Nourishing Bonds: A Guide To Building A Healthy Family In 2024
Over the past few years I’ve noticed an increase in family members who are developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. I also noticed that they are getting younger, it is not only the seniors being diagnosed. With the increase in snacking, fast food meals, eating foods that are convenient, and quick on the go meals it has created a lifestyle of poor habits. What we teach early on will affect our children for years to come.
Creating a wellness-focused family involves intentional choices and practices that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all family members. Not only do you want to encourage healthy living for those who live in your home but also share the message with your extended family and friends.
The goal is to create generational change in your family's health as well as those connected to you. Instead of hearing heart disease or diabetes run in my family, we want to hear that my family has longevity. So where do we start? We can start by making changes in our homes first, then reaching out and sharing your success with extended family. Asking the important questions that will help your family to see the need for better choices. Ask what is our current lifestyle and habits? Do we snack often? Night eating? Are we drinking enough water or are we loading up on sugary juices? How often do we eat out? Ask the questions that need to be addressed and create a healthy eating plan that everyone can live with.
Eliminate the unhealthy foods from your home a few at a time. Next we should identify areas that need improvement and set realistic goals. Small changes will bring about the success you want to see. It is important to remove all processed foods, white sugar, white flour and replace it with healthier choices such as almond flour or coconut flour. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. A balanced nutrient rich diet incorporating whole fresh foods.
Encourage your family to increase their water, replace the sugary juices for water. Water increases energy, adds a glow to the skin, boosts your metabolism, regulates body function and improves brain health. The more water is encouraged the more it becomes a part of your routine.
"Family is a team, and when we work together, we create a bond that withstands challenges, celebrates victories, and builds a legacy of unity, love, and shared success."
We are the teachers and lead by example with our own healthy habits. Encourage mindful eating, make it a point of sitting down at the table as a family as much as possible to enjoy sharing events of the day and spending time together. Avoid distractions.
Passing down healthy habits to your family is a great way to introduce new traditions that will last a lifetime.
Meal Planning and Preparation are two foundational keys to stabilizing your health goals. If you can remain dedicated to weekly meal planning, creating a shopping list and meal preparation you will be on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Involve the whole family in meal prep and planning.
Encourage your family to assist with the food prep, get them in the kitchen to be a part of preparing the meal. It’s more fun as a family to create delicious dishes.
There is no greater feeling than to be able to workout as a family, Incorporate regular exercise into your family routine. Choose activities that are enjoyable to everyone. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. Establish a space to exercise at home. Encourage short breaks for stretching and quick exercises.
Create a positive home environment. Nothing is better than coming home to a peaceful, stress-free environment. I always think about how people feel when they step inside my home, do they feel peace and tranquility or do they feel stressed and unrest. Designate a cozy corner for relaxation and reflection.
Allow your family to communicate how they feel about this new way of living and always provide emotional support.
Remember, building a healthy family is an ongoing process that requires commitment, communication, and collaboration. Small, consistent changes over time can lead to significant improvements in your family's overall well-being. Make 2024 the year of family bonding and health transformation.
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