Whether you realize it or not, your children are always watching and listening to you for guidance.  Therefore, it's very important to consider the little ears and eyes fixated on you.  You can be a good role model by encouraging healthy behaviors in your children by modeling healthful actions yourself.  Here are some good ways to guide your children in the right direction.         

Show Your Children Good Eating Habits Right From The Start

Getting your child on a healthy eating path starts right from their first bite of food.  You should model healthy eating in order to show them what well balanced eating looks like.  Starting these healthy habits at a young age will help them to carry through with these habits throughout their lifetime.  Getting your metabolism working early by eating breakfast gives you the brainpower needed to continue on with your day.  Always try to eat your three meals around the same time every day to avoid snacking in between meals.  Drinking lots of water and avoiding sugary drinks like soda and juice is the healthiest habit you can get into.  Water is essential for brain function, keeping your body hydrated, and makes you feel full.  Try to avoid the following bad eating habits.  

• Don't eat when you are bored.  Instead, find a fun family activity to do, or start a new book.  
• Avoid eating in front of the television.  Your mind is occupied on the program you're watching and can cause you to potentially overeat. 

Exercise For A Healthy Life

Even though it may be enjoyable, loafing on the couch watching movies all day is not exercise.  Get off the couch and get your heart pumping.  Getting outside every day for a walk is the healthiest choice you can make for your family.  Take your kids to the park and participate with them.  This will show them that you want to have fun and be active too.  Not only is it great exercise, but it can provide for some valuable family bonding time.  Following are a few tips to get a little extra exercise out of your day.  

• Take the stairs instead using the elevator.  This is a good way to get your heart rate up.
• When going to the grocery store, park further away to give yourself a longer walk for more exercise.   

The best gift you can provide your family is teaching them healthy options. Businesses like Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP can be a part of teaching your children healthy habits. Make the right choices now for a better life.  You'll be glad you did.