Keep kids healthy over winter break

The holidays, although a beautiful time, can be extremely challenging when it comes to sticking with our health goals. It is no wonder that come New Year’s Day, everyone is ready for a resolution. As a mom of two, my health concerns do not start or stop with myself. In fact, my kids are really my first priority. I have a little more willpower around a dessert table than they do.  

 

During holiday vacations, routines tend to go out the window. This is where the trouble creeps in. Kids thrive on routines. Even if you are not traveling anywhere, just not having to wake up early for school tends to feed into a sugary breakfast, and more time in front of the television. Sticking to one part of your daily routine can prevent some of those poor decisions later on. Perhaps it’s still rising at the same time, or getting out of those pajamas as soon as you do. The more kids can stay in line with their regular routines, the better it is for the rest of the day’s choices.

 

If you are traveling, sticking to a routine is even that much more important. With a complete change of environment, having some familiarity will reinforce the importance of healthy habits. Perhaps it’s starting the day with a healthy breakfast? Even if you are staying at a hotel, or with relatives, make sure that breakfast is reflective of what you would eat at home.

 

When traveling, being prepared is key. I never rely on finding healthy options at the airport. When traveling with my kids, I always pack cut up veggies, cut up fruit, their favorite healthy snack bars, and back up sandwiches. In our case it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for each family member. In case there is a flight delay or traffic, no one is going hangry.

 

Since being on vacation tends to mean more dining out, this is another great place to plan ahead. I always look at the menu before making a reservation. Although it’s hard to avoid requests for French fries at almost every meal, limit it to one meal per day, not lunch and dinner. Opt for a side of veggies, such as broccoli, to go with it.  

 

With the holidays comest those dessert tables I referenced earlier. Just as with my Halloween candy advice, I apply the same method with my kids here as well. I involve them in deciding what is a fair amount of dessert they can have each day. Giving your kids a say will more likely help them stick with the set amount decided as a family.

 

Get outside! Whether for a walk, a swim if you are somewhere warm, or just running around, any movement counts. Just like we adults need exercise, so do kids. Keep them moving. The more they move, the less they are in front of that television or at the dessert table.  

 

Of course, have fun! Keep the focus on family time rather than those junky snacks. Bonding with your loved ones is just as important as getting them to eat that broccoli at dinner. 

 

Leeann Rybakov is a functional medicine certified health coach who lives on Daniel Island. For more information, visit LeeannRybakovWellness.com or email LeeannRybakov@gmail.com.