Lao Tzu said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

I have found that for a lot of people, it is easier to start with small steps towards a big goal.  It can be overwhelming to make big changes to your daily routine and your normal habits.  I am going to try something over the next few weeks.  I am going to issue a new challenge every few days.  Each challenge will build on the previous one(s).  Over time, if you are able to make these small steps, they will add up to some significant changes in your habits and will move you in a positive direction toward your health and fitness goals.

Your first challenge is very simple:

I want you to eat at least 1 piece of fruit every day for the next week. 

If this is truly a "family project" and not an individual project for you, than also make sure each member of your family eats at least 1 piece of fruit every day as well.

If you are already doing this, GREAT!  Keep doing it.  You are ahead of the game.

Easy, right?  Ok, now let's do it.  Let's take that first step.
 
 
Two of the most common questions I get regarding improving the fitness and nutrition habits of kids are:
1. How can I get my kid to get off the couch and do something?
2. How can I get my kid to eat fruit and/or vegetables?

The first step in solving this challenges is the same for both: have them join you.  It is our job as parents to "lead from the front" and set a po
Take your child with you to exercise.  This doesn't have to include going to a gym.   Go for a walk together.  Go outside (when it isn't 12 degrees like it is here today) and kick a ball around, or ride bicycles.  Just get out and MOVE! If you aren't making efforts yourself to exercise more, your child won't either.  My wife and I took the kids in with us to the gym yesterday.  They love to run and jump and do things to try to meet challenges I give them. ("Can you run down to the couch and back before I count to 10?")
When it comes to making healthy eating choices, as the parent you control the shopping.  You control what is prepared for meals.  You have the final say.  Sometimes as parents (and I am as guilty as anyone) we take the path of least resistance.  If is a lot easier to open up the pop tart wrapper, or just let them have whatever they want to eat.  We have to take control and make healthy choices available for our kids.  One of the challenges is that it usually takes a little bit longer to prepare healthy foods and snacks. That is where we just have to suck it up and remind ourselves that it is worth the extra 30 seconds or 2 minutes or whatever, to make sure we our giving our children the best chance to live a healthy life.
Another suggestion that helps is to let your kids pick out at least one healthy item next time you go grocery shopping.  If they have "ownership" in that decision, they are more likely to eat it.
Since this project is designed to help me learn as well, please share some of your "tricks" and strategies you use to encourage your kids to be active and eat healthy foods.
 
 
Merry Christmas!  I hope you are having a great week and are going to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with family over the next few days.  Check out the video below.  I have issued a little "challenge".