( Sunset Beach, July 2012)
It has now become a strong passion in my life and one thing I have always loved is helping people and being involved. I was doing more research and found out that 1 in 3 children in the United States are OBESE! This is a nationwide epidemic and it is just getting worse!
How is this happening? Our children are watching to much tv, computer and video games and eating McDonald's in the car because we are to " busy" for anything else!
I will state that I am not a fan of President Obama because of what he is doing/saying about small businesses in America, but enough about that.
However, his wife Michelle Obama I find to be a very special lady and is doing so much to help prevent and help with childhood obesity in our country. She has started a organization called Lets Move. This organization tries to encourage families to get their children and themselves active and promote healthy eating within our families.
As a busy mom with multiple jobs I thought I would give you ways that you can promote healthy eating and exercise in your family.
I understand when someone tells you how super healthy their family eats it seems all perfect and tied up in a bow, you are just like that is un realistic, I am to busy etc. I say lets make this obtainable for the everyday woman!
Plan ahead!
If you know you will be in the car all day and will have no time to prepare a meal at home. Pack your food for the day. You need to have a protein and a vegetable at every meal.I throw ice in a zip up cooler bag and pack some of the following items for Elouise. She is 19 months old so this will vary based on age. 1. String Cheese (excellent source of dairy and has protein in it!) 2. Edamame- you can steam these right from the bag into the microwave and even buy the unshelled ones ( great snack) this is a vegetable and a protein 3. YO BABY YO BABY YO BABY YO…..Sorry I just busted out in my mini rap but thats what I sing to Elouise and she love loves this stuff. This is yogurt but they hide fruits and vegetables inside. This is her favorite thing to eat! 4. Squeezies- this is what we call them. They are basically baby food in a pouch. Elouise will eat them straight from the pouch no spoon needed. They have every flavor out there and I only buy the ones that have vegetables and fruit so she can get more vegetables in. They also make applesauce this way which is also very convenient.
These are just some ideas of things I pack when we are out and about- I give her the dairy first off so it doesn't go bad but it can last a couple of hours in ice inside a freezer bag.
Ok, just so you dont think Im super health mom or anything I also let Elouise have the Puffs ( sweet potato, banana, apple cinnamon etc…) and her new love is Goldfish- I do buy the whole grain and this her favorite thing but we don't get them all the time. Some treats are fine in moderation.
In general two other things that will help is 1. NEVER NEVER eat fried foods there is nothing nutritious about eating a greasy french fry and especially for your child you are just teaching them a bad habit they will not be able to break. 2. Go beyond the kids menu! Have you ever really noticed the kids menu is the most un nutritious meals on the menu but yet that is what they want you to feed your children!
Hamburger and fries, quesadilla and fries, mac and cheese, grilled cheese. The whole menu is quite golden and not in a good way. Share your meal. If you order nutritious, and that is the only option that is what they will have to eat, and you will save money. Most meals in restaurants are double the portion size. Another idea is to order sides like a sweet potato and green beans. This will also save you money and give them something nutritious.
If you start today by feeding your children nutritious meals it will be your start of ending childhood obesity! Also, you can help them learn the right way what to eat in the future. Obesity can cause Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Cancer and Asthma. You will be taking the right step to helping your child and their futures!
Also Dont Forget to MOVE!!! Shut off the tv, ban the computer whatever you have to do and go outside and play!! Find some activity for your child to do where they are MOVING! Nutrition is key to success but you also have to MOVE!
( Elouise at Gymnastics- She loves it and is great way for her to stay VERY active haha)
I hope this helps, and if you have any questions or need advice please don't hesitate to email. Jacob and I are really dedicated to helping prevent childhood obesity! Also check out www.letsmove.gov it has lots of great information and resources!
GFFB,
Christy
