That's Fit

It's nearly impossible to be a healthy individual if the family you live with relies on unhealthy habits and lives an unhealthy lifestyle. It's unrealistic to expect yourself to eat nutritious, balanced meals when everyone around you is having pizza and KFC every night! One of the single best things you can do to help ensure your health and fitness success and give your efforts a much-needed jumpstart is to embrace your family and draw them into living healthier with you.

Of course lecturing and making steamed broccoli for dinner every night probably isn't going to do the trick-- you're going to have to get back to basics and make it a "from the ground up" kind of effort. Here are some tips to get you and yours all started on a healthier lifestyle, together:

• Make meals an occasion Try to get away from "fend for yourself" breakfasts and lunches (which only lead to grabbing candy bars and fast food) and instead make a point to set the table and sit down together for meals. Work to create a peaceful and engaging vibe at the table instead of one of feeling rushed and stressed.
• Get enough sleep This applies to everybody, not just the kids! Set your house up with an intentional flow towards going to bed at the same time every night -- about an hour before everybody should be in bed start turning off lights, shut down the TV and computer, and spend a few minutes catching up with each other and preparing for the next day.
• Get everybody moving Initiate an afternoon walk or an after dinner game of charades to get everybody moving and feeling active.
• Help everybody get comfortable with talking Talk openly in your family about health and emotional issues by scheduling regular family meetings or talking about health news and issues at mealtimes. Once everybody's comfortable and talking openly make a point to keep the trend going so it becomes a natural habit.

Everybody's family is different and everybody's health and fitness goals are different too. What are your goals and how are you getting your family involved? Share with us in the comments!