Today, the news reports that Michele Obama is going to play a
more visible role working with the public and speaking out. The thought
is she will take an ever greater role than she already has in the fight
against childhood obesity and continue to emphasize the importance of
healthy eating and nutrition for children.
Thank goodness! There is no greater problem in the United States today than the rising obesity rates of the American population, particularly child obesity, and this problem needs a voice that will reach every home in America today.
The problem is staggering. Mrs. Obama said in a speech this past fall at the Department of Health and Human Services, "Nearly a third of all children in this country are overweight or obese... and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes," Mrs. Obama also said, "It is a major public health threat right now, so just imagine what we're going to be facing in 20 or 30 years if we don't get on this issue."
So many people know-she is right; but just how did this happen?
Even as our county has grown in leaps and bounds in the past 80 years, there has been a breakdown in the traditional family behaviors. Children today are typically being raised in families where Mom and Dad both work, and the amount of time to prepare healthy nutritious meals has taken a back seat to work, after school activities and even just driving time back and forth! So many families are looking for a quick meal, which is fine, but the key we should to be looking for are meals that are quick and easy to make and are healthy.
If we are going to have a discussion about ways to overcome childhood obesity we certainly should include our kids ideas in determining healthy food choices and show healthy, no fattening snacks and meals they can make themselves. This way, if Mom or Dad are not home from work, the kids can open a refrigerator that has healthy food choices they will enjoy, and not head right for the frozen pizza or chicken nuggets!
We all know fruit is one of the best sources of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, and a food choice that is a perfect food choice to prevent weight gain. Yet we can tell the kids to "get an apple" just so many times before they tune us out. It is up to us to find creative ways to encourage our children to eat more fruit; not only for the natural benefits, but as a way to build better eating habits to combat obesity.
This is where fruit smoothie recipes come in. Healthy smoothies can be made with just a few nutritious ingredients and a basic blender. Milk, or yogurt, fruit, fresh or frozen-that is it! If a sweeter taste is desired, add a little honey. Smoothies also make wonderful dessert when made with frozen yogurt or even ice cream. Regardless of the recipe, the fundamentals are so simple.
Next time at the store pass up the chips, soda, and other snacks and go for some nutritious foods instead. Pick up some bananas, and some frozen berries. Buy a dozen or so cartons of yogurt and some soy milk. And then, pull out the blender and have some fun with your kids. Let them cut up the fruit and choose the yogurt flavors they like best, and let them learn with you how to make the best fruit smoothie they can for a healthy delicious breakfast, snack, lunch or desert.
Spending a little time with your child, will help them make better choices about food because they will follow your example. And, the time you spent will be a "memory maker" for you and your kids too!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_L_Moore
Thank goodness! There is no greater problem in the United States today than the rising obesity rates of the American population, particularly child obesity, and this problem needs a voice that will reach every home in America today.
The problem is staggering. Mrs. Obama said in a speech this past fall at the Department of Health and Human Services, "Nearly a third of all children in this country are overweight or obese... and a third will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes," Mrs. Obama also said, "It is a major public health threat right now, so just imagine what we're going to be facing in 20 or 30 years if we don't get on this issue."
So many people know-she is right; but just how did this happen?
Even as our county has grown in leaps and bounds in the past 80 years, there has been a breakdown in the traditional family behaviors. Children today are typically being raised in families where Mom and Dad both work, and the amount of time to prepare healthy nutritious meals has taken a back seat to work, after school activities and even just driving time back and forth! So many families are looking for a quick meal, which is fine, but the key we should to be looking for are meals that are quick and easy to make and are healthy.
If we are going to have a discussion about ways to overcome childhood obesity we certainly should include our kids ideas in determining healthy food choices and show healthy, no fattening snacks and meals they can make themselves. This way, if Mom or Dad are not home from work, the kids can open a refrigerator that has healthy food choices they will enjoy, and not head right for the frozen pizza or chicken nuggets!
We all know fruit is one of the best sources of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, and a food choice that is a perfect food choice to prevent weight gain. Yet we can tell the kids to "get an apple" just so many times before they tune us out. It is up to us to find creative ways to encourage our children to eat more fruit; not only for the natural benefits, but as a way to build better eating habits to combat obesity.
This is where fruit smoothie recipes come in. Healthy smoothies can be made with just a few nutritious ingredients and a basic blender. Milk, or yogurt, fruit, fresh or frozen-that is it! If a sweeter taste is desired, add a little honey. Smoothies also make wonderful dessert when made with frozen yogurt or even ice cream. Regardless of the recipe, the fundamentals are so simple.
Next time at the store pass up the chips, soda, and other snacks and go for some nutritious foods instead. Pick up some bananas, and some frozen berries. Buy a dozen or so cartons of yogurt and some soy milk. And then, pull out the blender and have some fun with your kids. Let them cut up the fruit and choose the yogurt flavors they like best, and let them learn with you how to make the best fruit smoothie they can for a healthy delicious breakfast, snack, lunch or desert.
Spending a little time with your child, will help them make better choices about food because they will follow your example. And, the time you spent will be a "memory maker" for you and your kids too!