Many people decide on a resolution or change to make in the coming year. The Winter family was no different; Mom, Dad, Kyle and Grace all wanted to pick resolutions to improve the year ahead.

All evening while they waited for the ball in Times Square to drop signaling the start of 2008, the Winter’s family was busy trying to come up with really great resolutions. No one wanted their resolution to end up like they did every other year: a good idea without any motivation to follow through with the change.

Finally, Mom came up with an idea. Why not eat less junk food, eat more healthy foods and exercise? At first, there was a chorus of groans and excuses. Then, Dad said, “Why not?We’ve all eaten more than enough cookies lately. Let’s give Mom’s resolution a try.”

Reluctantly, Kyle and Grace agreed.

Just then the television started the countdown to New Year’s, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!” The Winter family clinked their glasses and blew their noisemakers to ring in 2008!

The next day, which really was later that morning, everyone woke up and got ready to go to the feast that Gram made every year: pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, cheesy cauliflower and Gram’s famous pumpkin pie.

On the way to Gram and Gramp’s house, Mom reminded everyone that this was the last big feast. Starting tomorrow, everyone would have to eat smarter.

Mom said, “The key to eating healthy is to eat a variety of foods and to eat those foods in moderation, which means eating a little at a time. Adding exercise to that plan will have you headed in the right direction.”

Mom, Dad, Kyle, and Grace all ate way too much food at Gram and Gramp’s, but knew that starting tomorrow things were going to change.

The next morning when Kyle and Grace went downstairs for breakfast they didn’t get sugary cereal or Pop Tarts; Mom had eggs, whole wheat toast and juice already on the table. Mom said, “We need to go to the grocery store and stock up on some healthy snacks.”

So after a delicious breakfast, the Winter family piled into the car and headed to the store.

At the store, Mom, Dad, Kyle and Grace picked out healthier food choices: a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. The Winter family stayed away from chips, pop and sugary treats.

On the way home, Mom said, “I’m proud of everyone for picking out healthy foods. Let’s go home and plan a great dinner.”

Once home, Mom cooked an amazing dinner: baked fish, green beans and baked potatoes. Kyle and Grace were surprises how a few simple changes could make a meal better for you: baked fish instead of fried and baked potatoes in place of greasy fries.

After dinner as they were clearing off the table, Dad said, “Now we need to start thinking about exercising. I think I’ll start going to the gym before work a few days a week.” Mom thought that was a good idea so she decided to hit the gym with Dad. Kyle and Grace said they were allowed to use the gymnasium at school during free periods. Mom said, “Once the weather warms up a little we can take evening walks around the neighborhood.”

Everyone agreed that eating healthier and exercising was going to take a little work, but the Winter family knew they could succeed if they supported one another.

The next couple of weeks, Mom, Dad, Kyle and Grace all ate less chips and junk and instead ate healthier snacks like peanut butter crackers and apples. They also drank more water and less pop. The Winter family started noticing some big changes, they felt better and they had more energy.

Dad even starting taking fewer naps.

By the time Spring rolled around, the Winter family had started a neighborhood walking group. Seems when the Winter family’s neighbors saw them walking the streets, they decided they could use a little physical activity, too. So now every night after dinner, Mom, Dad, Kyle, and Grace lace up their tennis shoes and meet up with about 20 friends and neighbors at the local park. They walk around the town while catching up with one another’s lives.

The Winter family didn’t just walk around town. Dad and Kyle started playing basketball in the driveway on weekends and Mom and Grace liked to play tennis at the park. Once they started exercising they realized how much fun it could be. You don’t just have to head to the gym, you can play sports, ride bikes, play tag, just about anything that involoves moving around!

Mom, Dad, Kyle and Grace all learned that healthy habits aren’t always easy to start, but once you take the first step, they aren’t that hard to keep.

‹ Allison Nanney has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. A stay-at-home mom, she lives in Wheeling with her husband and two young sons.