Last month, The Sneaky Chef’s Missy Chase Lapine teamed up with fitness trainer Larysa DiDio to provide “Sneaky Strategies” for fitting in more exercise and calorie-burning activities into children’s everyday life with Sneaky Fitness: Fun, Foolproof Ways to Slip Fitness into Your Child’s Everyday Life.
I was able to submit ten questions from Mom in the City readers that Missy and Larysa were kind enough to answer. I will share their responses over the next few weeks. Today, I will share Larysa’s answers below:
1. What is your number one tip for parents in regards to helping kids fit more physical activity into their daily lives?
Use “everyday” activities to get your kid moving just a little more. Little changes add up to big results. You don’t need to put your kid on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Studies have shown that it is just as effective to add small bursts of activity throughout a child’s day. Walk to the bus instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, have them help you pack the groceries and bring them in, park in a spot that’s a little further from the store, go to the park instead of the movies, have them jump on a trampoline while they watch tv, etc.
2. What are some practical ways for parents to make fitness more fun for their kids?
Make it fun! Think about the activities that they like to do and then intersperse some physical fitness. For example, kids love filming themselves. Have them make their own music video. The dancing, playing of instruments and prep work keeps them active and burns lots of calories.
3. How can parents involve their kids in family fitness decisions?
Kids love to plan! Make a Family Fitness calendar. Every week have the kids plan what kind of physical activity they’d like to do each day. Also have them think about ways that they can add extra fitness everyday and have them implement it. Ask them questions about what they think fitness is doing for them and how they feel while they’re being active.
4. Can you share your favorite new recipe from your upcoming book (and why)?
My kids love Breakfast “Sushi”. They were practically born with chopsticks in their hands and they love having it for breakfast. I love that this is a healthy morning option low in sugar and high in protein, vitamins and fiber.
*Please be sure to check back next week for Missy’s answers.