Why You Should Play Sports for Your Health?

In the latest episode of "Sweet Liberation," we had the pleasure of diving deep into the realms of movement, nutrition, and the impactful work of Matthew Young, a leading advocate for healthier lifestyles for families and children. As a partner of FSQ Sport and a TEDx speaker, Young's passion for encouraging active lives shines through his initiatives and discussions. This conversation offers invaluable insights for families striving to navigate the challenges of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles.

The Evolution of Family Lifestyles

Young observes a noticeable shift in family dynamics, increasingly leaning towards inactivity and poor nutrition due to societal pressures for constant growth and achievement. This shift, he suggests, detracts from the fundamental goal of nurturing vibrant, healthy children. Young challenges families to reflect deeply on their values and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of movement and quality nutrition as pillars of a happy, healthy life.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated issues related to inactivity and mental health among children and adults alike. Lockdowns and restrictions have disrupted healthy habits, leading to a rise in screen time and processed food consumption. Young stresses the urgent need for corrective actions to mitigate these effects.

A Personal Journey of Active Parenting

Young shares his family's approach to fostering an active lifestyle, highlighting the role of parental modelling in encouraging physical activity and healthy eating. By setting clear expectations and engaging in a variety of activities as a family, Young illustrates how integrating movement into daily life can be both feasible and enjoyable, regardless of one's socio-economic status.

The Hidden Dangers of Sugar Consumption

Drawing attention to the alarming average sugar consumption rates, Young calls for greater awareness and accountability in dietary choices. He criticizes the food industry's role in normalizing high-sugar diets and advocates for a return to simple, wholesome foods to combat the obesity epidemic.

The Importance of Outdoor Play and Education

Young emphasizes the critical role of outdoor play in developing confident, competent movers from a young age. He notes a decline in free play and physical education, attributing it to a lack of specialized instruction and societal prioritization of academic achievement over physical well-being.

Strategies for Healthier Families

Young offers practical advice for families seeking to improve their health and activity levels. He advocates for small, sustainable changes in diet and exercise routines, the pursuit of knowledge and support for healthy living, and active engagement with educational systems to promote physical education and nutrition.

Collective Action for a Healthier Society

Young calls for a collaborative effort among governments, businesses, and communities to address the health crisis head-on. He proposes creating model communities dedicated to health and wellness as a blueprint for broader societal change.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Health

Through a candid discussion on dietary preferences and the challenges of implementing healthy habits, Young and the hosts converge on the universal agreement that reducing sugar intake is a crucial first step toward a healthier lifestyle. They advocate for a balanced approach, tailored to individual needs and preferences, to foster long-term well-being.
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"We're not designed to consume processed food over and over again."
"What are our values, what are our goals, why are we having a family?"
"We've got some work to do, no question."
"It's Movement we know as human beings we were designed to move."


Young concludes with actionable steps for listeners and emphasizes the importance of gradual change and community engagement in promoting health and wellness. He invites further dialogue on outdoor play and community design as pivotal elements in nurturing a healthier generation.

For those seeking to delve deeper into the insights and strategies discussed, we encourage you to watch the entire podcast episode on YouTube. This episode not only highlights the critical issues of inactivity and poor nutrition but also provides a comprehensive roadmap for families and communities eager to embrace a healthier future.

Join us on "Sweet Liberation" on YouTube for the full conversation with Matt Young, and become part of the movement towards a healthier, happier generation.

​Watch Full Podcast Episode Below​

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