Getting America’s children and families healthy is a top priority of Let’s Move – first lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide initiative to promote making healthy choices, improving food quality in schools, increasing access to healthy, affordable food, and increasing physical activity. The website has a ton of great information and we thought we would share some of their helpful tips to build healthy habits for a healthy home:

1. Healthy Snacks. Your family, like most, is probably always on-the-go. Be prepared with nutritious and easy to eat on-the-go food like fresh fruits and vegetables. Think color – try eating fruits and vegetables of different colors to give your family a wide range of nutrients like fiber, folate, potassium and vitamins.
2. Make Physical Activity Fun. Activities should be fun and something that the whole family can do together. There is a push for kids to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but it doesn’t all have to be at one time. Short walks, active chores, walking the dog – it all adds up!
3. Plan a Healthy Menu. Preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be hard or expensive, it just takes planning. Plan healthy meals for the week, then make a shopping list and stick to it! Cut back on sugar – especially sodas and juice with added sugar. Watch portion sizes – use smaller plates and bowls and buy smaller packages of snack foods.
4. Stay Active. Some screen and computer time is healthy, but it’s important to explain to children to sit less and move more. Sometimes they can enjoy both at once – the Nintendo Wii and New Xbox 360 Kinect integrate fun games with physical activity.
5. Organize a School Health Team. The school environment strongly impacts the behavior, health and well-being of children. Parents can help schools create an environment that will encourage a child’s overall academic success. Call your child’s principal or PTA president to find out if your school has an active health team.