Keep Active as a Family with Hiking Adventures

You don't have to trek hours into the woods lugging a backpack and camping supplies to get the benefits of hiking. Hiking and walking are essentially the same thing. Although briskly walking around your neighborhood for thirty to sixty minutes, three to five times a week, is good for your heart, taking in some scenery other than your neighbor's landscaped yard can be good for your mind too. Your family hike can be something you do once every couple of months or something you do weekly. Studies comparing people who don't exercise to those who incorporate light to moderate exercise into their lives at least three times a week have demonstrated that the benefits include decreased heart disease, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, decreased obesity, prevention or control of diabetes, and improved longevity.

Keep it fun and plan ahead whether you are going on a weekend camping trip or just out for a day hike. Start by packing healthy meals and snacks. Trail mix isn't just for the trails—it can be a delicious and nutritious snack for around the house—but why not take some on your family hiking adventure? Half of the fun is making it with the kids. Let them choose the ingredients they want. Make a trip to the market and buy granola, nuts, pretzels, unsweetened cereals, and air-popped popcorn. Mix and season to your family's taste.

More on: Family Nutrition

Excerpted from:

From Raising Healthy Eaters: 100 Tips for Parents by Henry Legere, M.D. Copyright © 2004. Used by arrangement with The Perseus Books Group.

To order this book visit perseusbooksgroup.com.