Being a Role Model Is Not Enough!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many parents think they’re setting a positive role model for their teens by exercising and staying fit, but the kids don’t seem to care, as study in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggest.  A growing body of research indicates that being physically fit in childhood reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, but the study found there was little correlation between teens’ fitness levels and the teens, had one or both parents who regularly engaged in physical activity.

The problem with this study is that being a role model is setting a good example, but kids need more than “look at me, see what I am doing” involvement. Have you ever known someone who is a show-off? Well, I have and well it turns me off to, I almost want to do the opposite of what they are doing just to say to them...big deal!

Or how about a role model who is so rigid and over the top about being active? This type of role model is doing more harm than good, who wants to hear about health and fitness 24/7 (well maybe I do) ok back to my example, teens especially don't want this nagging.

The third type of bad role model is a do as I say not as I do, well forget you, you are not even a role model.

Fourth type of role model is a parent who has recently discovered how to eat well and exercise more and immediately wants the entire family to join in. This won't work in the beginning either, especially if you have tried and failed in the past, your family will just sit back and expect you to fail once again.

So what can you do to be a Positive Role Model? Try these steps:

1. Visualize your goal, what does this mean to you? More vegetables, a walking program, lose weight? You know your family better than anyone else, so see your goal and list the steps it will take to get there.

2. Commitment: Are you committed to this goal? What obstacles will you and your family face? What will it take to get your family on board?

3.Communicate. Call the family together, I know it sounds cheesey, but it works, you wouldn't expect a CEO of a company to implement challenges without the staff being on board would you? You are the CEO of your family! Create this goal as a family, listen to what each family member says and allow input from everyone.

4. Follow through. You are the CEO of your family, follow through with every step on your family plan, from grocery shopping to family outings.

5. Stay positive. Always, from obstacles (which are only learning experiences) to rewards (non-food).Before you go to bed every night, be grateful from any steps you took today in making your family life more healthy, and when you wake up think of 3 things you will do today to create a healthier home. Your kids will thank you...someday!

 

Summer Fun: Badminton

Badminton

Taken from- Family Games. The Best in Family Game Night, Amazon 2013

Equipment Needed: Badminton set

I always thought badminton was a sissy sport until I saw it professionally played in Montreal. It is a sport that requires power, finesse speed and strategy

You can set up a badminton net and a simple court or playing area in your backyard. The net should measure 5 feet high and the court should measure 40 feet long by 22 feet wide for doubles and 17 feet wide for singles. If you’re playing backyard badminton recreationally rather than competitively, you don’t need a court that fits all the standard badminton court specifications. You can play on any rectangular surface divided in half by a net. To pick the team that goes first, you should toss a coin. The winner can choose whether to serve or receive first, or choose which side of the court to play on first. The player who lost the toss gets to make the other choice. Stand in the right service court when you have no points or an even number of points. The right service box lies behind the short service line and to the right of the center service line. Stand in the left service court when you have an odd number of points. The left service box lies behind the short service line and to the left of the center service line. Serve the shuttlecock cross-court to the service court diagonally opposite. Hit the shuttlecock below your waist to serve. Players hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net to keep it in play. You must hit the shuttlecock before it touches the ground. If you hit the shuttlecock out of bounds, into the net or under the net, you lose the point. You cannot touch the net or net posts with any part of your body. You cannot reach over the net to hit the shuttlecock. You can win points on your own serve and on your opponent’s serve. Play until one player or team wins 21 points to win the game. If two sides tie at 29-all, the side that wins the next point wins the game. Change sides after the end of the first and second games. In the third game, change sides when one player or team wins 11 points. Serve first in the next game if you won the previous game. Play until one player or team wins two games.

Just For Today

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry,

and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink,

and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will shut off my phone and keep the computer off,

and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once,

not even a tiny grumble when you whine for the ice cream truck,

and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are

going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made

where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't

stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story

about how you were born and how  much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you  splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favorite tv shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair

as you pray, I will simplly be grateful that God

has given me the greatest gift ever given.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.

