This week was Healthy Summer Kids week at DietsInReview.com. It’s the first of many new series focused on a specific health topic we’re featuring in the blog. We were thrilled to bring together a group of moms who are committed to keeping their own kids fit and healthy and share their tips and tricks to help you do the same. 
While our kids have plenty of opportunity to literally enjoy the lazy days of summer, it’s important to encourage them to stay active and eat as nutritiously as possible. Whether you’re a mom (or dad) whose busy work schedule doesn’t slow just because school’s out, or one who is fresh out of ideas, you’ll appreciate the simplicity, convenience and enthusiasm these healthy moms offer.
Valerie is a guest blogger for the DietsInReview.com special series on Healthy Summer Kids. Valerie is an outdoor loving, flip flop wearing, fit mama with three young children. She is an ACE certified personal trainer and owns her own Stroller Strides franchise in Houston, TX. She feels every day is a chance to have fun and be inspired. You can find great fitness tips, ideas for healthy living, and plenty of mindless mommy banter at her blog Moms Living Fit.
Summertime can be summed up into one word, “fun.” Kids look forward to this time of year every year and welcome the outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings. Why not take advantage of this summertime enthusiasm and integrate a few good habits to promote health and fitness in your children’s lives?
Get Moving
There is a lot competing for your child’s attention these days, especially on TV. Reduce the “screen time” for your kids and increase their physical activity with daily outdoor playtime. Invite some friends over, get out the soccer balls, and let them run a few laps in the backyard.
There are two things that stand between your kids’ health this summer: junk food and vegging out. It’s all too easy to stock the kitchen with potato chip multi-packs, cookies, soda and popsicles to keep their muchies appeased during summer vacation, all while they kick-back in the family room to watch SpongeBob reruns and play video games. This is not ideal for their health or overall fitness.
Instead, follow these moms’ healthy summer tips to keep your kids playing throughout the summer. And when it comes time to feed all those hungry mouths, get them involved! Kids love helping and being a part of what ever is going on, no matter their age. These recipes are kid-friendly, both in that they can lend a hand in the preparation and they’re nutritious eats for their growing bodies.
Liz is a guest blogger for the DietsInReview.com special series on Healthy Summer Kids. Liz Rosenbaum is a unique fitness trainer because her passion lies not only in helping women work toward their physical goals, but also in helping women restore inner peace and acceptance of themselves – regardless of their fitness level. She has her own fitness blog, LizRosenbaumFitness.com, which she updates regularly with enthusiastic and inspiring words of wisdom.
Now that school is out and the kids are home all day long, it may seem a little more difficult to fit exercise into your daily routine. The good news is summertime provides a wonderful opportunity for you to turn your exercise sessions into play time sessions with your kids. It really is the best of both worlds… because not only do you get in some great physical activities for your own benefit, but you also get to spend some good, quality time with your kids… all while being a good example to them about how to live a healthy life.
Julie Marsh is a guest blogger for the DietsInReview.com special series on Healthy Summer Kids. Julie is a mom of three in suburban Denver who combines her love of swimming, biking, and running by competing in sprint triathlons.You can see more of Julie at CoolMomPicks.com. 
I’m dedicated to setting a healthy example for my kids. We don’t talk about weight or size or wearing a bikini (because heaven knows that’s never happening again no matter how many triathlons I finish). Instead, we talk about getting some fresh air and having fun.
When my husband and I pay for a babysitter so that we can wake up at the crack of dawn on a holiday and run a 10K, we’re doing it not just because it feeds our own love of competition and our own goals for health and wellness; we’re doing it because we want our kids to see that we genuinely enjoy challenging ourselves. Summer is an ideal time to get into this sort of family routine. The weather is perfect for outside activity.
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