Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Normally I just do reviews, but this story has really struck a nerve with me. I'm a mom to two boys, and we do the best we can to make sure that they learn good eating habits, so that they can grow up healthy. According to a report on the Today Show, there will be dramatic health consequences for our children because of the alarming rate at which their waist lines are expanding. By mid-century, deaths from obesity will outnumber those from ALL cancers combined. Our children will be at risk from heart disease at younger ages. And this is because they're learning from us that it's ok to eat whatever and however much we want.

What can we do as parents? Learn to eat the right foods, and teach your kids to do the same. Stop eating out so much, and if you do, make healthier choices when going to the fast food restaurants. Don't give them fries- get them apples and mandarin oranges. If you get them fountain drinks- opt for juice and water it down. There are so many ways to lower the calories now. And let them see you do the same. Opt for diet soda, get fruit with your burger. Check out the nutrition facts on these restaurants (usually it'll be on their websites) and decide ahead of time what you're going to get (learn in general what your best choices are, so that you are always prepared when you go). A lot of the food these places offer are deceptively high in calories.

I'll admit, it's not easy. I've been there. I let my weight balloon up because as a kid, I'd always been able to eat whatever I wanted and wouldn't gain a pound. But after 18 and after having two children over the past 7 years, I can't do that anymore. I've mentioned before about using ediets.com to lose the weight. But best of all, it made me learn what servings really look like and how many calories are in what I'm eating. Knowledge is power, and in this case, knowledge can save yours and your childrens lives.