It is then, that I will thank God for you  and ask him for nothing, except one more day....

* Author unknown, but I have repeated this poem to myself and my children for many years, and even today although my children are grown-up I still thank God and ask him for nothing, except one more day . 

Family Meditation?

We live in such a fast paced world that we rarely take time for ourselves. What is even worse when we do take time for ourselves we feel guilty about it! We shouldn't feel guilty about taking time out, there are people around the world at this very second who are taking time for them self and enjoying their time. When you don't take time for yourself this type of a lifestyle can build up and store stress and anxiety in the body which over time can lead to illness. Even worse, we teach our children to deal with stress in the same manner we are dealing with stress. Relaxation and meditation rids the body of accumulated stress (both mental and physical) while strengthening the entire mind-body system to work more efficiently. Taking up regular forms of relaxation and meditation can promote not only improved health but also greater clarity, energy, mental awareness, confidence and creativity and fulfillment in life.

Meditation is strongly espoused in many eastern philosophies, people of any religion can practice meditation and derive considerable health benefits from it. With commitment, perseverance and regular practice, meditation can produce life-changing positive effects. By creating time and space to honor our basic need for stillness, we can transform our mental state, emotions, physical well-being and subsequent experience of life.

The stress of internal ‘mental chatting’ is deeply entrenched in our existence. Tragically, we have forgotten the simple pleasure of releasing our worries and finding the underlying thread of peace in each moment. That is not to say that we should ignore stressors and negative influences in our lives. However, mentally agonizing over our problems is counter-productive to health and well-being. Meditation can very effectively halt the vicious cycle of obsessive worry.

Still feeling cynical? Science, the very epitome of cynicism, is even acknowledging the benefits of regular meditation. Meditation has been found to balance our brains’ alpha and theta waves, thus enhancing the synergy of our creative and logical cognitive faculties. Meditators exhibit superior pain resistance to electric currents administered to the skin. Research also indicates that meditation can enhance sleep quality, mood, memory, blood pressure, mental alertness, migraines and headaches, posture and stress tolerance.

Try this exercise with your family. Find a space in your home free of distractions and clutter. Sit on the floor in a comfortable position. Instruct everyone to close their eyes and concentrate on breathing. Inhale deeply through the nose, and exhale through your mouth. Think of your favorite place to visit, maybe a park, the ocean, or beach. Imagine how you would feel if you were there right now. Allow each family member to sit peacefully as long as they can.

Kimberly to Appear at Addison Wellness Expo!

Kimberly will be appearing at the Addison Wellness Expo in Addison on April 20-21. If you are in the Dallas area please stop by to see her and receive a gift!

Do You Want Better Health Habits?

Good health is made up of everyday choices and Kimberly's Guaranteed Successful 10 week Health Coaching Program will guide you through a deeper connection on living healthfully everyday!

Is There a Duck Dynasty in Your Family?

Since the show's premiere, the Robertsons have been busy being America's favorite big, bearded, camo-clad family. Despite their modest lifestyle and homes in the backwoods, this close-knit family has made a fortune on duck calls by turning a backyard business into a multi-million dollar sporting empire. They may be living the rags-to-riches American dream, but they're just as busy staying true to their rugged outdoorsman lifestyle and southern roots.

Duck Dynasty is a perfect example of a family culture. Family culture is the unique way that a family forms itself in terms of rules, roles, habits, activities, beliefs, and other areas. Every family is different, every family has its’ own culture.

We find identity in family relationships because we are products of our parents. Parents are the reason for our existence. As we grew up in their house, we learned a great deal from them. The barrage of information we acquire over the years of growing up, we apply, while some of the information we may wish to forget. Yet the simple fact remains that we are a natural byproduct of the relationship our parents had, and that we had been nurtured in some way by the way they raise us.

