices at dinner instead of the traditional starch. I still offer rice but potatoes and noodles are only on my menu occasionally. More salads at lunch and dinner as small sides are helpful too.

I have also slowly changed our lifestyle into a more healthful version of what it was, with more family outside time instead of rump sitting television watching and computer or video gaming every evening.

Just taking a walk after dinner is great for my son to burn off all that mystery energy kids can be full of, and my wife and I could use the exercise, especially if it doesn't feel like exercise. Making it fun is the secret. Just a quick walk around the yard can turn into a half mile or more just by pointing things out and wanting to investigate.

Weekend bike rides and hikes work great too, offering fresh air, sunshine and educational sight seeing all in an afternoon. Even an impromptu picnic on a Saturday or Sunday, which involves a walk as well as a healthy noontime meal in the great outdoors, can be a nice break from the usual.

Although family fun time is a rewarding experience, as long as there are yards, there will be yard work. But work doesn't have to be work. Sure, we all want to get the job done before play, but what harm is a few minutes of just goofing off with your family, or a quick game of 'hide-n-seek' before we get back to the work part of the day? This makes it not so much work, but more of a family time activity and it also gets us outside for an extra bit of time. Time that in the winter is usually spent indoors in darkened rooms watching television or playing video games.

At my house, whether it is pruning shrubs, or taking care of the lawn and garden or sweeping the driveway of cinders and pebbles, everyone gets involved. Children that are to young to use any sharp or dangerous tools can use a broom, rake, pick up sticks, or as I have seen, just run around like wild animals and have a fun time in the sun.

All of this is free with no gym or sports club fees. It is with the people you love as well. But most of all, everyone benefits. Exercise, healthy food, and family bonding that will strengthen ties forever.

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