There’s a growing trend in many Western households when it comes to weight. BMIs among both children and adults are getting too high, leading some experts to conclude that the United States — as well as several other first-world nations — are experiencing an obesity epidemic. Given that weight issues can also lead to other health problems, there has never been a better time to act. Reversing weight gains isn’t just about feeling good, either. Given the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no reason to take any chances, as overweight individuals are at greater risk of experiencing severe symptoms of the virus.
What can you do to keep you and your family safe, happy, and healthy? While there’s no magic pill that you can all take to lose weight and get in shape, there are some ways that you can be proactive about getting healthy together. So, let’s look at a few of the best ways to stay in shape as a family!
Identify Your Health Goals
Every family is different. You may have a lot of young children who like to be active or one surly teenager who doesn’t want to participate. Therefore, every family health plan is going to be unique. Nonetheless, developing a plan for your family starts with establishing your health goals.
For example, do you want everybody in the family to lose 10 pounds each? Do you want the family to lose a collective 100 pounds? Or do you just want to develop healthier habits, like eating fresh vegetables or going for walks? No matter what your plan looks like, you can get help for your whole family by contacting the experts at RCMC Medical Center!
Stock the Pantry with Healthy Foods
The food you have in the fridge and the pantry plays a huge role in the overall health of your family. If the kitchen is full of sugary drinks and snacks, this could be a huge problem. So, while you shouldn’t waste food, do your best to start replacing processed foods, sugary snacks, and other unhealthy options with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This way, whenever someone is in need of a snack, they’ll have no choice but to reach for something healthy!
Keeping a full pantry also gives you more excuses to cook. Typically, cooking is healthier than getting food delivered or going out to eat. Why? Because ready-made food is typically packed with way more sugar and salt than you would use in your own, homemade meals.
Plan Fun Physical Activities
Finally, there is no replacement for physical activities that involve the whole family. Not only do these help the entire group burn calories, but they also work as a bonding experience. Many families struggle with busy schedules and divergent interests, so planned physical activities can be a great way to remind everyone that they are part of a strong family unit!
While the activities you choose will largely depend on your family, there are a few that appeal to millions of people. For example, you could go to the community pool for a swim, go on a nature hike, take a walk in the park, or play touch football in the backyard. The possibilities are nearly endless!