"Practice makes improvement, not perfection."

Often times people are striving for the PERFECT diet, exercise routine, etc... and always seem to end up disappointed. Well this is because in most things (especially health related) there is no such thing as PERFECT. So just strive for better because better is well better! We are all a work in progress so give yourself a break and work on improving your health rather than perfecting it.

Commercial Break Exercise

We all watch television and know sitting on the couch is not the best way to get active. However, commercial breaks can be a great way to sneak in some physical activity. When a commercial starts, perform exercises throughout the break. A fun way to do this is have a jar of different exercises written on pieces of paper and pick a new one each time. Some examples:

• Jumping jacks
• Jog in place
• March in place
• Side steps
• Sit and stand on and off the couch
• Pushups on knees
• Sit ups

Have fun, get active and still watch your favorite show!

Kids will be picky so let them pick!

At times kids can be picky eaters (some a lot more than others), so let THEM pick what they eat! No, not everything that will be served for dinner, but let them have some input in foods to try. A great way to do this is by engaging them at the grocery store. They can help by choosing which piece(s) of fresh produce you purchase look the best (example- find the reddest apple).  They can even pick out a new piece of produce to try each visit. They may get adventurous and want to try something you’ve never even tried (good thing for the internet; just type in the food and many ways to eat it will come up). You will get more help and less resistance at the dinner table since they will take ownership in what THEY picked out…a win win for everyone!