Loving Them With Food

I'm sitting here in the office doing some work distracted by this mother on Dr. Phil who has a four-year old son that is 150 pounds! If that were not sad enough she continues to make excuses as to why he is the way he is, taking no accountability for her role in the issue. She is insistent that there are medical problems that have not been found yet. I find myself beginning to trimble.

Now, I will start off by admitting that I am not the most nutritionally contious person in the world. Can't we all do better?! Secondly, Chris and I both were walking stick figures until college, so genetically our children are more likely to be the same way. And furthermore, I do not exercise. Never have. Maybe some day when my kids are grown and I have time to devote. Wait, then it will be time for grandchildren. So, scratch that - I will probably NEVER workout. BUT I do pay attention to what I put in my mouth.

However, I can say that bad eating habits eventually catch up with us all. Whether it is weight gain or health problems, it catches up with us all if we don't pay attention to what goes in our mouth and how often. I have some goals each day when it comes to my family's diet. I feel like it is important to give at the very least a serving of fruits for lunch and a serving of veggies at dinner, and to have a yogurt or piece of cheese as a snack in between meals. That is still below the serving recommendations. Admittedly, there are a lot of mornings where we end up eating pop-tarts for convenience sake. Also, my kids get their share of unhealthy snacks like fruit chews and fruit roll-ups, but not more than one a day - occasionally two. I do not buy chips, cookies, and ice cream often. Typically only when we are entertaining. I also hit the 'ol drive-thru once or twice a week for convenience sake... well, that and I have burger cravings. The point is that it is not a routine, but a special treat... on occasion.

I don't believe in totally depriving them of treats either. I think when you work so hard at making everything you feed them a "healthy" choice you don't make it a "choice" at all. I think that when the kids are away from you they may "choose" to binge on everything that they are not "allowed" to have at home. My kids are an example of this. When they go to their grandparents they are known to poor 3 different kinds of pop into 3 different cups... each. I don't buy a lot of pop. Once a week when we have pizza (our Friday night tradition), I split one can b/w Ashley and Logan. Also at their grandparents they are known to hit the cookie jar first thing. I don't buy or make cookies at home. Ice cream is also a popular treat at the grandparents, who offer at least two varieties at any one time. I've often walked into the grandparents with one or both of the kids holding an entire box of crackers. At home crackers are available but we put them in a small bowl and only have one serving. NOT completely blaming the grandparents. I know it's their job to spoil. I can't wait for those days myself. They typically only visit once or twice a week so I'm not concerned because it is not a daily "routine". What saddens and concerns me are those who love their children with food every day... the wrong foods. And it is not necessarily just an issue of "what" foods but more an issue of "how much".

Be aware that just because something has a sugar substitute instead of sugar it is not more healthy. You are still putting a chemical in your body. Sugar is actually better in moderation. Same with fat-free and low-fat foods. Most people tend to eat more because there is "less" calories or fats. Then, what is the point?!

Not criticizing, just pleaing for people to be more aware and contious, myself included. I too need such reminders and have a desire and need to learn more. Do little things each week to improve. Set goals. One of my New Year's resolutions was to offer more of a variety of vegetables for dinner, instead of just frozen corn and canned green beans, which is all Chris will eat. The Market Day fundraising program at Ashley's school was such a blessing. I introduced frozen asparagus, peas, and vegetable medley for the first time this year. My kids are always required to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they do not like something that is ok, but when we have it again they are required to try it again. By the way, did you know that corn is a man made food? Learned that on Modern Marvels. Not good for you at all.

I believe the most important key to healthy eating is to sit down as a family every night for dinner. We aim for it and accomplish it 4 or 5 times a week. Sometimes Daddy has to work late and cannot always join us but that is one thing that he and I are really insistent on. Not only does it help develop healthy eating habits, but it is great time together as a family to talk. Oh, and do not eat dessert every night for a "bedtime" snack... for any of us. Nutritionists would say don't eat after 7:00. We usually have dinner by 6:00 and the kids always want something before bedtime (around 9:00). Usually a glass of water, fruit, salad, cheese, a piece of wheat bread or yogurt are the only options offered. In the summertime I'm a little more lenient because we're all ice cream monsters.

Would love to hear from you with suggestions for healthy eating habits, healthy recipes, etc.