Raising a Healthy Toddler

One of the most important things for me when it comes to raising Addison is that she is healthy. It's so easy to go through a drive-through and pick up fast food. Or to get sucked into the TV for hours on end without moving from the couch. Inspired by #ChobaniKids which promotes healthy kids, I'm motivated to look at our lifestyle and what we do to keep our toddler happy and healthy.

1 // Homemade meals can make all the difference. It doesn't have to be that every item on the table has to be made from scratch. But when you make the meal at home, you are in control of what goes into your food and in return what goes into your kid's bodies. It can make all the difference between a sluggish kid and aueuen energized kid. I also think it's a great idea to get your kid into the kitchen with you. For Addison, she's still a little young at 2 1/2 to do much cooking, but she can help pour ingredients or stir. By getting kids into the kitchen, they help create and will be proud.

2 // I don't think it's good to cut out treats all together. I think it's all about moderation. Why not have a day when you have something not so great for you, but just don't make it everyday.

3 // Play together. Seriously if you're sitting down while your kid is running around around you right now, get up. Although feel free to finish reading these tips first. But seriously, get up and run with them. I know as a mom that I'm tired a lot. I'm worn down and just want to sit for awhile. But the best way to encourage movement in our kids is to get up and move with them. Run around the back yard chasing a ball. Go to the playground. Go on a walk. Do something fun and active together as family and it won't seem like work at all, but yet you are being healthy and moving.

4 // Start with a healthy breakfast. Addison loves to eat. She has always loved food. However her choice in foods has changed over time and that has been a struggle for me. I want her to eat her vegetables and fruits and she wants to eat a cookie. It's sometimes a struggle to get her to eat. But the one thing I can always get her to eat is yogurt every morning. She's starting her day off healthy which gives her a boost to get going on her day.

5 // Be an example. I think this is the biggest one. Kids follow what they see, and if all they see are unhealthy eating choices and sitting around all the time then that's what they will do too. So you have to make the right choices as well and honestly once you start making the right choices you will probably start feeling better and stick to the healthier food choices and activities.

It's hard sometimes with the hustle and bustle of life to make dinner at home or find the energy run around the backyard. As adults we have to be the example. We have to show our kids how to make the right decisions because in the end what matters is that our kids are happy and healthy and feeling good. Plus nobody wants a sluggish, cranky toddler from not eating the right things and not moving enough.

xo, B