We all want to leave something for our kids. Most of us don't have an abundance of worldly possessions to pass on, but even if we do, what if the children are not in the best of health to enjoy whatever it is we give them? How about this for a legacy to leave for them: "I remember Mom...she taught me how to eat properly." "I'm grateful to Dad for teaching me how to stay fit."
The increasing rate of obesity during the times in which we live is largely a result of a misunderstanding, or complete lack of knowledge, about how we can eat in a way that is both satisfying and healthful. We have bad eating habits folks...and worse, we are passing them along, unfiltered, to our kids.
Let's look at a few ways you can pass useful information about weight management along to the next generation:
Do not place undue emphasis on your child's weight. This puts him or her at risk of developing an eating disorder. Instead, focus on the correct way to eat for health.
Make healthy snacks readily available for your child to munch on. When he comes home from school and opens the refrigerator, let him see fruit and vegetable chunks, reduced fat cheeses, and lean cuts of meat. Remember, in the home he can only eat the food you provide. If he's eating foods that are bad for him, you gave them to him. (This is not intended to send you on a guilt trip...it's just a reality check.)
Educate yourself, and then your children, on the basics of good nutrition. If he understands the differences between various food items, he will be more likely to take ownership of his food choices.
Make changes gradually. If your child is used to triple chocolate chip cookies drizzled with white chocolate when he comes home from school, surprise him with strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Don't use food as a reward for anything...ever. We seem to have lost an understanding of what food is all about. The food we eat is needed for fuel, energy, and nourishment for our bodies. If we "fuel, energize, and nourish" our bodies with two, or even three, times the amount of food we need, the "overkill" will be stored as fat.
Change from family-style dinners (bowls and platters on the table) to restaurant style where plates of food are dished up at the stove and counter and brought to the table. Learn correct portion sizes so your child gets accustomed to how much he should be eating.
Your older children will be making choices out of the home. You have less control over these decisions, but you are not powerless. If your child understands the correct way, amount, and time to eat, he will eventually learn to make good choices about what he eats.
Sue Bristol, R.N. advises how to teach your child the proper diet.
Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)
Click Here to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" You don't need to be overweight: http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html
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