I’m my father’s daughter. We have never been the healthy ones of our family. Like him, my tendencies are to watch too much Law and Order, skip breakfast, indulge in sweets, and eat fritos with creamy dips. Me? Well I ended up in the hospital due to chronic dehydration and basically felt crappy all the time. Him? He got the pre-diabetes and cholesterol talk from his doctor and felt crappy all the time. So here we are, in a similar place, wanting to be a bit healthier and feel better by adopting new habits. [Side Note: My sis and mom have always been healthy. I didn't get those genes. LOL]
Me? I’ve changed my habits slowly over the past year using The Power of More philosophy. Him? He eats breakfast every day now and has given up the candy bars and donuts for the last month. I am so proud of him! But he’s missing his snacks and he hasn’t learned to “love” regular movement. (Heck – I haven’t learned to love it either – I’m still in the “act as if” stage.)
So when I found out he was coming down for a few days, I couldn’t wait to begin a new tradition of sharing healthy family habits and sharing a little of what I’ve learned.
- We walked. To my sister’s house. To a friends house. Just a few blocks here and there.
- We played. With the nephews. Chasing balls. Throwing balls. Helping them on the fireman’s pole.
- We shopped. We read labels. He asked questions. I tried to answer.
- We ate. Healthy foods with fabulous flavor. Fresh summer squash with pesto. Berries and plain greek yogurt. Healthy chicken salad. Baked lentil chips.
By the end of the weekend, he discovered several new foods and great snack options. He wore his sneakers more than his loafers. He knows the difference between a protein and a carb. He’s going home with bags of herbs, healthy snacks, brown rice pasta, and amazing cereals. And he happily reported that he felt better after getting outside and walking a bit!
And me? Well, I’m feeling pretty grateful.
Have you changed old or created new family health habits?
I love this post. I love being a good influence on my father when he comes to visit as well. My immediate family (hubby and kids) is pretty healthy, but I strive to influence my extended family when I can.
Jenn of PersonalFitCoach.com recently posted..How to Burn Calories Without Exercise
Awww – that’s so great Jenn! TY for stopping by!
We starting doing all kinds of wonderful healthy things! Walking, playing eating healthy, and having fun while doing it! Good for you and your Dad for trying!
So cool! It’s amazing how much fun PLAYING is – I’ve been enlisting my nephews as my newest support group ;)
That’s awesome Kris!! I think in many ways I *HAVE* changed our family – I’ve noticed that my hubby snacks WAY less on chips etc, and he will often offer fresh fruit and veggies from the fridge to the kids if they’re hungry instead of other things like bread etc.
Janice – Fitness Cheerleader recently posted..The World’s Greatest Fitness iPhone App
It is no surprise that your family has shifted too – there is no greater gift! Yay for the hubs!
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Love the new look!!!
Miz recently posted..Smalls steps toward detoxing the grown-up edition
Wow! OMG on separate lines! That’s even better than Oh. My. God. TYSM Carla!