Practice 5-2-1-0 all year: Ideas for August
| Healthy You | 5-2-1-0 | Kids Health
Skippity hop hop to meet your daily movement goal.
Whew, is it just us or does the summer feel long when the kids are at home, you’re trying to reduce screentime and they’re already “bored” of their regular activities?
Use the 5-2-1-0 approach to keep the kiddos engaged in healthy activities in the dog days of summer.
Take a look at what each number means for each day:
We jotted down a few ideas to get your creative flow going for each category.
To eat 5 veggies and fruits per day – Have a picnic.
Eating outside when conditions are right (not too hot, windy, buggy) can be a fun family memory…and can help kids have positive association with foods.
If you have a picky eater on your hands, try plating their food in a muffin tray or as a kid-cuterie on a baking sheet. Use toothpicks as a fun way to enjoy the food (if the kids are old enough) or get in there with your fingers.
Watermelon pizza is a crowd favorite.
To limit screen time under two hours – Go to the county or state fair.
No time or means? Make your own games and rides in your living room or backyard. Who doesn’t love a good pillow fort?
Create a neighborhood sidewalk hopscotch or tic-tac-toe game. Sidewalk chalk can often be found at dollar stores.
If you go to the fair, be sure to wash your hands often, especially after the petting zoo.
To get one hour of daily movement – Get some steps in.
Have you seen the resurgence of “skipping?” Turns out it may not be as easy to recall as riding a bike, but it can be good exercise.
Maybe skipping isn’t for you, but a good ole walk is always an option. You’ll want to walk early or late to avoid the peak heat of the day.
To encourage zero-sugar drinks – Mix up what hydrates you.
Drinking plenty of water is key when it’s warm out. Keep it cold by partially freezing water bottles to drink throughout the day.
Make it exciting by freezing fruit in ice cube trays with water for extra flavor or just add fruit like strawberries, cucumber or lemon.
