Kids - Healthy Santa Clarita

Staying Fit for Fun

It seems like every day we hear more and more about health and fitness. Your parents, doctors and friends are always thinking of new ways to keep kids healthy. But what does it mean to be “fit?”  How can kids take charge of their own health?

Being fit means that you eat healthy foods, stay physically active and maintain an overall healthy weight and lifestyle. This might sound like a lot of work, but staying fit can be fun!

Did you know that you are exercising every time you take part in some of your favorite activities? When you are out at recess or involved in a P.E. class, you are building strong muscles and gaining energy while maintaining your health. Did you know that simply playing soccer, kickball, baseball, basketball or dancing can help you to grow stronger?

1. The Food Variety

We all have favorite foods that we want to eat at every meal, every day of the week. However in addition to these favorite foods, it is important to eat different types of food to help your body get important vitamins and nutrients. Try to eat a variety by eating lots of fruits, vegetables and grains every day. Try vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or peas; try fruits like strawberries, watermelon or grapes. Eating brightly colored fruits and vegetables will help you stay healthy.  You can eat your grains in the morning in your cereal, or have a piece of toast as an after school snack.

2. Watering Your Body

It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Did you know that 50-75% of your body is made up of water? It is important to drink water to replenish your body’s supply. Also, drinking water helps you stay strong and healthy. Your body uses water to break down the chemicals, nutrients and fatty acids you eat, and therefore it is an important part of daily living!

3. Get Out and Get Moving

As a kid, you are able to explore which activities you like best. Maybe you like baseball, soccer, dancing, karate, running, roller skating or playing Tag with your friends. All of these are great ways to stay active daily. Make a list of your favorite activities and incorporate them into your weekly routine.

Now that you are an expert on staying fit, talk to your parents and see what they are doing to stay fit while leading healthy lives. As a family, sign a promissory note and promise to make an effort to Eat, Drink and Be Healthy! Also, visit the Community Events section of this page to see what fun fitness events are coming up that you can be involved in!

Food for Thought

Here are a few tips to help you eat healthy and choose smart food:

• Eat at least two pieces of your favorite fruit each day.
• Eat breakfast. Breakfast is the first and most important meal of the day. It helps you build the energy you need to get through your busy day. Try eating cereal or a piece of toast and a banana. Stay away from breakfast foods that have lots of sugar.
• Eat at least two of your favorite vegetables.  Even better, experiment and try a vegetable that you’ve never had every day.
• Eat lots of grains and carbohydrates everyday to help boost your energy. Some foods that have grains are bread, oatmeal, rice, pasta and potatoes.
• After school, try to have a variety of snacks. Maybe some fruit and milk, or ask your parents if you can try vegetable sticks dipped in salad dressing.
• Drink plenty of liquids - like food, drinks are very important for your body as well. Instead of choosing sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks, try water, milk or fruit juice without added sugar.
• Limit the amount of sugar you eat and drink. Though sugars are ok once in a while, too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and a lack of nutritional balance throughout the day.
• Stay active. Be sure to be active everyday. Try playing a new physically active game with a friend, becoming involved in a recreational sports team, or asking your parents to go bike riding with you.

With these tips you are well on your way to leading a nutritious and healthy life. Take the time to sit down with your family and set goals to achieve nutrition. You can challenge yourself to eat a variety of foods each day. Use this form to keep track of your progress. If you can’t remember the food groups to choose from, click here to take a look.

I want to personally thank you for taking the time to make healthy living an important part of your life. Making good choices in your food, drink and daily exercise plan will help you live longer and live healthier!

Sincerely,

Marsha McLean
Mayor