GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED ABOUT FRUIT!!!

It's not that hard to get your kids excited about fruit.  Take them to the local fruit stand or supermarket and let them pick out new fruits to try.  The different shapes, colors and textures are exciting to the little ones!  Don't be afraid to try coconuts, kiwi, papaya - even if it's something out of the ordinary, it will at least get your kids interested in trying healthy foods!

INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO GET THE KIDS MOVING

Inside fun during the cold winter months do not have to revolve around the t.v. or video games.  Shut off all electronics and have a dance party, or give each kid an instrument and march around the house making a marching band.  Simon-Says and Red-Light/Green-Light are good indoor activities to get the kids moving too.  And don't forget to exercise the brain too - teach your kids checkers and chess, card games, etc.  That way you are exercising the body and mind!

INCREASE KIDS' ACTIVITY THE FUN WAY!

Try increasing your child's physical activity through fun!  Buy them a pedometer and stopwatch (you can get both for under $10).  Kids love to time themselves and measure just about anything.  They can see how many steps it takes to walk around the house, down the block, across the yard, etc.  They can see how many steps they can take in 3 minutes.  They can see how many jumping jacks, rope jumps, sit ups, etc. they can do in a minute.  Bonus:  They can see how fast they can clean up their mess or their room!  They will be having fun while exercising at the same time: it's a win-win!

GIFTS "FIT" FOR CHRISTMAS

While you are shopping for the wee ones this holiday season, think about passing on the video games and substituting with things that will get them moving: jump ropes, bowling pin games, roller blades, even attachments for the Wii (tennis racket, golf club), etc.  Anything that gets them moving will help them physically, emotionally and mentally!