TIME Magazine has an interesting – albeit slightly alarming –
piece this week about the effects of parenting on women’s health. The bad news? Mothers are generally less active than their child-free counterparts – though they consume more calories, on average. As the piece points out, this causes problems for mothers’ health – and it isn’t setting wonderful examples for kids, either.
The best part of the article? Realistic suggestions for limiting calories, incorporating healthier food choices, and increasing activity levels. Knowing that limited time can be behind the decision to prepare (and snack on) less healthy convenience foods, the piece suggests altering quick-serve healthy snack options, like veggies and a healthy dip. And rather than suggesting an hour a day at the gym, it recommends moms take part in kids’ activities, whether that’s a quick game of tag or kicking the ball at the park – or the personal favorite of one mom we know, a few 5-minute dance parties spread throughout the day.
How do you incorporate healthy foods and physical activity into your family’s lifestyle?