It's no surprise that exercise is hard to fit in on a daily basis-there's work, and housework, and social obligations...the list goes on, and that's just your schedule! When you add in school, practices, games, and toting your kids from one location to the next, it can be downright overwhelming. The fact is, though, that your children learn their lifestyle habits from watching you. If you make time to stay active, if you make conscientious choices about eating healthy, then they will too. Is there any better motivation than that?

So...how do you stay on track? Start by setting a goal each week, like, "I want to eat 6 servings of vegetables a day" or "I want to take a walk four times this week," then write the goal somewhere you'll see it every day. In college, I stuck post-its all around my dorm room with "GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTT AND GO WORK OUT" written on them. It may not have been positive encouragement, but I was in the best shape of my life because I couldn't ignore those post-its! If your goals are written down, you're more likely to follow through. So what if you're good at scheduling, but can't seem to actually make it happen? Have someone else hold you accountable. It can be a good friend, your spouse, even your kids! What could be better motivation than hearing, "Mom, did you do your exercise today?"

Finally, reward yourself-and not with an unhealthy treat! If you've eaten your vegetables all week as planned, then go out to a movie or buy a good book. Get your kids in on it-if you've cooked healthy meals all week, then they have to cook one for you on Friday. If healthy living becomes a family affair, a competition, or a team event, you know your children will grow up thinking healthful living is fun living!