Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of parents being a role model for their children’s health and weight. I also asked you a series of questions to see if you are on the right track. No worries if you don’t think you are making the grade. You will not receive a D or an F here. I know you love your children and want to do the best for them, so lets take a quick look at while all the areas I wrote about yesterday are so important.
- Being on a diet demonstrates an all or nothing approach to eating. This is an unhealthy approach kids pick up on. They will copy you and go on their first diet at a young age. This is not good for their metabolism or psyche.
- It is extremely important that you model a healthy behavior for your child. Modeling an active lifestyle will cause your child to want the same thing. You don’t have to be a super jock. Purchase an exercise video game, park far away from the store to get extra steps in your day, take the stairs instead of the elevator, take an evening walk. Just let your child see you being active!
- Kids naturally love to play and family adventures are fun. I can still remember my families bike rides, playing two square, ping pong, etc… Finding family activities is not only a great way to keep the family fit, but also bring you closer together. I know you have a busy lifestyle, who doesn’t now- a- days. This activity will need to be planned. Maybe a family walk every Wednesday night.
- The US Surgeon General announced kids should be getting 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigourous exercise six days a week for their health.
- Studies have shown children who reguraly eat with their parents are less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol. I also believe it keeps them away from unhealthy food choices if the parents are taking the time to ensure their children get a healthy meal.
- You have probably heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I think they are all important, but agree breakfast is key to a great start for the entire family. It not only gets your metabolism revved for the day, but also helps with memory and concentration.
- It is very important your child receives nutrients, vitamins and minerals from all the food groups. If your family follows a vegan routine, be very careful to ensure your child is getting proper nutrition. Personally, I would prefer you let the child decide on the vegan lifestyle later if you are not knowledgeable about nutrition or willing to learn more.
- We all need a certain level of fat in our diet, but there is currently not an RDA for sugar, so it isn’t something we really need. Be weary of breakfast cereals that have dessert names and brag about the fiber content. There are healthier ways to get fiber, that are not filled with tablespoons of sugar. Save dessert for real desserts.
With Karen's education and eighteen years experience in the preventative health, nutrition, and fitness fields and personal experience battling weight, she could not ignore the growing obesity epidemic, especially after the announcement by the surgeon general stating, this would be the first generation to die before their parents due to obesity. This is not a legacy Karen wants to leave behind.