This applies to extended family as well. Our earliest memories of family are memories that can never forgotten. They are treasured beyond all other memories. Spending time with extended family brings love, and acceptance and fun.

Children feel comfort in hanging out with parents. As a teenager we  struggle to find our own identity when you step away from our parents, but the lessons they have taught us remain with us even when we are with our "new family"-our friends.  As an adult we begin to appreciate our parents even more, especially when we have families of our own.

What is your Family Culture teaching your children?

If we want to have a strong family culture, we need to ask look at how we operate as a family. Among others, we look at the following areas of focus:

What do you like most about your children?

What are your goals? What goals do you have for your children?

The life with your family is very important it plays a major role in your development into the person you become. The goals you set for yourself in your life are very much dependent on the life you have with your family. Those children who belong to the families which have a rich education background tend to learn more. They are interested in learning more and thus it is easy for their parents to get them educated. Similarly, for example, children who belong to a family from which a few of the people are in the field of professional sports, the kids tend to have an interest in sports and they also plan to go into the same field. The sons and daughters of stars from the film industries usually plan to follow the suit of their parents. Thus it is the effect of your family life which guides you to decide what profession you want to do as an adult.
We find out what makes them happy.favorite memories of their families are.

What type of parent are you?– what are your best qualities?

What are your family rules?

Who are your children s friends?

Who do your children go to when they need help or want to talk, and who they consider to be supportive.

What do your do for family fun?

What traditions or cultural events do you celebrate at home?

What special values or beliefs do you teach your children?

Do you have a connection to the faith community?

Family life is also important in the sense that it gives you your basic strength as a person. The people who have a smooth and well settled family life are generally less scared of life. Those who are a part of a broken family are generally less confident. These people always expect the worst in life. This is a general state of mind which results in building up of a negative personality. Family life is also important to people as it is the part of our life which has more effect on us compared to any other part of our life. The way a mother treats her kids is actually the deciding factor of what those kids will be like as human beings when they grow up.

Family - Focus On Them

The family life adds a sense of responsibility in your personality which lacks in those people who have not had a very nice family life.

Family - They Stick Together!

No matter how hard you try, you can never extricate yourself from your family. They are integral to who you are, and the harder you try to distance yourself from them, the closer they become. I would say, why fight that feeling?

You were put in your family for some cosmic (forgive me for not using a better word) reason, and it remains unthinkable to consider life without them. They stick closer than we could ever hope or reason to think. I say embrace this opportunity rather than minimize it.

So like the Robinson family on Duck Dynasty, the important thing to remember here is discover what your family culture is and then if you don’t like what you see, change it  or if you love it, stay true to your self.

Simplify, and Savor Life

‘The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.’ ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on twitter .

These days we have an abundance of luxuries, but I’ve found that excess actually decreases my enjoyment of life.

Sure, we can get massive amounts of rich foods, feasting to our heart’s content, stuffing ourselves in alarming displays of gluttony … but is that really enjoyable on a regular basis?

And yes, television can be fun, and so can ridiculously large parts of the Internet, but if it’s always on, if we’re always connected, doesn’t that lower the fun factor?

Excesses lead to all kinds of problems, but the biggest problem is that life is less enjoyable.

I’ve been finding that simplifying things means I can savor life more fully.

Savoring life starts with a mindset. It’s a mindset that believes that excess, that rushing, that busy-ness, that distractedness, isn’t ideal. It’s a mindset that tries instead to:

• simplify


• do & consume less


• slow down


• be mindful & present


• savor things fully

It’s the little things that make life enjoyable: a walk with a loved one, a delicious book, a chilled plum, a newly blooming tree.

And by simplifying, we can savor life to the fullest.

Some ideas I’ve been considering lately:

1. Coffee: Instead of ordering a latte, mocha, cappuccino with whipped cream and cinnamon and shavings … simplify. Just get pure, good coffee (or espresso), brewed fresh with care and precision, with quality beans, freshly roasted. Make it yourself if you can. Drink it slowly, with little or nothing added, and enjoy it thoroughly.

