We love children here at MAN v FAT, although we couldn’t eat a whole one. Legally (thanks generation snowflake), we have to point out that this is a joke and a way to broach the issue of children and weight loss. We have never and will never eat a child, whole or otherwise. With this established, it does leave the interesting, and often thorny, issue of how children impact your weight. The simple answer is that they’re terrible for it. They keep you up, leave you knackered and poor and then become teenagers and blame you for everything.
Don’t. Just, don’t.
But is there a silver lining to this particular cloud? Yes – follow our tips and you’ll soon find that your children are your allies when it comes to a healthy lifestyle and remember – involving your children in your weight loss journey can not only help you stay motivated but also set a positive example for them. Here are some ways your children can help you lose weight:
- Encourage physical activities together
Children are naturally energetic and love to play. By spending time with them engaging in physical activities like running, cycling, swimming or basketball, you can burn some calories while bonding with them. Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. By getting involved in these activities with your children, you can ensure you’re meeting your own physical activity requirements too (a mere 150 minutes per week!)
- Meal planning and preparation
Your children can be your biggest allies in the kitchen when it comes to meal planning and preparation. By involving them in the process, you can teach them about the importance of healthy eating and create a bonding experience. Plan healthy meals together, shop for the ingredients and cook them as a family. This way, you can keep a close eye on the calorie content of your meals, and it will also help you avoid unhealthy takeout options.
- Keep each other accountable
Accountability is key when it comes to weight loss. By sharing your weight loss goals with your children, you can help create a sense of accountability for your progress. If your children know you’re trying to lose weight, they may encourage you to make healthier choices, remind you to exercise or offer you support when you’re feeling discouraged. Additionally, setting weight loss goals as a family can help keep everyone accountable for their progress.
- Take a walk after dinner
After a meal, taking a walk together can be a great way to not only burn calories but also to spend time with your children. Walking after dinner can help digestion, promote better sleep and even reduce stress levels. Instead of settling on the sofa after dinner, take your children for a stroll around the neighborhood, enjoy the fresh air and have a conversation. It can also set a positive example for your children by showing them that regular physical activity is a part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Use healthy treats as rewards
It can be difficult to maintain motivation when you’re on a weight loss journey. However, using healthy treats as a reward for achieving your goals can be a great way to stay motivated. Involve your children in the process by setting up a reward system where you get to indulge in healthy treats like fruit smoothies or a piece of dark chocolate when you reach certain milestones.
6. Get active indoors
If going outside for physical activities is not an option, there are still plenty of ways to get active indoors with your children. Turn on some music and have a dance party, do a family workout together or play active video games like Wii Sports or Just Dance. Not only will you be burning calories, but you’ll also be having fun with your children.
- Prioritise sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for weight loss. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. By involving your children in a bedtime routine, you can prioritize getting enough sleep. Encourage your children to unplug from electronic devices and engage in relaxing activities like reading or meditating before bed. By prioritizing sleep as a family, you’ll create a healthier household all round.
