How to Be Healthy at Home and at
School
Healthy eating, exercise, sleep, stress management heartofmalaysia, and good emotional health are
key to maintaining a healthy life. They are important for reducing your risk of
developing certain conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.
The first step is to figure out what’s holding you back and then make some changes.
Start with a few small goals and gradually build them up.
Eat healthier, smaller meals more often and avoid snacking between meals as much
as possible. Keep healthy options on hand, such as fruit, nuts, whole grain cereals or
sliced vegetables with a low-fat dip.
Choose foods that are high in fiber and low in fat, sodium, and sugar. Look for food
labels that list dietary guidelines and nutrition facts, if available.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day
helps prevent dehydration and keeps your body functioning well. Try to drink
unsweetened, low-fat milk instead of sodas and other sugary drinks.
Be active, especially during the school day and after school. This will help your child
manage their weight and have stronger muscles and bones. Physical activity can
include playing sports, taking part in organized activities, walking or riding a bike.
Talk with family members and caregivers, such as day care providers or babysitters,
about your child’s healthy eating habits. Ask them to provide healthy meals and
snacks, limit inactive time and be an example of good health.
Encourage your children to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are good
sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. They can also help kids get enough
energy to play and learn.
When shopping, look for foods that are high in whole grain products and fresh fruits
and veggies. Processed foods, such as fast foods and frozen dinners, are usually
higher in salt and added sugar than whole foods.
Use mealtime as a time to teach your children about healthy eating and make sure
they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Mealtime can also be a
chance to make healthy meals together, such as salads, whole grain breads and
pastas, or soups.
Turn off TV, video games and other devices during mealtime to encourage more
discussion about nutrition. This will also give your children a chance to socialize with
you and other family members, which can also be a positive influence on their eating
habits.
Be a role model for your children by modeling good health habits yourself, and by
being consistent about the foods and beverages you eat and drink. Your children will
follow your lead, and they’ll want to be just like you.
Don’t be afraid to try new foods. You might discover that you love them! But if
they’re not in line with your healthy lifestyle, try splitting a serving size and taking
home some of the healthy parts of the dish so you can enjoy it while on vacation.
Take control of your diet and make small, positive changes that will add up to a big
impact on your overall health.