2. Tea: I recently had tea with Jesse Jacobs, the owner of Samovar Tea Lounge, and he poured two different teas from tiny tea pots: Nishi Sencha 1st Flush and Bai Hao Oolong tea. It was fresh, hand-made tea from real leaves, not a tea bag, and it was simply delicious. Drink it slowly, with your eyes closed, fully appreciating the aroma … wonderful.

3. Workouts: I’ve been a fan of simpler workouts recently. While others might spend an hour to 90 minutes in the gym, going through a series of 10 different exercises, I just do 1-3 functional exercises, but with intensity. So I might do some sprint intervals, or a few rounds of pushups, pullups, and bodyweight squats. Or 400 meters of walking lunges. Let me tell you, that’s a simple but incredible workout. Another I like: five rounds 85-lb. squat thrusters (10 reps) alternated with pushups (10 reps). Today’s workout was three rounds of 15 burpees and 800-meter runs. No rest unless you need it. These are great workouts, but very simple, and very tough. I love them.

4. Sweets: I used to be a sugar addict. Now I still enjoy an occasional dessert, but in tiny portions, eaten very slowly. What I enjoy even more, though, is cold fruit. A chilled peach, some blueberries, a few strawberries, a plum: eat it one bite at a time, close your eyes with each bite, and enjoy to the fullest. So good.

5. Meals: While the trend these days is super-sized meals of greasy, fried things (more than two people need to eat actually), I have been enjoying smaller meals of simplicity. Just a few ingredients, fresh, whole, unprocessed, without chemicals or sauces. My meals usually include: a breakfast of steel-cut oats (cooked) with cinnamon, almonds, and berries; a lunch of yogurt, nuts, and fruit; a dinner of beans or tofu with quinoa and steamed veggies (or sauteed with garlic and olive oil). These simple meals are better because not only are they healthy, each ingredient can be tasted, its flavor fully enjoyed.

6. Reading: While the Internet is chock full of things to read, I’ve been enjoying the simplicity of a paper book, borrowed from the library or a friend (borrowing/sharing reduces natural resources consumed). When I read online, I read a single article at a time, using either theReadability or Clippable bookmarklet to remove distrations, and in full-screen mode in the Chrome browser (hit Cmd-Shift-F on the Mac version or F11 in Windows). It’s pure reading, no distractions, and lovely.

The New Normal

 

 

 

 

 

Were you expecting a review on NBC's new series The New Normal? Sorry it's not, but this idea came to me this morning as I was walking to the gym. On my way to the gym  a neighbor stopped to say hello, she asked where I was going and I told her I am walking to the gym. She then says to me, "you are such a exercise fiend!" What? Really? No! Here is the reality of my situation, yes I am the author of fitness books and I am a certified health foods chef, so I think people often have this misconception of those of us in the Health and Fitness Industry, that we workout excessively, some do, but those of us you have gotten through life injury free understand balance and I do. . Here is my reality... I do some form of physical activity 7 days a week. Now just wait before you label me a "fiend,"  some days I do one hour of yoga or Pilates  other days I strength train for about an hour and on the other days I play tennis. Does that sound too much to you? If it does we need A New Normal for You! If you haven't heard lately...(if this is new to you, you need to pay attention to this) to decrease your chances of cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes 2, high blood pressure and other preventable diseases you need to do 60 minutes of physical activity everyday! This is great news and most activities are free! I don't know about you but I want to live disease free and see my children get married and have children, I love life!  If you have the same goals as I do in life, then your new normal should be squeezing in some form of physical activity everyday too! Its all in our mindset, and we carry this mindset to our children as well, my kids are just like me, they are not excessive, they are disciplined, healthy and fit.If you don't have a full 60 minutes in some of your days, then squeeze in 30 minutes in one part of your day and 15 minutes another and 15 at another time. I would love to see our 'New Normal' here in the United States to have active families everyday, wouldn't you?       

