Too much

My dear friend who is mother of an eight year old obese daughter called to tell me that she finally has decided to make some changes to their diets by introducing fresh veggies and fruits. Good for her for taking control of her health and her children's health. If her daughter had cancer or diabetes she would take the necessary steps to care for her. So why should preventing obesity be any different?

My friend went on to tell me that she was stocking up on carrots because the little girl really liked carrots and she wanted her to be able to snack on them endlessly. After all, it's only carrots, right? Hmm...Wrong. Bear with me, y'all.  I feel as if too much of ANYTHING is not good for us. I think by allowing her daughter to eat carrots until she's orange is not the right approach either. Sure, carrots are full of nutrients, vitamins and low calorie, but I think allowing her to have the mindset that it's okay to overeat is still in play here.  The healthy approach is to allow her to have some carrots until she is comfortably full. It's the mental - obsessing over food. Take it from someone who's been there, done that -- too much of anything is no good. Everything in moderation. Yes, even carrots.

Lead By Example

The government has proposed stricter guidelines on food advertising to children (Click link for article from NY Times) . That's all fine and dandy, and I can appreciate all the efforts by our government to raise awareness, but really it starts with parents, at home. I'm proud to say I lead by example at my household. Check out this blog post I wrote a while ago. 

I talk the talk. I walk the walk. I lead by example. Throughout my journey to a healthier, active lifestyle there’s been one person with me every step of the way – my daughter, Jasmyn. In less than one year Jasmyn has lost 35 lbs. She went from a size 15 to a size 8. Naturally, when my diet changed, her diet changed too.

I’ve always been a lover of food and have preferred to cook at home rather than pick up fast food or eat at a restaurant. Therefore, we didn’t have to overcome eating out issues. No coincident, my mother cooked at home as well. I’ve always believed in a balanced meal: Protein, grains, and a vegetable. Early on I exposed Jasmyn to all sorts of foods so she’s never been a picky eater. She always has eaten veggies and definitely can enjoy an apple like her mom. Consequently, when it came time to make some changes around our house, the transition was smooth.

My priority was to cut down the number of high caloric meals I prepared - dishes loaded with cheese or smothered in gravy. I nixed white rice and white bread altogether. I eliminated the few packaged items I used such as, Rice-A-Roni and Stouffer’s meals. Juice and soda weren’t huge issues, but there were times I bought them and I stopped.

I involve Jasmyn in the kitchen all the time and I talk to her about our food choices. Throughout the last several months our diets have been dialed in and are a lot cleaner than they were even six months ago.  But, it's important to note, Jasmyn’s weight loss came in the first few months without exercise, simply by eliminating some foods from our diet. Now, since I’m more active, we exercise together. She has joined me at the gym in water aerobics, Zumba, and Boot Camp. Recently, she even witnessed one of my personal training sessions. We also play outdoors together: tennis, jogging, and shooting hoop.

It all starts with me. I'm her mother for goodness sake. I'm supposed to love her, care for her, and teach her. I realize, I’m her most influential role model and leader. That means I really can’t expect her to eat one way while I eat another. I can’t expect her to exercise and I don’t. I show and tell. I lead by example. She’s proof.  

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

Last night’s dinner was superb. Tender, juicy center cut pork chops with a squeeze of lemon juice and a hint of rosemary were grilled to a perfection. Served with roasted cauliflower and broccoli tossed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sliced garlic. To kick up the flavor, fresh lemon juice was generously drizzled on the veggies and for the final touch grated parmesan.  No meal is complete without dessert: A bowl of fresh, delicately sweet raspberries and blueberries. All prepared in less than an hour. Nothing from a box or a can just pure, raw goodness.

Attitude Adjustment

Sometimes I tend to have negative self-talk which, combined with me being a habitual line crosser, makes me a hard person to coach. Just ask my trainer. So the new eating plan (animal protein and plant carbs only) I’m on is sometimes a challenge for me because I just flat out don’t want to make the necessary adjustments. True, I want the results, but my unconstructive attitude is a hindrance in my progress - as I was bluntly reminded by my trainer this morning.

What’s happened is I’ve boxed myself into eating only salads paired with chicken, fish, or steak. However, there are a number of other veggies out there that I could eat if only I took the time to prepare them. Besides, I love veggies so why not expand my palette. Part of the reason I stick to the salads, is in all honesty, I’m being lazy. So today, I’ve been challenged by my trainer to add some new veggies to my diet and spice them up. My challenge to YOU is to add some new vegetables to your family’s menu this week. If you’ve wanted to try grilled eggplant or perhaps zucchini, why not give it a try *Lead by example: Let your kids see you eating and enjoying these vegetables and it will leave a lasting impression on them. Who knows they even may start to like them and maybe you will too! So put some new veggies on your grocery list this week – I have.

*Lead by Example is a new item I’ve added this week. I will update it each week with tips and suggestions for ways to improve your family’s lifestyle.