The "diet" subject has been on my mind for a while now. If we as moms are not happy with what we look like, how will our children build a positive self image?. We throw the word "diet" around like its a normal way of eating. Replace that four letter word with "healthy lifestyle" and it takes on a whole different meaning. Diet implies we are denying ourselves of food while on the other hand practicing a healthy lifestyle implies we care about ourselves enough to treat our bodies the right way emotionally and physically for a longer period of time.
I had the opportunity to teach health and fitness to girls ages 8-11 today. I was surprised at their answers. Did you know your girls already believe that you exercise to lose weight? While that is a realistic goal for some, they are too young to be thinking about losing pounds. Having the discussion about physical and emotional health starts now. Eating disorders don't just begin in High School, a girls self image is growing right before your eyes, now. And when that image is less than good, self doubt creeps in and bad habits can start to form. Having three girls in high school, I can tell you that the pressure to look a certain way is stronger than ever, including how thin you are. Yes we are pummeling our kids with words like "self esteem " and "equality" , making sure everyone gets a participation trophy and build them up to be the best they can be. But where is the talk about self worth? The belief that you are important simply because you are a child of God and perfect in every way. The difference between self esteem and self worth is that self esteem is what your impression of yourself is, self worth is having faith that God loves you and knows who you are. That self confidence and love for yourself comes from a higher power.
I don't believe kids need a fitness routine, normal day to day activities that children love to do is staying active. Sports, hiking, family walks, jumping on the trampoline, dancing etc., all a good way to stay fit and happy. A child that is active, is healthy. One of my favorite suggestions was having a "dance party before school" What a great way to start the day. The second half is teaching our kids to eat right.
Myth #2. All carbs are bad. What?! Please eat good carbs, emphasis on "good" carbs. Your 10 yr old should not be staying clear of all carbs. Offer a balanced snack. They all had great suggestions but not balanced. Add peanut butter with your apple, string cheese to your fruit, cottage cheese with your veggies...Yes we can all Google enormous amounts of info on this subject but it has to be there and available for your kids to try it. Moving on the breakfast. My teens are the worst at eating poorly in the morning. Think about it, they have six hours of school or more, team practices right after and possibly work. There is not enough nutrients in a granola bar to sustain you or the candy bar they ate for lunch. It took some time but my girls are finally starting to see the wisdom on fueling your body for an active life. You wouldn't start off for a trip to California on an empty tank of gas, nor will you have the energy to think clearly if you don't fuel up right in the morning and eat healthy through out the day. Do not skip meals!
My point is, watch how and what you say about exercise and eating. Sit down with your kids, explain the difference between dieting and living healthy. There is a time and place where loosing weight is the right choice, overseen by a professional and pediatrician if needed. I am guilty myself of talking about how much weight I wanted to lose so often that I started to see the negative effect it had on my girls. Sitting them all down and explaining the difference changed my attitude and outlook as well as theirs. I no longer use the word " diet" I simply say "I need to eat better". Because when I do , I feel better and I can keep up with my demanding life.
(Disclaimer...I am not a Doctor, these are my opinions based on years of practice and being a mom of 4 girls.)
(Disclaimer...I am not a Doctor, these are my opinions based on years of practice and being a mom of 4 girls.)
