Keto with Kimberly

January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month, and here’s a little truth bomb: my adult kids are far better at family fitness than I ever was when they were growing up.

I was a single mom for much of their childhood, juggling high-stress careers in social work and journalism. Those jobs were meaningful, but very exhausting so regular exercise was usually the first thing to fall off my to-do list. Looking back, I can say with confidence that consistent movement would have helped my stress levels, my energy, and probably my sanity.

Fast forward to today, when I get to watch my kids do things differently and so much better. My son Kyle, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, takes my grand-puppies, Zoey and Santo, on long daily walks. My daughter has five children of her own and does an incredible job limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play, and signing them up for sports. Between soccer, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, and football, my grands are on the move all the time!

Now that I am in my 50s, I finally realize just how important daily exercise and eating healthy foods really are. Living a keto lifestyle that supports stable energy has been a game-changer for me. Whether I’m walking outside, logging miles on my treadmill, or squeezing in a workout from Improved Health’s YouTube channel, I aim for at least 8,000 steps a day, even though writing and editing keep me planted in a chair more than I’d like.

And January? It’s the perfect reset button.

Why Family Fit Lifestyle Month Matters

Family Fit Lifestyle Month is about one simple idea: healthy habits are easier to build, and stick to, when you do them together.

Right now, many families are dealing with:

• Too much screen time
• Too much processed food
• Too little daily movement

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), obesity rates among both adults and children remain alarmingly high, increasing the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Much of this comes down to highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary routines.

The good news? Small, consistent changes, especially when made as a family, can dramatically improve energy, mood, and long-term health. You don’t need perfection. You just need participation.

Four Simple Ways to Add More Fitness to Family Life

1. After-Dinner Family Walk Ritual: Not a workout. Not a race. Just a 15-to-20-minute walk after dinner. Phones stay home. Conversations happen. Blood sugar improves. Stress drops. Bonus: kids talk more when they’re walking side-by-side instead of sitting face-to-face.

2. Weekend “Movement Menu”: Instead of asking “What do you want to do?” (which leads to screens), create a short list of movement options, such as taking a hike on a nature trail, going ice skating, or playing a game of Pickleball. You can even take a walk around a mall or a local museum to get some steps in. Just let your family vote on what they want to do, and off you go!

3. Household Chore Challenges: Turn everyday tasks into movement by implementing timed room cleanups or yard work competitions or snow shoveling contests. It’s functional fitness and they are learning life skills. Win-win.

4. Family Step or Movement Tracker: Use phones or inexpensive trackers and set a shared weekly goal, not individual ones. Celebrate consistency, not competition. Small rewards beat guilt every time.

Family Fit Lifestyle Month isn’t about training for a marathon or eating perfectly. It’s about moving more, fueling your body with healthier food choices, and supporting one another.

If you’re starting later than you planned, welcome to the club. Progress doesn’t care about your age, your past, or your excuses. It only cares that you begin.

And January is a pretty great place to start.