prairiemom

Healthy Lifestyle

       In my last entry, I mentioned I have been reading a very good book called  The No Gimmick Guide to Raising Fit Kids.   

     I had intended to mention several good tips from the book, but I have found that there are so many good ones that it makes more sense to recommend reading the book.

     I will mention some changes our family will make....

     I learned that our family needs more fiber in our diet. The easiest way I know of to add fiber is to keep some ground flax seed in the freezer and add it to foods like whole grain pancakes and even cold cereal. Flax seed can even be sprinkled on a green salad. The omega three fatty acids in the flax seed are destroyed by heat, so I try to add it to foods that will be kept cold as much as possible.

     If you decide to add more fiber to your family's diet, please start slowly and gradually increase. Make sure to have everyone drink plenty of water to help the fiber do it's job.

     I go to our local gym for cardio and weights 3 afternoons a week. David, who works at a desk and commutes, finds going to the gym to be difficult. At 6'3" the only piece of equipment that fits him are the treadmills. I prefer a long stride eliptical machine and a recumbent bike, but both of those are too short for him.

     We talked about what types of changes we need to make to accomodate both of us and have decided that we need to look for a good quality used treadmill that inclines. Many people buy very nice exercise equipment that either doesn't get used or takes up too much space. We have enough room in our basement to accomodate a treadmill. The money I have been spending for the gym can go towards equipment that both of us can use.

     We will look for a used weight bench and handweights at garage sales.

     Going to a gym is fun because of the social aspect, so we will need to plan our workouts and write down goals on the calendar. I will ask the Lord to open a different social outlet for me if He desires.

     I suggested to Maria that when she goes to college, she should write down a workout plan. I find if I don't plan ahead to workout, it easily gets forgotten.

     During the warmer months it is easy to keep Jonathan active with his bike, scooter and trips to the swimming pool. He plays in the backyard a lot and we do our best to keep the car in the garage and walk or bike to our destinations.

     We figure that when it is cold outside and sidewalks are icy, he can use his scooter in the basement or rollerblade (after he learns how!) with his helmet on. He can do that while we workout, so he is participating too.

     What about you? Do you have some ideas for family fitness that you think would benefit others?

Untitled Comment

{ 04:34 , Monday, April 2, 2007 } { Posted by chimicole }

Hey~
I'm with you on making a healthier lifestyle. Maybe I should write one down too. Although my days are full, I'm quite sure I could fit a few minutes in for a walk or a hop on the treadmill daily.
Thanks for the tip about flax seed. I had been adding to my bread. Had no idea that heat destroyed the very thing I am trying to add it for! LOL!