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TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS FIT

I really believe that our children are fat and lazy because we're fat and lazy. So let all the anger against me out now. I don't drive (at all). I don't eat pork (at all), and on some days I don't eat any meat. I prefer bicycling as primary transportation and I have learned to love fruits and vegetables ( even the icky-tasting ones). I prefer to 'lead by example' when it comes to kids.

Anyhoo.... keeping in mind that hypocrisy won't work (at all), here are some of the methods that I endorse (and use myself).

- KEEP THE HOUSE CLEAN
(Not implying that you all are slobs like me; I mean clean out all the crap from your cupboards and fridge. Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos, candies, cookies, and cakes. Do not buy them and do not allow them in your home. Be aware of bad "healthy snacks" also. Fruit snacks and granola bars that have a list of ingredients longer than you care to read (or can understand) are not good, either. A raisin soaked in high-fructose corn syrup is never as good as a plain raisin.)

- FAMILY WALKS/ACTIVITIES
( It does no good to tell your kids to "go play outside" if you're gonna sit in the house. Make time DAILY (or at least several times weekly) to go out with them; to the park, shopping, or just around the yard. Some movement is better than total inactivity.)

- SOLO SPORTS/HOBBIES
( Find out what THEY might like. Swimming, bicycling, hanging out at the playground, or even tree climbing. This information can turn itself into a fun project; restoring a broken bike - building a treehouse - playing 'Marco Polo' at the pool.)

- ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL PLAY
( Playstation is great if you're busy cooking dinner or going over your bills. If you're sitting around, then there shouldn't be an issue with them sitting around. When you're done, go back to the previous two tips. GO DO SOMETHING TOGETHER! And I don't mean watch them play, play with them!)

To sum up and reiterate: hypocrisy will never work. When you play with your children they will learn to be active because they see you being active. When you walk to the grocery store with them, they will learn the benefits of walking. When you eat healthy foods, they will learn to eat them. On a side-note here, "because I said so" is not a good reason for anybody to eat asparagus or spinach. Be honest. We know that they have a strange taste at first. Try to explain that they are an 'acquired taste'.
GOOD LUCK! AND GOOD PARENTING!

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