It’s back to school time! That means new outfits, new haircuts, new school supplies, and a new outlook on healthy eating. That’s right. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are challenging families to make small changes that can add up to BIG results.
Think eating healthy is too difficult and too expensive? Think again! Being healthy isn’t hard and shouldn’t break the bank. The American Heart Association’s Life is Why Family Health Challenge will help parents and caregivers make small, manageable and heart-healthy changes that will fit into your daily life.
Did you know about one in three American kids is considered overweight or obese? And if you’re like most parents, childhood obesity is a top health concern. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the perfect time to learn more ways to keep your family healthy.
The Life is Why Family Health Challenge is meeting you where you’re at: Facebook. And it’s broken down into four themed weeks, to make those small changes even easier. The online forum gives you everything you need, including FREE tools and resources, to show the ease of making healthy decisions and habits with your kids. So while you’re updating your status, you can also update your progress. You can also chat with other families taking the challenge, for peer support, ideas and advice.
The week-by-week overview of the challenge includes:
- Week 1 –“My Cart is Why”– The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fruit and vegetable servings every day. Learn how to increase your fruit and veggie consumption on a budget, and make grocery shopping a fun and easy activity for you and your kids.
- Week 2 – “My Glass is Why” – Sugary drinks can cost you your energy and your health, don’t let others sugarcoat your future and let’s make sugary drinks a thing of the past without feeling thirsty.
- Week 3 – “My Taste is Why” – Most adults eat more than double the amount of sodium recommended by the American Heart Association. Tame your taste buds by reducing the sodium in your foods and on your plate. Be sodium aware…if you dare!
- Week 4 – “My Movement is Why” – The American Heart Association recommends kids get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every day. Make physical activity fun, simple and memorable with your family. Learn quick activities that easily integrate into your daily life – no matter your schedule.
What’s the best part?! You will feel accomplished. You will spend more time with your family. And your kids will be make heart-healthy decisions part of everyday life. High-five!
Need more info? Visit www.heart.org/healthierkids. Join the challenge now on Facebook. Good luck!