Overweight, Plump, Obese, Fat

Whatever you want to call it and it depends on what
category someone falls into. The sad part is that a great
percentage of our young people now fall into one of those
categories. It is not only sad, it is dangerous. It will be
bad on their joints, and future health, such as heart problems,
diabetes and many more that I probably can't even name.

One thing I notice, which I am sure is not always the case, is that
when you see a child that is in this category, you will see that the
parent or parents are, too. We need to start thinking soon about how
we are going to tackle this. We will have a very sick society in a
very few years if we don't find out how to tackle it.

In fact, in the meantime, these children are probably not having very
good self images. That is a one very good reason to solve this, even
if it had nothing to do with health.

There are plenty of reasons (or excuses) out there as to why this has
been happening in the last several years. Moms and Dads both work
and everyone has a heavy schedule leaving very little time to eat
properly.

It is easier to grab something from the fast food lane or isle. It
cooks faster or is already cooked to eat. I can't blame anyone. I
have been in the hurry syndrome in the past.

But, something has to give. Something has to change. First if you
are in this category you are setting a bad example and saying, "Oh
it is okay, look at me." But, let's pull ourselves up by the
bootstraps and figure this out.

What can you do to change the diets? What can you do to make it
easier and quicker to fix a meal that is healthful? Can you cut
out unnecessary snacks. It has become an American way to run
around with something to drink or eat all the time. When we have
a free moment or are bored or want to get with a friend, we have
to have something to eat. It has been noted too that the diet
sodas contribute to weight gain. Then we add sugar or greasy
foods as snacks. Are they really hungry, or just want to snack,
because it is there. I think in the past, the parents were very
good about not letting their children snack between meals unless
they were hungry. And if they really are they will eat something
healthful and not just have to have a cookie or candy bar. Teach
them how much they are allowed to spend their allowance on snacks.

Could you enlist your kids to help you prepare snacks ahead of
time? Many are latch-key kids that sit around watching TV or
playing on the computer. Have them help you make healthful snacks
such as Peanut Butter on celery or slices of apple or carrot to
much on. Start them on cold refreshing water and get them to stay
off of soft drinks.

Set a good example so they will see you eating properly. Think of
things that are quick to fix for supper and still healthful. Fix
chicken strips, frozen or fresh vegetables, use a ready to use salad
mix. Add, potatoes or rice, that are not laden with grease. Fat is
good for you and needed, but leave out the corn syrups, and trans
fats as these are definite no no-s.

What are your children's future health and well beings worth to you?
What about you? You have it in your hands to control. Once these
children gain this weight it will always, always be hard for them
to stay slender or to lose weight. Start now.

If you have any suggestions to add, please do. Many need help in this area.