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resistance. But having access to whole fruits, easy-to-grab veggies, fat-

free yogurt, low-salt and high-fiber snack foods, and a range of other

healthy foods helps “train” your child’s appetite in the direction of

nutritious foods.

Try to get outside with your kids every day, at least for a few minutes. Sure,

driving home after a long day and finding your child waiting to ride bikes or

shoot baskets is tough. But spending time exercising with your child is a

wonderful way to get to know and connect with your child and, just as

importantly, turn your child on to the routine of regular exercise.

Getting Your Toddler Outdoors

Getting your toddler outdoors is like getting a bird to fly — it’s just so natural

that many kids wouldn’t dream of not doing it. Consider, for example, the fol-

lowing outdoor games kids are motivated to play (and notice that they all do

qualify as “exercise” because they build stronger, leaner bodies):

Playing soccer, Wiffle ball, and kickball

Climbing trees, monkey bars, and jungle gyms

Jumping rope

Playing hopscotch

Riding a tricycle

Taking adventure walks in the woods (also known as hiking and

snowshoeing)

Yet a toddler who is used to spending most of the day watching TV may think

the outdoors is a foreign country, where she doesn’t dare venture. It’s up to

you to change that mindset, showing your child how much more fun playing

is than watching Nickelodeon.

Taking your kids along

on your fitness routine

Working out with a baby is pretty simple: Put your baby in a playpen and

start your aerobics DVD, or set her in a baby seat and pedal your bike for an

hour. When she weighs just 15 or 20 pounds, sleeps a lot, and is happy just to

be in the same room as you, your workout options are fairly broad.

340 Part VII: Exercising for All Ages and Stages