At Peppy Up, our goal is to create positive messages and resources encouraging children and their families to be healthier, because if you Eat Your Best, you can Be Your Best, and that’s something we can all put into practice!
Children in most cases develop eating and exercise habits from their family, just as many adults established eating and exercise patterns from their family. But it is never too late to change habits! While schools and health care providers can educate children, motivation to make lifestyle changes come from within – within families and communities. It’s important to work together as a family to understand any risk or genetic predisposition for chronic illness, and to try to improve food choices.
Here is a recent informational interview about type 2 diabetes with University of Illinois students and endocrinologist Dr. Paul Burkholder, MD.
Click Here to view an informational interview about type 2 diabetes with University of Illinois students and endocrinologist Dr. Paul Burkholder, MD.
Junk food tastes good, it can be less expensive, and it is addictive. Most people would prefer to eat the junk foods on the Peppy Down list as opposed to the healthy foods on the Peppy Up list. But some of our favorite junk foods can be cooked healthier, or consumed in smaller portions. It’s best to start by making slow changes to your diet, and to try committing to a few changes for 30 days. It takes 30 days to change a habit!
For a reference of healthy food options next time you shop, Click Here to download the Peppy Up Grocery List!
The Peppy Up challenge is a 30-day challenge that you can complete to help change your habits. In the challenge, you and your children can complete a 30-day calendar of exercise and food choices, including circling the GOOD, BETTER, and BEST foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There is also a food diary to complete, with added points for every Peppy Up food eaten each day. The goal is to improve your point score each week and be more active!
Here are a few more of our ideas for creating Healthy Habits:
Let your children help you make a better breakfast!
Click Here to learn how to make eggs in a mug or pumpkin pie oatmeal.
Teach your children how to pack a healthy lunch, or cook a healthy dinner together.
Click Here to learn how to make a tacky potato.
When you do go out to eat as a family, try to order smaller portions.
Go for a walk together instead of watching TV or playing video games!
What healthy habits are you putting into practice?
What healthy habits are you putting into practice? We’d love to hear from you! Click Here to follow the Peppy Up program on Facebook.
