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If you set your children up for success when they're young, it will help keep them on track when they're adults. Here's your action plan for reaching your family fitness goals. Added bonus: you'll up your own fitness level too!

The old saying 'monkey see, monkey do' comes to mind when we're talking about teaching children about physical fitness. Especially when they're in the early stages of development. When it comes to physical fitness, parents can positively encourage their children to be active by being active themselves. It's not an easy task, and there's no one proven approach to raising a healthy, well- balanced family. There is a way that I do it, and these three simple steps make a lot of sense to me. I hope they work for you too.

Step one: Positive words 
Our choice of words is so important in life. Whether it's friendships, relationships, business affairs or your body confidence, it's essential to make an active choice to use positive language.
I'm convinced that we all have some sort of body issues. I've been guilty of upsetting my daughter unintentionally by referring to my tummy scars as 'horrid.' Her response was "I love your tummy because without it. we wouldn't be here." As you can imagine, I felt terrible when she said this. My negative thoughts (like many women's) came right in the middle of summer swimsuit season a few years ago. I think I felt even worse because she has a small scar on her arm. It made me realize that I must always be positive with my words. I believe true beauty comes from within, even on a tough day. Always try to find a positive verbal approach to situations.

Step 2: Positive thoughts 
If you do have negative thoughts about your body, try to work on finding some positive body confidence statements. These statements come much more naturally when you make small physical changes in your routine to make yourself feel better.
For example, referring to a healthy diet as something to be dreaded because you feel deprived is a prime example of teaching kids that there's some form of negative emotion attached to restricting the consumption of unhealthy calories. Like I said, the balancing act is not easy. A change in mindset about what you know is best for your overall health is the key. 
Attempt to only share positive statements such as 'I'm getting healthy' or 'I'm working on being an active parent.' This is especially important when speaking in front of young children because they're most influenced before teenage years. Remember that positive actions and words start with positive thoughts.

Step 3: Mindset to action
Have you heard the saying "all talk and no action?" Well, it's time for the action part of my post! It doesn't have to be a chore to get the entire family moving. Once you get going with weekly activities, your entire family will start to look forward to family fitness time together. 
Start getting yourself active and feeling great. Then slowly start introducing your family to your ideas. Here is a custom workout to help get you started!

Workout of the week
Ultimate Goal: Perform this routine 5 times through
Every second counts goal: Get through this once.
-Walk-jog-run (1-2-3)
-Choose two numbers based on your fitness level.

-Note: If you're new to exercise, choose numbers 1 and 2. If you feel ready, choose 2-3
-Perform 45 seconds of the low number followed by 30 seconds of your second number.
-Perform a few stretches while catching your breath for 30 seconds
-Repeat

Not ready for jogging? Walk slowly as your 1, then walk fast as your 2.
Stick to the time frame and sets set but adjust your running/jogging/walking as needed to fit your current fitness level.
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The majority of your actions start with a thought so keep your thoughts positive, your words to match your thoughts and hopefully your body will follow. For the full article, click here.

Written by Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA. Samantha is Senior Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife.

Our skin changes as the years go by - and so should our skin care routine.  Here is some advice to help you look your best at every age.

Skin care in your 20s


If you haven't already started a beauty regimen, now's the time. It's important to develop good skin care habits early on because they will help you look your best for years to come.
Choose products that suit your skin type. It's important to cleanse, tone, moisturize and protect your skin with SPF every day. If your skin is prone to blemishes or if the size of your pores is a concern, be sure to use a mask. No matter how tired you are, it's important for both men and women to cleanse their skin before bedtime. 

Skin care in your 30s


This is when you may start noticing the first signs of aging. Your skin starts to lose collagen and elastin and a few fine lines might appear. You may need to change your regimen to include more moisturizing products, including a revitalizing night cream that will provide hydration while you sleep. And if you haven't explored a good line-minimizing serum, you should. Anti-aging products help with correction and prevention and now is the time to take those preventative measures.

It's common to start seeing signs of aging around your eyes, too. This is the decade when you should consider adding an extra step in your regimen to focus specifically on the skin around your eyes. An eye gel is perfect for daytime use and will help firm the skin around the eyes. And, a richer, hydrating eye cream will be perfect for nighttime use.

Skin care in your 40s


In your 40s, uneven skin tone is one of the most common complaints women have. This can be caused by too many hours in the sun resulting in age spots. It can also be a throwback to pregnancy. Other hormonal changes during this decade and the possible onset of menopause for women could leave you wondering where your youthful skin went.

If you aren't already exfoliating on a weekly basis, get started.  Proper exfoliation helps to remove the dead and dying skin cells from the surface, revealing newer skin cells beneath. Our natural exfoliation does slow down as we age and men and women alike can benefit from a good scrubbing.

If wrinkles are a concern, be sure to introduce a line- minimizing serum. If the firmness of your skin is not what it used to be, grab a purifying mint clay mask. Small changes add up so just a few tweaks can help you regain control of your skin.

Skin care in your 50s - and beyond


A crucial element to skin care as you age is moisturizing. By the time you hit your 50s, your skin is losing its elasticity and you may start to see sagging. Though you can't turn back the clock, you can keep your skin (and yourself) hydrated. So, drink lots of water to keep hydrated inside and out. And stay on top of your skin care regimen. Make sure that you are focusing on your entire body, especially your neck and throat and backs of your hands. Daytime and nighttime moisturizers are non-negotiable in your 50s and a good line-minimizing serum should be your best friend. Eye protection  is essential and a good night's sleep can definitely give you a freshened appearance. Your daily skin care regimen should never be compromised and should be a priority if you want to look your best.

We can't stop aging, but we can age gracefully and beautifully. Getting started on a healthy skin care regimen in your early years is the best way to ensure a lifetime of fabulous skin. Once you have identified a new concern for yourself, as they are different for everyone, seek out the right product to help. Remember,a proper skin care regimen coupled with good nutrition and a healthy active lifestyle is the real fountain of youth. If you look good on the outside and feel good on the inside, that confidence will show in your appearance - no matter what your age.

Written by beauty expert, Jacquie Carter. Jacquie is Director of Outer Nutrition at Herbalife.

Ingredients: 
2 scoops French Vanilla Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix 
1 scoop Personalized Protein Powder (or more)
1 cup plain soy milk or nonfat milk
1 cup frozen apple slices
A few dashes each cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ice cubes

Directions:
Place all ingredients in the blender and mix thoroughly until the ice cubes are completely crushed. Ice cubes are optional.

Nutritional Analysis (with nonfat milk):
Calories: 300
Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 46 grams