Healthy habits last a lifetime

 

So you have a new baby, congratulations! You're probably running on sleepless nights and "fast" food. Take a tip from a daddy who has walked in your shoes six times. It's not always easy, but making healthy choices can be extremely beneficial to both you and your baby.

Here are some fun and easy ways to sneak a little wellness into your day:

Walk it Out: Taking your little one on a walk, daily, is an excellent place to start. Stroller walks are totally suitable, and after a while, you might even feel confident walking while baby wearing the extra weight from your baby will make this a real workout without even realizing it!

Keep Up: Chasing your toddler around a park or playground can also help to get your blood pumping. Getting to the gym can feel impossible at times, so buy yourself some free-weights or a yoga mat and a workout tape to help you get started in the comfort of your own home (while your kiddo is napping!). Biking or walking instead of driving whenever possible is also a great way to sneak a bit of exercise throughout the week.

Nutritious is Delicious: Your body and your baby need good nutrition now more than ever. You can start slowly by cutting out a few unhealthy snacks and replacing them with wholesome foods like: fruits, veggies, lean meats and lean dairy. Making these simple changes will help you feel better and have more energy

Fast and Healthy: Fast food doesn't necessarily need to be unhealthy food. Thanks to the Internet, there are loads of blogs and websites devoted to fast and simple family meals. Meals that you can feel good about eating and prepare in 15 to 30 minutes are only a click away. Remember to incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet and get yourself a healthy serving of protein daily you're going to need it!

It's Not Just for You: If you're having a hard time finding the motivation and gumption needed to move towards a healthier lifestyle look no further than your little one that is. The decisions you make now will influence your child's healthy habits and outlook relating to wellness. So go ahead and show them that it's important to be healthy do it together.

I know as well as anybody, new dads and moms are busy people. There's no need to feel overwhelmed, decide on a few small, easy changes and stick with them. One positive change will lead to another and before you know it you will be an energetic, healthy, fit and active parent!

Whatever you do, make a plan and do your best to stick to it. Small steps can lead to milestones. – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

- Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of six, offers his five cents-worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a dad's perspective.

The Star