The Kitchen Table

 

 

 

 

I grew up at a big kitchen table. Besides the obvious breakfast, lunch, dinners, my mom made us sit at the table when we ate our snacks. At the time I didn't like doing that, especially when my friends would come over and my mom throw down the sames rules of the house to my friends too! Nooooooooo- the embarrassment,  the looks I got from my friends, you know the look, rolling the eyes and saying something under their breath like "my mom doesn't make me do this..."

Our kitchen table was more than just for family meals, it was for parties, craft projects, playing  cards like Go Fish, Hearts or Old Maid. We had the same table until I left for college and then my mom being the interior decorator as she is, sold our old wooden table and brought in a contemporary glass table. It was ok but I had so many memories attached to the old table that I was sad to see it go,... memories of my younger brother and sister around the table, my brother would sometimes kick me under the table I would yell and my mom would tell us both to stop. Feeding our dog, Tish, lima beans under the table because there was no way we were going to eat those... Or when  grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins would come to dinner and the kids would sit a few feet away from the grown-ups at the card table and chairs.

Today, when my family today sits around the kitchen table its all about sharing, good conversation, good food, lots of laughter and love. I hope my kids will someday reflect upon all of the good times, memories, celebrations and laughter we have had around our family kitchen table. Oh and by the way I also made my kids sit at the table whenever they had a snack too:)

When you sit with family and friends something special happens, I believe in magic and that those little memories go a long way.   

Let Us Plan Your Weekly Meals!

 

Fit American Families' Meal Planning service is called ...Cooking Lessons from Home.

With our team of chefs, nutritionists and health coaches, we will help you navigate the world of contradictory nutrition and the overwhelming task of selecting the healthiest recipes for your family. Our recipes are based upon real food, food that you can identify and pronounce, that's it... nothing fake, nothing from a chemical laboratory, no preservatives, no artificial coloring, no additives, we believe you should know what you and your family are eating.

 

Cooking Lessons from Home  was created in 2008 when my kids left for college. Like most parents, I was concerned that my kids weren't eating well, they seem to get sick a lot, they were tired and spent a lot of money on take out foods, well some of this is to blame on college life...but if your body does not get the proper whole food nutrition it needs, it simply cannot be healthy. One day my son called me from the grocery store, he said he was tired of eating packaged foods and fast foods, (SAD...yes it is sad too, but SAD is the Standard American Diet) and asked me what he should make for dinner that was healthy… at that moment I knew I could help him and many other kids just like him. I began to send him healthy recipes, with easy to follow directions and ingredients that were within his budget, organically  my website began to grow... family members, friends that work full time, even my tennis friends were asking me to help them plan healthy menus for their families, and deeply rooted, here we are today. My hope for this menu planning service is to share the importance of proper nutrition and how to make real food a part of your life. So clean off the kitchen table we are bringing our families back home to eat and to enjoy each others company and to feel good knowing that your family is eating healthful foods.

 

Wishing you and your family the very best,

Kimberly Wechsler

Be Mindful

Live in the Moment

It’s so cliché, but so important. Living in the moment is truly living.

When you focus too much on the past or the future, you let your life slip by without living.

And the unfortunate thing is that mindful living is hard! I know I haven’t mastered it yet. It requires ongoing practice.

Here are some ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day:

• Be mindful as you wake up and get out of bed. I try to remember to smile every morning to set the tone for the day.


• Be mindful when you exercise. It’s tempting to multitask on the treadmill (I do it!). However, exercise is a great time to really be in the moment. Focus on your breath and your surroundings. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present.


• Be mindful when you shower. It’s a great time to give your body some love. Just the other day, I got out of the shower and couldn’t remember if I had washed my hair. If I had been mindful, I would’ve known.


• Be mindful when you eat. Eating slowly, chewing carefully, and setting down the fork between each bite has great health benefits. Focus on the smells and textures and colors. Enjoy each bite.


