Do You Take for Granted What Your Children Eat?

            In the past 30 years, the obesity rate for children has tripled. It’s well known that obesity puts children at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and bone and joint problems. Compounding the risk, obese children are more likely to be obese adults.  All the parents I know would do anything in their power to ensure their children’s good health and happiness and help them grow into productive adults.  So why is there disparity between parents wanting the best for their children and this rising obesity with its health risks?

             I believe the problem occurs because people take for granted what their children eat. They forget the importance of nutrition. And to save time, parents often resort to buying and serving fast foods and prepared foods that tend to contain high levels of sugar, fat, salt, preservatives, and empty calories.  Certainly, if they don’t look after their children’s health, the manufacturers of fast and packaged foods won’t.

            Do you allow your children to drink unlimited amounts of juice and soda? Do you read the labels on the packaged foods you buy for your children to eat? Do you cook for your children to control the type and quantity of fat, sugar, and salt they consume?

            We tell our kids to never drink and drive because we know the dangers are real and immediate. We tell them not to smoke because we know smoking can cause disease and death. Yet, we often forget the dangers of a lifetime of unhealthy eating. Such dangers may not be immediate, but they can be just as deadly.

            You have power and can exercise control over what you eat and cook at home to insure that your family is getting the best possible nutrition.  You pay a high price for eating instant, packaged, manufactured, and fast foods—in health and in dollars.  Why would you relegate your body, brain cells, energy level, satisfaction, and taste buds to instant anything? Yes, there is a time and a place for “instant” and “convenient”—but not every day.

Cooking is easier than you think and you and your family are worth the time and effort it takes. 

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