Can you imagine your child depressed? If you've ever experienced depression that's not something you would want to consider. Depending on your family's eating habits, you may be setting your child up for just that.
Recent studies have found a connection between obesity and depression. It's no surprise really. If you are obese, there are a number of factors to consider.
1. Your self esteem is low. No matter what you try to tell yourself, or others, you do not like the way you look.
2. Your energy is low. If you have battled depression, you know it can be a struggle just to get out of bed. The same is true with obesity. Your energy can be low from lack of nutrition.
3. If you are obese, you are probably not exercising 5-6 times a week as you should. Exercise is a natural depression fighter. When you work up a sweat, you release endorphins which are your body's natural feel good chemical.
4. Your nutrition is poor. This is common sense. If you are overweight, you are probably not eating what you should. Another way of saying that is - you're probably eating a lot of things you shouldn't!
So how does this affect your child? In my state 1 out of every 3 children are overweight. While they may not be battling depression YET, they are probably experiencing some of the other symptoms mentioned above. So what can you do? You realize the path laid out for your child and this is not what you want for them. You had envisioned so much more.
1. Start cooking the foods your family needs. Let your child cook with you. This teaches them how to make the right kind of foods and it is a great bonding experience.
2. Exercise with your child. This doesn't mean you should necessarily make them do step aerobics with you. Find something they enjoy and do it with them. Soccer, football, dance. Make sure time in front of the television is limited.
3. Do not reward your child with food. Many of the habits we have today we formed years ago. How many times have you felt like eating junk food because you had a bad day?
4. Pack the school lunch. You might be amazed at what the school cafeteria is serving and what your child is choosing! This doesn't mean you have to pack them a salad. There are great resources available on healthy meals your kids will eat!
Your family can change. Showing your children the right choices can affect generations to come!
Megan Bullington is an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and owner of http://www.tnfitmom.com/
Megan is not a doctor, but someone who has battled depression and anxiety. She wants to use her personal experience to encourage others to chose health and fitness as a way to lead the lives they were designed to live.
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