• Be mindful when you drive. I see so many distracted people behind the wheel (again, I’m guilty of this as well). Defensive driving is mindful driving. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t do anything else while you drive (that’s why we have voicemail!).


• Be mindful when you interact with others. Whether you’re in a business meeting, on a date, or talking to your child, be fully present. Don’t look at your phone every two minutes. Look at the person you’re talking to and really listen to what they are saying. Kids can tell when you’re not paying attention and will call you on it. Take their advice.


• Be mindful when you work. Perform every task with intention. Avoid distractions by turning off email and IM. You’ll be amazed how much faster you can get things done.

"Are Married Couples Losing The Concept Of Compromise?”

by Winsome Campbell-Green, Author of ‘Ten Life Changing Lessons’

For those who have experienced marriage, I am sure you have been asked this infamous question: “so how is married life?” This is a question that is posed to me ever so often by friends, family, and colleagues. Personally, its everything I expected. There are no surprises! There I said it. Growing up I have always heard people complain of various issues that affects their marriages. I've listen to women give details of how much they became calculated and suspicious of their partners. Therefore, if I was looking for inspiration or the perfect role model couple I would never have taken that amazing step.

The truth is marriage is not for everyone. Couples should ensure they understand the real reasons for getting married. Both individuals should love and respect themselves first, in order to have a healthy relationship. Before walking down that isle that, have no reservations and be certain that this is the right step for you. Having unrealistic expectations will cause a breakdown in communication and consequently the marriage.

As for me I am happily married. My husband and I are best friends and we can communicate effortlessly. We support each other in all aspects of our life. The love and bond we share is quite powerful and impenetrable. As time goes by we embrace both internal and external changes that affects our lives. We enjoy the little moments and appreciate each other.

A very key element of our relationship is RESPECT. The bible speaks about it in a traditional sense and some persons interpretation vary (Ephesians 5: 22-33). In my case, we see ourselves as equal partners. I understand when to step back and allow him to fulfill his role as a husband in our family. In moments like this I embrace my ‘duty’ as a devoted wife. On the other hand, there are times when he allows me to fulfill my role as a wife and he supports me. Some women may feel like they are not in control and are submitting to the idea of being ‘submissive’. However, they can’t allow ‘ego’ to get in the way. My husband has my complete and utter respect. Why? He never compromises on his values. Whatever he says that is exactly what he means and I trust him completely.

August 2012 marked our first anniversary and it was beautiful. We spent a lovely weekend in Negril Jamaica at Breezes and we were given the royal treatment. One night we dined in the Japanese restaurant with three couples. We were the youngest couple and the ‘newbies’ to marriage. One was married for 36 years, one for 17 years and another 15 years. There we were a table of strangers who all began to share our thoughts on marriage. The husbands all 'ganged up' on the wives and agreed that they just said 'yes dear' to everything. Seriously? Yes, it was quite amusing. I think what they were basically saying was that marriage is about compromise. That goes for any relationship. In order to compromise, you must also be willing to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice you make and one can choose not to retaliate verbally if wronged. Just remember you have each other and nothing is more beautiful than that. Overall, it was a beautiful experience. 

Most young adults are turned off from the idea of getting married. I think because they have listened to the horror stories of other people and what they have observed, they can't even begin to fathom the notion. We live in society where we are taught that marriage is suppose to be impermanent. However, I was born to parents who were married so it was not a question for me. That's the only choice I know. Everyone is entitled to their own choice and many choose not to be married, simply because they don't think it is necessary. Still, it is not something to be feared. Don't be afraid you will lose your identity. In fact your partner is your other half and is there to support you in everything. Marriage has even brought me closer to a more spiritual side of me. God is a vital part of our household. A family that prays together stays together and that is great. Once you put God and keep him in the middle you should be fine. So to all the newlyweds out there and persons who are getting reading to tie the knot, marriage is what you make it. Life is what you make it:)

Thanks for Reading!

