Here are some snacking suggestions to get help you get healthy and stay healthy in the New Year.
- Apple slices and two teaspoons of peanut butter for delicious dipping.
- One whole-wheat tortilla packed with turkey and low fat cheese. Pop it in the microwave until cheese is melted.
- Apple sauce
- A frozen banana
- Pickles. I absolutely love munching on a huge dill pickle. Because of the sodium, I make it an occasional snack. It's also a great substitute for high-fat popcorn at the movies.
- Apple slices and a strip of low-fat mozzarella string cheese
- Low-fat microwave popcorn
- A handful of pretzels and raisins
- Baked chips with salsa
- Tuna made with low-fat mayo and dill pickle relish atop Melba toast
10 Fitness Tips For Kids
- Find a nearby park and play. Bike, walk, or drive to a nearby park and take a Frisbee, football, or soccer ball and play.
- Walk around the neighborhood. Walking can be great exercise, and all you need are some good walking shoes.
- Go military. You can run in place to the count of 30. You can do sets of jumping jacks, sit-ups, or push-ups.
- "Get jiggy with it." Play some fun, kid-friendly music and start dancing.
- Jump rope. Even if you don't own a jump rope, you can pretend you are jumping.
- Play basketball. Basketball is great exercise! Play one on one, or just learn to dribble.
- Do some chores. Surprise your parents by sweeping off the driveway or washing the car without them asking.
- Just gotta watch TV? Pick a favorite TV show that comes on before you get too tired and compete against the clock. Who can do the most sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts, or lunge walks during the 2-minute commercial break? Use the next break to drink an extra glass of water.
- Relax together. This too can be done in front of the TV but would be much better with some relaxing music. Turn on some worship music and do some neck rolls, back and hamstring stretches. You'll be glad you did.
Excerpt permission granted by Bronze Bow Publishing, Inc.
Marty Copeland is a wife, mother of 3, a Master Personal Trainer and Nutritional Guidance Counselor. Most importantly, she is here, doing this, because she has experienced first hand that God not only desires to help us reach our health and fitness goals, but He has the perfect plan that will lead us to a lifestyle of freedom and self-control. She has come to know that true health is more than just having a strong and healthy body-though that is something we should all enjoy. True health also includes a strong spirit and soul. It is when our spirits are full and our minds are strong that living a healthy lifestyle becomes easy.
