What are you putting into your body, and more importantly your children's' bodies? The food choices that are being made today, are
effecting your family today, and tomorrow.
We all joke about kids eating too much sugar and then bouncing off
the walls... but friends, that's a real problem. Sugar is creating an
alarming spike in juvenile diabetes, and childhood obesity. Our
bodies are dramatically, and negatively effected by sugar; the
amount of sugar consumed by the average American is in excess of what
our body needs. Have you seen an image like this floating around the
internet? I'm a visual learner, and this picture really put sugar
consumption into perspective:
Now, I know you'd probably never let your child sit down to consume a bag of sugar cubes, but it's vital that we think about what's hidden in the food we're consuming.
My encouragement and challenge to you is to start making small, continual, nutritional improvements.
I'm so thankful that our school asks families to bring water for our kids to drink vs. juice, etc. Our body needs water, and the benefits of staying well hydrated are amazing!
Say yes to fruits (in moderation, even too much natural sugar can be unhealthy), veggies, meats, legumes, nuts and seeds (dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds contain Omega3 fatty acid which produce positive improvements in kids struggling with hyperactivity, or kids with sleep troubles). Consume grains, and dairy in minimal amounts. That's right, take that food pyramid and throw it right out the nearest window! Healthy food will keep your full, and energized longer.
Include your child in the grocery shopping, or gardening experience; I've read articles on this subject, and we have experienced it first-hand. Children get excited about nutrition when they're included in the process of making food choices, and preparing meals.
One especially helpful thing that has greatly improved our family's overall well-being is to consume a quality multivitamin (if you're not sure what to take, I've got great suggestions).
If you're going the prepackaged route, please read the ingredients. Opt for items that have a short, recognizable ingredients list. Avoid products with food coloring (which does alarming things to children's behavior, and minds), and sugar substitutes. There are many natural alternatives to the traditional kid's lunch snacks, and my kids love them!
You know what goes hand-in-hand with good food? Good table manners. Children should be able to sit at the table, with a napkin in their lap, learn how to chew quietly with their mouths closed, take appropriate bite sizes, belch quietly with mouth covered, followed by a polite, "Excuse me," and to wipe their hands and mouth (as needed) with their napkin. It takes diligence on our part to teach manners, but it is worth the effort - trust me.
Let's sum up: know what's in the food you're putting into your bodies, make gradual changes towards a healthier future, drink your water, embrace veggies and fruit, include your kids in the process, utilize a daily multivitamin, keep your food minimally processed, and embrace table manners. We can do this!
Blessings and health to you and yours!
~Hannah Spagnola
