Getting your family started

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.

How one family made lasting changes and became healthier together

The Doshi family decided to make small, simple changes to their lifestyle to improve their health, including being physically active as a family and eating more healthily. Watch how they made these positive changes together and how it brought them closer as a family.

Start with small steps 

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  • Make healthy food easy to find

    If healthy food is more visible, you're more likely to make healthy choices! 
    

  • Swap to a healthy snack

    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.
    

  • Focus on good food, rather than on ‘banned’ food

    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.
    

  • Help your family to drink more water
    

    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.
    

  • Plan one family dinner this week
    

    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 programs that can help your family
    

    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.