Looking back at my childhood and thinking about how and what I eat my
eating habits now are very much connected. I was part of the generation of the “Clean
paper Club”, we ate what was put in front of us. I remember as a child, my
family ate at the dinner table every night. I have two brothers and out of the
three of us I am the only one that has carried on that with my family.
Nutrition in the United States for children has become very worrisome, with
the percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing, and with
1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight. (livestrong, 2013) Because of
today’s American family busy lifestyles and convenient fast food, sitting and
enjoying the company of the family coming a thing of the past. Many Families
just don’t have the time. Unfortunately the
norm has become, eating during the evening TV shows or grapping fast-food on
the way to Boy Scouts. …. Playing outside, and riding bikes are being replaced
with high-tech gadgets and video games.
As adults it is our responsibly to adapt the way family eats and exercises,
allow children to come into the kitchen, learn about foods and what humans get
out of these tasty treats, letting children experiment with different foods,
talking and preparing the evening meal together can teach them the importance
of healthy eating and living. Helping
Children lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who lead by example.
I began looking into other countries with some of the same obesity issues.
There is only one country with a higher obesity rate then the US. In 2010
the obesity rate in Mexico was the highest in the world. The United States toke second place. Many of the world’s largest countries are facing
a rise in childhood obesity. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, and United
Kingdom also rated high. (livestrong, 2010)
Extra resources
that I found
It is interesting that the attitude many years ago was to “clean your plate.” This philosophy existed in my home, too. Today as you shared, individuals struggle with obesity and related health problems. You acknowledged some of the causes for this situation and hopefully this issue has gained enough public attention to initiate programs that will bring attention to the issue and solutions as individuals make better nutritional choices. Recently, the fast food chains have begun to add foods that are healthier, such as, salads. Educating the public on food choices and proper nutrition will hopefully contribute to healthier eating habits. Thanks for the reminder concerning healthier food choices.
ReplyDeleteYes! We ate what was before us as well Bobbi. We were thankful to have food on the table and so we ate it. I used to help my grandmother in the kitchen. I loved watching her add spices to our meals and I would get to stir the foods and then get the best parts of everything. : ) It was an enjoyable time of bonding for me with my grandma. And we ate at the table as a family. That was an essential in my house and I loved it. It was time for us to talk about the day and just enjoy each other's company.
ReplyDeleteOh, video games. My, my, my! When I was younger we worked our gross motor skills with 'red light, green light', 'mother may I?' 'old red devil', jump roping, hoola hooping, and basketball. We played every game we could think of outside. I loved being outside and continue that love today. Our children miss playing with the kids in the neighborhood and exploring nature in the woods like we did. I had a blast growing up and playing outside with my cousins and neighborhood peers. Today our children work their fingers, like you mentioned, on the video games. Some of them don't even like to go outside because they do not want to get their clothes and shoes dirty. I shake my head at them and tell them to enjoy the playground.
I agree that we live busy lives, but in the busyness of our day, we need to make time for the family and dinner time is a great time for the family to reconnect. Sounds like a book, huh? The lost art of the dinner table. Has it already been written? I need to find out.
Thank you for sharing this much talked about topic, need more action topic. Thankful for the "Let's Move" Campaign.
Stephanie