Key habits all year: Ideas for February

There’s a kid-friendly approach to practicing good health habits called 5-2-1-0. The numbers stand for the following daily goals:

• 5 veggies and fruits
• 2 hours or fewer of screen time
• 1 hour of exercise
• 0 sugary drinks

You and your family can be creative about how to apply this model from month to month.  

Here are ideas to try 5-2-1-0 in February:

Shop for food together.

Next time you grocery shop, ask members of your family to pick a few fruits or vegetables to try. See which ones your kids like best. This can help you achieve the goal of eating 5 fruits and vegetables each day.  

Have your family help cook or plan meals.

As a way to spend time away from screens try cooking or meal planning together. Pull out old cookbooks or clipped recipes. Consider putting together a collection of favorite family dishes. This might also help you explore new ways to enjoy your daily fruits and veggies.

Pick up litter at the park.

Getting out and about in your community is a helpful physical activity. For your family’s one hour of exercise, consider bundling up to walk through the neighborhood. Maybe take along a bag to pick up trash you see along the way.  

Try the water challenge.

Everyone in your family will feel better if they’re getting fluids throughout the day. Encourage each other to keep drinking zero-sugar drinks to stay hydrated. (See how much water children 5 and younger should drink per day.)  

Small steps like these can help your family build good habits. Explore other tips for 5-2-1-0.

When you and your family could use a boost, PeaceHealth is here to help you find ways to feel better.