Fitin the City - Leigh Ann Root
Why aren't we trying harder with our Kids?
Why are people so amazed, dumbfounded, and find it hard to believe we have so many overweight and obese children today? They are quick to blame television, computers, fast food, junk food, school lunches, lack of physical activity, and the list goes on. Children learn what they live. I believe the reason for the rise in obesity is bad choices, plain and simple! The wrong choices made by parents and by children. You really cannot blame a child, they really don't know better. The foundation of their health should be built by their parents. They follow the lead set by a parent or other adult role models in their lives. I'll say it again, it's about the choices folks! Yes, there are many more obstacles, but the real reason for obesity in our children is because of the bad choices being made. The right choices are not always the easiest. And I'm not saying people need to be perfect, just accountable. It's more than okay to have treats and to splurge now and again but it's when that balance of good health is out weighed by too many bad choices. If a person simply looks at a food label, it's easy to figure out what could be bad if eaten in excess. If someone eats highly processed foods, high fructose corn syrup (sugar) filled foods, or fried foods all the time, the end result is a body comprised mostly of fat. Fat is not efficient in proper body function. Now combine poor eating habits with little to no physical activity and you have a recipe for obesity. This is true for children and adults alike. Children naturally want to move, adults only need to set the stage to make this happen. Turn off the electronics and get outside. The rest is elementary!
Even when you consider genetics, people still have a great chance at being healthy if they make the right choices. Yes, some our dealt harder cards than others, that's life. It's how you play those cards that matter. I believe too much focus is put on on the influence of society on childhood obesity and not the influence of the examples set by parents. I know this sound harsh and hard for some to take, but I believe this is where change needs to happen. You can't control society but you can control yourself and how you contribute to the health of your family. This can be a positive influence if you make it that. It's never too late. If parents begin eating healthier and exercising regularly, they will begin to see not only a positive difference in their lives but in the lives of their children. I will argue this until I'm blue in the face. The bi-product of these lifestyle changes make for better attitudes, increased self confidence, and the best way for parents to show they care about their children's quality of life. It's contagious. It is also how children learn. The "do as I say and not as I do approach" just doesn't work. Children value what parents value. The right choices are the hard choices. They involve having to say no sometimes, having to explain why, and taking a little more time with each situation. This is a small sacrifice for a child's future. Overweight children become overweight teenagers and their problems multiply from there.
People are always promising themselves that they'll try do better tomorrow, next week or somewhere in the future. When will the promises be fulfilled? Your children cannot wait until tomorrow. How about trying harder now? How about trying harder today. If you don't believe you're deserving of having a healthier life, then maybe you believe your children are worthy. How about doing it for them. Your happiness will be a nice side effect of better lifestyle choices. You will see a real difference in your life and the effect it has on those around you. If you lead by a good example you will give a gift to your children that will be with them for the rest of their lives, their long healthy lives.
I, too, make bad choices. But what I try to do, is balance them out with a lot of other good choices. Lazy days and junk food have a place in my life, too. They should for everyone. It's only bad when those idle days and fast food days out weigh the healthy days.
Healthy lifestyle is not rocket science, it's common sense. If it taste too good to be good for you, it probably is. You can fill your belly with whole, good foods, you'll never go hungry. Healthy eating is not about starving, it's just the opposite. It's about fueling your body to get through life. It cannot operate properly on junk? Junk in junk out. Exercising your body is not about killer workouts either. None of this is about extreme behavior. It's about moving at your pace, whether it's walking, team sports or somewhere in between. It's different for everyone. It's about enjoyment, challenges and rewards. Treat your body like it is the most important machine you own, because it is! When it can't function in the way it was made to, many problems arise physically and mentally. This is inevitable.
I can hear your excuses for why you aren't already living a healthy life. Save your breath. I've heard them all before. Do you believe your excuses anymore? There is no good excuse for not taking control of your own health, especially when it effects the children in your life. And it does, whether you are willing to believe it now or not. Some day you will come to this realization. I hope it's sooner than later. We all have 24 hours in our days. Some of us have kids, others have difficult jobs, some have both. What we all have are choices too. What drives your choices? What are the important things in your life?
It's time for everyone to try harder, to know better, and to do better. It's time to make tougher choices. Stop pressing the play button on the television and start pressing the play button on yourself. Use your imagination more and technology a little less. Participate in your childrens' lives as much a possible. Become part of their school, make a difference. Make wholesome meals more and call for take out a bit less.
Here's the good news, if you work hard now you and your children will be rewarded in ways you never dreamed possible. This is a life free of medication, free of weight related obstacles and full of opportunity. You will build a healthy foundation for those you care about, including yourself. No more excuses, just do it! Put your money where your mouth is, I am. Twisted Kids will be opening in 2006! Together, let's all battle childhood obesity.
