How to Improve Your Nutrition in Chantilly and Fairfax County

We all know that the secret to a long, healthy life is really no secret at all. Simply eat right and get plenty of exercise. But for today’s busy families, it can be easier said than done.

Between work, school, extra-curricular activities, and other obligations, finding the time to exercise and make nutritious, delicious meals from scratch can be a challenge. Add in the temptations from the fast and processed food industries, and keeping your family on the right track can feel like a lost cause.

Luckily, with a little planning, preparation, and a few minor adjustments, you and your family can be on the road to a healthier, more active lifestyle. In honor of Nutrition Month, here are some tips to get your family to eat better and stay fit.

Set Small, Realistic Goals – Change can be hard, but you’re more likely to succeed if you set small, realistic goals. Have a family meeting about nutrition, ask your children to come up with ways to eat better and exercise, and work together to set individual and group goals. If your preschooler refuses to even look at anything that resembles a vegetable, start with just placing a carrot or one pea on their plate. Work up to having them touch it, smell it, or even lick it.   And yes, “patience” will be key to your success in this pursuit.

One Small Change – Are you looking to cut down on sweets or processed food, or incorporate more veggies into your diet? The trick is not to let yourself to get overwhelmed by thinking that you have to implement an entirely clean slate overnight. Instead, make one small change a week. If, for example, your week is full of take-out or instant entrees, commit to making at least one home-cooked meal Replace the sugary cereal with a more nutritious option, or use honey or other natural sweeteners in your baking instead of refined sugar.

Meal Plan – You were hung up at work, your son has baseball practice in an hour, and you hear “What’s for dinner?” On nights like these, it’s so tempting to reach for the blue box of mac n’ cheese or those frozen chicken nuggets. They’re quick, but not exactly nutritious. Instead, make a dinner plan for the week. Shop for ingredients that are on sale, and use what you have in the pantry. When cooking, make a double batch and freeze half for another night. And don’t forget that trusty slow-cooker to help you out on days you know you’re pressed for time.

Eat Together – Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sit down at the table with your family. Not only does family mealtime allow you all to slow down and catch up, research shows that children who routinely eat meals with their family perform better academically, have higher self-esteem, and lower risk of obesity and eating disorders.

Get Moving – Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s a great time to get your family outside. Take in a hike or bike ride, or simply go for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. Weather not cooperating? Have a dance party in the living room or get that heart pumping with a workout DVD. You don’t need a fancy gym membership to get moving.

While you’re at it, is your home water quality up to par? If not, or even if you’re just not sure, contact Your 1 Plumber today for more information about our well system and water filtration solutions. We have the right solution for every home, and every budget!