A New Twist to the Old Easter Egg Hunt

Are you getting ready for the Easter Bunny? There is nothing children like more than an entire basket filled with treats! Who doesn't? But why not get them moving BEFORE they dive in!

Make an treaure hunt out of finding their baskets. Use the back of an inexpensive puzzle that they first need to put together to create the map. Then give them clues to where their treats are hidden. Make the clues far apart and your kids will be running from one to the other. The more clues the more movement!

Or how about an egg hunt challenge! Make them hop on one foot from egg to egg. The hunt will last longer and there will be a lot of laughs along the way too! Don't forget to have the video camera rolling!

Happy Hunting!

Only Sneakers Required!

Grab your sneakers and hit the ground running! The easiest way to get moving is to run. All you need is a pair of sneakers and you're off! You don't have to run fast, you just need to get moving! You're children will love it especially if you challenge them. Challenge them to see who can get to the fire hydrant first, the next tree, whatever! And who knows, you might just inspire the next great Olympic Runner!

Have an infant? Grab a jogging stroller and take them too. Don't worry if you have multiples, you can still do it! And it's a great opportunity to get outdoors and stimulate your infant(s) with the sights and sounds of spring! What ever you choose, get moving!

Have 20 minutes and $15.00?

Jillian Michaels hasn't won more seasons of the Biggest Loser than not by accident. The woman knows how to get results! Have 20 minutes and $15.00? Grab your kids and a copy of her DVD '30 Day Shred' for $15.00 ($8.99 on Amazon.com) and get moving!

My two year-old LOVES to do the jumping jacks, my 6 year-old LOVES the plank jacks, my 7 year-old LOVES the oblique twists, and I LOVE the way I look 30 days later (no kidding - you will notice a difference in just weeks). There is something for everyone I promise and even if you can't do it all you will get moving and spend some quality time with your children! Twenty minutes isn't too much to ask and your body and your children will thank you! Now get some water and get moving!!

Two Birds, One Stone -- Read and be Active

Everyone can carve out 15 minutes in their day to spend some quality time with their children. Why not slay two birds with one stone and read while being active! How? With Eric Carle's book From Head to Toe. It's reading and movement combined! Can you arch your back like a cat? Bend your knees like a camel? No matter the age (mine are 2, 6, and 7) they will enjoy moving to this book! Now get reading and get active!

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

This one is simple. If your children see YOU drinking water they are more likely to grab water than a coke. If your children see YOU snacking on vegetabels, fruits, or trail mix they are more likely to do the same. If instead of sitting in front of the television YOU get out and roller blade, play tennis or wiffle ball, or even jump some rope they are more likely to do the same. SHOW your children how to be active, healthy, and fit.

*Make water your drink of choice.
*Snack on foods that do your body good like fruits, vegetables, trail mix, yogurt.
*Eat fish at least once a week. A tuna sandwich counts!
*How about good old fashioned oatmeal or cream of wheat for breakfast. Cheerios or Kashi are a good choice for the time challenged.
*A few activities to enjoy (your kids will LOVE them as well): jump rope, wiffle ball, roller blading, tennis, or just ride your bikes!

Remember, your children are ALWAYS watching you! Make your actions speak louder than your words!

Jump and Laugh

Rain or shine, grab a jump rope! You’ll burn 11 calories per minute and your kids will laugh, A LOT! If you’re child is too little or not quite coordinated enough to jump rope, lay the rope on the ground and move it like a snake. Have them jump over it as many times as they can without landing on it.

Need a verse to jump to? Try:

Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish
How many pieces do you wish?
1, 2, 3,…

(Count how many times you jump over the rope without missing for the answer!)

Hydration

Being the human body is comprised of 60% of water and every system in the body depends on water to function properly, DRINK! Water contains zero calories, has no fat, no cholesterol, and is low in sodium. Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day. Don't like the taste of water? Try a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber in the glass.

Need a little extra inspiration? Try one of my favorite bottled waters, Aquamantra. It comes in 'I Am Loved', 'I Am Grateful', 'I Am Healthy', and 'I Am Lucky'.

Just DRINK!