1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food!

Sharing a meal with family and friends at home or at school is a great way to enjoy food. It is fun to see other people’s choice of food and to try new food.

 2. A good breakfast becomes a good day!

Our bodies always need energy, and after a good night’s sleep, energy levels are low. Whether it is off to school, or out and about at the weekend, start the day with a good breakfast that includes plenty of carbohydrates to supply the body with the energy it requires.

3. Variety is the spice of life!

You need over 40 different kinds of vitamins and minerals every day for good health. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to balance your daily choices. Include new foods in your daily intake.

 4. Gimme Five!

Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods as they supply the body with vitamins and minerals it requires for the body to become strong and healthy.

5. Snack Attack!

Even if you eat regular meals during the day, there will still be times in between that you feel hungry, especially if you have been very physically active. Snacks can fill the gap between meals, but they should not be a replacement for a meal. Try avoiding snacks that are heavy in sugars and fats.

Play Right

1. Healthy Body

Exercise helps make muscles and bones stronger. Being active helps control body fat and therefore less likely to become overweight. Exercise makes you physically fit. Can help decrease the risk for developing type two diabetes. There is a strong link between physical activity and lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

2. Healthy Mind

Exercise encourages a good sleep pattern. Generally those who are involved in physical activity have a better, more positive outlook on life and tend to be more able to handle physical and emotional challenges.

3. How Much?

According to The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time — no more than 1 hour unless they’re sleeping. And school-age children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours.

Listen

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Parents need to ensure that their kids get enough exercise. So, how much is enough? All kids 2 years and older should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers expanded activity guidelines for infants, toddlers and preschoolers:

Infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time — no more than 1 hour unless they’re sleeping. And school-age children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours.

Here are some tips for raising fit and healthy children:

· Help your child participate in a variety of activities that are age-appropriate.

· Establish a regular schedule for physical activity.

· Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

· Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you’ll be a positive role model for your family.

· Remember to make healthy food choices.

· Keep it fun, so you can count on your child to come back for more.

For more information or any questions you may have please contact Siobhain O’Shea via email or on (781) 891 6900 ext 31.