Are You a Healthy Role Model?

According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, you may not be a perfect health model for your kids, but if they see you making real effort to improve your own habits, they will realize that being healthy is important. Here are simple ways you can help yourself and set a good example for your kids:

• Make gradual changes: Drink 1 or more glasses of water daily. Walk 10 minutes longer every week. Have 1 less indulgent food every week.
• Balance bad habits with good ones: Watch TV while you're on the treadmill.
• Start walking: Take the stairs instead of the escalator.
• Drink more water and less soda: If you don't cut back on soda, neither will they.
• Listen to when you're full: Ban the "clean your plate" rule.
• Grocery shop on a full stomache: It helps prevent impulse buying of unhealthy snacks.
• Slow down: It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you've been fed.
• Be positive: Don't talk about your weight or put yourself down in front of your kids. Don't complain about how much you may dislike exercising or eating healthy foods, your kids will hear you.