Brandi Chastain talks healthy living

No doubt soccer and sports fans will remember the moment when the U.S. team's Brandi Chastain celebrated the win against China in the 1999 Women's World Cup final.            

Over a decade later she's a mom who's passionate about kick-starting healthy habits for kids.

She joined The Rhode Show to talk about another one of her passions, healthy eating for children.

Brandi has teamed up with Libby’s to get kids on the right track. 

“As an athlete and a mom, living a healthy and active lifestyle is something that has always been important to me. I try to pass this mindset on to my own kids, and encourage other parents to do the same. When the whole family is involved, it’s easy to have fun while being healthy, whether you’re eating at the dinner table or doing other activities together, like spending a Saturday on the soccer field,” she said. 

She also gave us some tips for a healthier life style:

TIP #1: Hydrate to perform great.

 Kids should drink water before, during and after exercise. Exercise generates heats and increases the body’s core temperature; water works to bring the body temperature back to the normal 98.6 F. Make hydration fun by letting each child pick out their own colorful reusable water bottle.

TIP #2: Always make time for healthy meals.

 The USDA says that half our plates should be filled with colorful fruits and veggies, but when the whole family is constantly on-the-go from school, practice and home, it can be tough. Add a snack into your daily routine like Libby’s Single Serve Fruit Cups, which contain one complete serving of fruit. Throw them in the car for a quick on-the-road snack.

TIP #3: Sleep is important.

Children should receive an average of eight hours of sleep each night. Without enough sleep children will not perform to their full potential during school, practice or games. Come up with a fun system in order to ensure a nightly schedule. One of my favorite nighttime activities with my children was reading before bedtime. My favorite book is “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss.

TIP #4: Turn exercise into a family affair.

When exercising is a solo act it can sometimes feel like a chore. Bring the whole family on-board and make exercising fun. Pick one night a week that is designated “activity night”. Rotate children as night leaders and allow them to pick the activity for the family. Whatever activity of sport your play, not only will it be a great workout, but you’ll enjoy quality family-time together.

TIP #5: Lead by example.

When parents set a good example, your kids are more likely to follow. Make an effort to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle, plus family dinners are a great way to spend quality time together. Bond with your children over a delicious and nutritious meal – my favorite family recipe is my mom’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde.

Keep all your favorite go-to recipes neatly organized for easy access. For more family-time meal ideas check out www.getbacktothetable.com .

Brandi will be around Rhode Island on Saturday, “I’m excited to be partnering with Libby’s Fruits & Vegetables to help encourage families to start eating healthy and living an active lifestyle. Tomorrow I’ll be hosting a clinic with some of Providence’s youngest soccer stars. I’ll be hanging out with the kids from the North Providence Youth Soccer Association, where I’m thrilled to be presenting them with a $5,000 donation courtesy of Libby’s."