Changing your routine and getting the whole family on board can seem like a challenge. But there are small steps you can take today that will have a big impact on your family’s health and wellbeing.
The best way to move into a healthier lifestyle with your family is to start with simple, easy changes that will become part of your day-to-day routine.
The Doshi family from Seven Hills decided to make small, simple changes to their lifestyle to improve their health, including being physically active as a family, reading food labels and eating more vegetables every day. Watch how they made these positive changes together and how it brought them closer as a family.
It is normal for you and your kids to snack, just make sure that the snacks are healthy. For example, swap biscuits and chips for fresh fruit, plain popcorn or hummus with veggies. Take a look at our weekly menu planner for healthy snack ideas you can add to this week’s shopping list.
When you talk about healthy eating at home, try not to focus on the foods that you need to eat less of. Instead, talk about the good food you’re going to be eating every day. If your kids feel full with healthy food, like their favourite fruit, they’re less likely to eat unhealthy foods.
Drinking plenty of water is an important part of staying healthy. Replace drinks in the fridge that contain sugar – such as juice or soft drinks – with a big bottle of water. Take a look at our tips for getting more water in your day.
Why not approach cooking as a family activity? Plan one night this week to cook together as a family and share the meal together. Take a look at our guide for cooking with kids.
Find out about free programs that can give you tips over the phone and online, vouchers to get your kids active or fun programs they can join to get healthy. Take a look through the programs and tools that can help you and your family become healthier and feel better.
Use our food calculator as a guide to what your family should be eating every day and start setting your own small, specific goals to get there together.