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ten-Life-Changing-Lessons-Author-Winsome-Campbell-Green/370739139674186?ref=hl



 

Healthy Lifestyle: Session #2

Hello Everyone!

Hopefully you completed the questions on session #1, if not, please do so before starting today's session. Yesterday we talked about what a healthy lifestyle means to you and your family. You identified some positive behaviors in your home that support a healthy lifestyle and you identified some behaviors you would like to change. Keep your answers from session #1, we will be using them in the next few days.

 

 

Today our objective is to discuss the power of a family culture. 

The Culture of Your Family

 

Children learn by modeling the behavior of their parents. By maintaining a physically active lifestyle with your family you can improve the health of your child while preventing him or her from developing a lifestyle of sedentary behavior.

Studies have shown the key to raising healthy children into healthy adults is taking a whole-family approach. It’s the “practice what you preach” mentality.

In addition while spending quality time together strong family relationships are formed and this is one of the cornerstones of health and well-being, and few relationships are as important as those between parents and children.

Your participation, action and attitude about exercise, impacts your children. 
People in the same family tend to have similar:

• Eating patterns


• Maintain the same levels of physical activity


• Adopt the same attitudes toward a lifestyle they are accustomed to living

Parents are the most important influence in their children’s lives. Kids observe and imitate their parents, so make sure you set a healthy example. Make healthy daily food and physical activity choices in order to send your children a positive message.

Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate. 

1. How do you feel about food?



 

2. How do you feel about exercise?

 

 

3. What type of role model are you?

 

4. Do you smoke?

 

 

5.Do you drink alcohol in front of your children?

 

 

 

6. How much television do you watch per day?

 

 

7. How do you handle stressful situations within your family?

 

 

8. Would your children describe you as being positive or a negative parent?

 

 

9. How many times per day do you spend talking to your children one-on- one?

 

 

10. What family traditions do you teach your family?

 

 

 

 

 

Homework Assignment:

Ask your kids to imitate you.  Not to make fun of you but to understand some of the messages you send to your children verbally or non-verbally. Don't become defensive, just observe their interpretation of you...its enlightening!

 

 

Meditate on this thought:

Home is to inspire and motivate parents to create their own unique family culture that supports eating healthy foods, being physically active as a family and making the most of your time together. In five years, you won't remember much about the day to day events of work, school, and activities. But your family will remember "traditions" that kept you close. And they will probably plan those kinds of family nights for their families in the future. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and each day we come closer to our children heading off to college, getting married, and having their own responsibilities. Looking back on family activities will be a great memory for everyone. Not to mention the impact it will have today, to bring your family in a little closer and enjoy each other's company now, while you are all under the same roof.

 

copyright © Fit American Families 2012

USA is #1...in Obesity (Session 1)

 

 

 

Welcome to the STEP ONE of FIT AMERICAN FAMILIES Online Wellness Program. Our objective is to bring you tips, strategies, advice and support to help you and your family live a healthy and fit lifestyle. 

 

Healthy behavior is within all of us. 

It’s a choice.

U.S.A. is number 1 ...in obesity. We can change this awful trend,  starting not in the White House, but in Your House.

 

If every family took just a few small steps toward a healthier lifestyle the next generation could quite possible be the healthiest in the world.



 

 

"What does it take to “Live a healthy lifestyle?”

Your answer goes here>

 

 

 

Name 5 Healthy Behaviors you cultivate in your home.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Name 5 Unhealthy Behaviors you would like to change.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

 

If you asked each family member in your home this question what would they say?

 

 

 

Living a healthy lifestyle means you are willing to take charge of your health and make changes that can affect your overall health now and in the future. It means that if you uphold such a lifestyle, you can reduce your chances of developing diseases like high blood pressure, type two diabetes, stroke, early dementia, heart diseases, high cholesterol levels, other diseases and have a positive outlook in life. This is a gift that keeps on giving because your children will pass their healthy lifestyle to their own children.

