Here are 7 healthy ideas for Elf on the Shelf

It's that time of year when the Elf on the Shelf returns. He (or she) heads back to the North Pole to tell Santa Claus about the adventures of the day. Each morning, the scout elf returns to its family and perches in a different place to watch the fun.

Did you know some of these elves love oatmeal for breakfast and do yoga? Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Strong4Life has put together a list of all sorts of ways the Elf on the Shelf encourages healthy habits — from eating fruits and vegetables to trying new healthy recipes.

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“The Elf on the Shelf” — based here in Atlanta and rooted in a family tradition going back to the 1970s — has sold a whopping 7 million books (and elves) since its 2005 release. Some think the elf is overly commercial and creepy with his ever-present stare, while others adore the cute, grinning guy and have happily made the elf part of their annual holiday traditions.

And for those households where the Elf on the Shelf is part of the holiday, ways for elves to share healthy ideas are endless. Here are seven ideas from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Strong 4 Life to get you (I mean the elf) started:

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