Tips and tricks for a healthier lifestyle (from people too young to tie their own shoes)
by Elsa K. Simcik
S
ure, most young kids loathe vegetables, have poor table manners and would rather eat cookies than cucumbers. But look a little more closely and you’ll see that they demonstrate other behaviors that personify healthy living. These tiny people – with their tantrums and snotty noses – might have it all figured out. If adults did half the things toddlers and preschoolers did, we all might be in better shape. Some healthy practices from the littlest people at home: Stop when you’re Full Adults may eat until a button comes loose. Not kids. Once that full signal goes off, they quit. Studies show that adults may grab a second helping even when they’re not hungry because of the hormone ghrelin. This “hunger hormone” acts on the brain’s pleasure center, encouraging you to reach for another helping because you recall how good it tasted the first time. Kids also have good memories of how food tasted; they’re just far too busy to sit around and eat more.
Snack Rather than eating three large meals a day, little kids often eat three moderate meals and two snacks. Isn’t that what the talk show 30 Atlanta Parent June 2015
Stretch Young kids are constantly stretching and doing things that make us say, “I wish I was that flexible.” Adults could be flexible, too; it just takes some stretching. Plus, stretching enhances physical fitness and prevents injuries. Don’t just stretch before and after working out. You can do it while watching TV, waiting for food to heat or during a quick break at work. Kids are so good at stretching they were the inspiration for the classic “child’s pose” in yoga.
docs always tell you to do? Snacking between meals keeps you energized, provides vital nutrients and curbs hunger, that way you don’t binge at the next mealtime. (It’s good for those buttons, too.)
Take Small Bites Kids like to have their food cut up because it’s easier to manage. If adults tried this trick it could lead to consuming fewer calories. Here’s how: eating smaller-sized food takes longer. If we take longer to eat, then our body sends that “I’m full” signal to our brains while food is still on our plates. Instead of finishing your meal, you’ve got leftovers. You spared some calories and some money at the same time. atlantaparent.com