Think about your answers overnight. You may want to change them or add to them. If you have any questions, you can email me at cookinglessonsfromhome@gmail.com or give me a call at 214-407-8865.

That's all for today, I will see you in class tomorrow.

copyright © Fit American Families 2012

The Gift Basket of Health

Health and Fitness Baskets 

Our health and fitness baskets offer a unique and individual gift for anyone. Let our team of buyers design a creative fitness basket for your special person. Give the gift of fitness with our gift baskets.

A great way to say I love you and respect your health.

 

• Congratulations on Good Grades Basket


• Basket of Good Health


• Happy Birthday Basket


• Family Fitness Basket


• Mom to Be Basket


• Birthday: Here’s To Another Good Year of Health Basket


• Bride-to-Be: Bootcamp Basket


• Welcome to Your New Home


• We Will Miss You Basket


• Summer Fitness Basket


• Welcome to Winter! The Hibernation Fitness Basket


• Baskets with a Sports Theme, (basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming…)


• Healthy Lifestyle Basket


• Take to the Beach Basket


• We offer Corporate Fitness Baskets


• Great idea for pool companies to offer as a thank you to customers

 

We custom make each basket based upon your request. Prices and shipping costs will vary based upon each order. No perishable items will be included in your order. (Small card included.)

 

Let your gift make a statement, show someone you care about their health! We carry the finest in Fitness Baskets.

Give us a call and tell us a little bit about who this wonderful gift basket is for and we will custom design the ultimate in a Health and Fitness Basket.  Our personal trainers will help design a basket perfect for giving!  214-407-8865.  Orders may take up to two weeks for delivery, depending on size.

Item # K 121  Health and Fitness Basket…start at $49.95 

Water Fitness for Everyone

 

We offer the BEST in Adult Fitness. 

Item # K 113    Splash cards for Adults©…$19.95 (set of 5 cards)

 Choose from:

• low-impact exercises


• athletic challenge workout programs.

 

5 cards in each group 45-60 minute water workout programs  

The Ultimate in Water Exercise

Burn up to 750 calories per hour.

• Water will help you lose weight.


• Train for sports


• Maintain fitness level


• Improve balance and agility


• Stay fit during pregnancy.


• Ease arthritis pain.


• Recover from surgery.


• Prevent sports injury.


• Fitness for people with fibromyalgia


• Fitness for people with multiple sclerosis.


• Heart healthy activity.

Splash Cards for Kids ages 6-16

 

 

Splash Cards for Kids©  

The Original Water Exercise Cards for Kids

Exercising in water is magical! Kids will feel weightless in water so they can jump higher and longer. Their muscles will be strengthened in water because water provides constant resistance, think about how you feel when you run in water, it feels like your running in molasses. The harder you push in water the harder the water pushes against you, and range of motion is increased because of the supporting qualities water provides. Great exercise for kids who don’t like to sweat. Besides all of these advantages, water is so much fun, it doesn’t feel like exercise.

 

Splash Cards for Kids©

The Original Water Exercise Cards for Kids

These water fitness cards are recommended for kids 6-16 years old.

• Each set contains 25 challenging water exercises.


• Use them by your pool, on the beach, anywhere there is water.


• 5x7 waterproof cards.


• Colorful background.


• Equipment is optional.


• One side is an illustration of the exercise, the other side is a written description.


• Store in a reusable plastic bag.

 

Item # K110    Splash Cards for Kids©………$ 17.95

Do You Believe? October 2013

 

 

DO YOU BELIEVE?

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Don't miss this online interactive 4 week workshop on discovering your beliefs.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THIS FREE E-COURSE!

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Doing More with Less: August 2013

 

DOING MORE WITH LESS!

Overwhelmed, frustrated, over-scheduled? Is it time for a shift in your family life? Don't miss this four week workshop and learn how to receive so much more in life with less.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THIS FREE E-COURSE!