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2007/07/24, 03:11 PM
As I was watching TV the other night (I watch a lot of TV these days, darn Mono anyway!) I watched that show with Shaq and the overweight kids. It really makes me sad to see those children, or any overweight children for that matter. It makes me wonder how their parents can allow that to happen to their kids. They are cutting their lives short, but would rather do that than have to say no? Or maybe set a good example? I was NOT an overweight child, my mother wouldn't allow it. However, she kept me thin in very negative ways, such as pinching my cheeks, telling me my pants were getting tight when I was 110 lbs (18 years old), telling me how fat people aren't as smart as thin people, etc. I love my mom, don't get me wrong and in her generation she didn't know any better. But, I'm lucky that I didn't end up more obsessed with my body than I am!
But, I regress. As I was thinking about these kids on the Shaq show, the kids in the grocery store picking out the sugar cearals and candy, and my own childhood, I got to thinking about how this group at FT may be motivating their kids to adopt the same healthy lifestyles we do, without being negative or driving our kids in the opposite direction. 99% of the focus here is about our own fitness, but what does everyone do to help set the stage for a healthy lifestyle when our kids grow up?
My biggest examples are:
1. Breakfast as a family. We may not always make it to dinner together, but we always have a good healthy breakfast together.
2. My son could live on Mac and Cheese or Grilled cheese. We have a rule that he must have some protien at every meal. Not only is it healthy for his body, but he's learning what healthy food choices are.
3. I've given my oldest son the responsibility of handing out his and his little brother's daily multi vitamins. Makes him feel big and important, and he no longer has to be reminded to take a vitamin.
4. We watch Fit TV. Instead of watching "Survivor" or some other show, we'll watch "The Gym" or "Fit Nation", etc. It's amazing how many little "fit tips" they throw into an hour long program, and the kids pick up on those little messages.
5. We limit video game/TV usage in the house. Although Zach may get grounded from certain things, he is never grounded from riding his bike, or anything that can give him physical activity.
6. I make special treats in a healthy way. Such as rootbeer floats with diet root beer and fat free frozen yogurt. The kids can't tell the difference in the taste, but I am sure to point out what I used, with a positive note on how they are eating a yummy treat that is good for their body too!
7. We have healthy snacks on board all the time with choices. Such as after school, Zach can have yogurt, fruit, or a turky and cheese roll up (sliced turkey with cheddar cheese rolled up), etc.
8. We allow normal treats on occassion. I will allow them to eat easter and halloween candy. I will allow them to get popcorn when we go to the movies. I will allow them to have a piece of cake at a friend's b-day party, etc. I'm not a food-nazi.
I'm very proud of how it's turned out with the kids so far. After a recent party where Zach pigged out on cake, chips, soda, ice cream, etc. he said that he didn't like eating the junk food and he wished he could have had fruit instead. He said that he can really tell when he eats junk food because his tummy doesn't like it. I love taking those opportunities to remind him that having a treat sometimes is ok. As long as we have more healthy food than bad food, it's ok.
So, what do you all do to keep your kid's healthy?
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2007/07/25, 08:53 AM
Kids learn by example, so this is what I try to do. I can't say my daughters diets are stellar, but they are certainly aware of what's good for them and what's bad for them. On the rare ocassion that I'd buy "sugar shock" cereal for them, I'd make them read the list of ingredience. They've been brought up with a constant awareness of nutrition and exercise and I've encouraged them to be involved in both. Are they both healthy athletes...hell no...but they are concious of keeping active and making healthy food choices...most of the time. The bottom line is that I know we've given them a good foundation to lead a happy healthy lifestyle. I certainly won't win any mother of the year awards for making regular meals etc, but at 13 and 16, they know how to make their own healthy food choices and see how naturally fitness can fit into the busy life of a working mom.
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Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
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The harder you fall, the higher you bounce
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