20 Healthy Tips from Nationwide Children's Hospital Sports Medicine
1. Have a dance party while cooking dinner or doing the dishes. Dancing is a great way to be active while having fun.
2. Always include a piece of fruit in school lunches. Whether you take your own or buy from the school, make sure you have some fruit.
3. Get your dairy on – eat cheese. For a snack, try a slice, chunk, or string cheese.
4. Chocolate milk is a great way to re-fuel after any activity.
5. Dogs need exercise too – get them out after dinner for a short walk and you both get some much needed activity.
6. Organize a game of flashlight tag in your neighborhood – a great way to be active and have fun.
7. Lunch box snacks – 100 calorie packs are great for portion control and variety.
8. Offer to push the cart at the grocery store – fill it with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
9. Your school lunch should have foods with at least 3 different colors on your tray -- ketchup doesn’t count.
10. Feel good beverages for kids are water, juice and milk. High sugar carbonated drinks make you feel bloated and have empty calories.
11. While waiting in the lunch line, challenge your friends to see who can balance on one foot the longest.
12. While sitting at your desk, tighten your legs to strengthen your lower body.
13. Ask your parents to park farther from the store entrance and walk instead of heading for the nearest parking spot.
14. Look for free parks and recreation activities taking place on a weekly basis.
15. Take on your friends in a bike race around the block.
16. See who can jump rope the longest. Challenge your friends to see who can jump the longest without stopping.
17. If you have the chance, take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator.
18. Challenge your friends and family to a game of wiffle ball, tag, or Frisbee.
19. Take care of household chores and yardwork. Great way to get exercise while helping your parents.
20. Volunteer to wash a family member’s vehicle. Great exercise for your arms and legs…don’t forget to wash down low!
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