School is back in session which means the Freshman fifteen begins!The Freshman fifteen refers to an amount of weight (average 15 pound hence "15") often gained during a student's first year at a college or high school. Well it seems like the Freshman are getting fresher or younger and younger. We now have preteen 15 & toddler 15!
Childhood obesity is at epidemic proportions. Way back in the day (the 90's and before) it was unheard of that young kids developed diabetes. Now it's on the rise due to an abundance of sugary foods & snacks, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, fruit juices, processed foods, uncontrolled portion sizes, etc. With an over consumption of sugar comes a spike in your insulin levels which can send your system into shock, which is the breeding ground for obesity related illnesses.
My friend Toni's niece is only 9 years old and has acid reflux from drinking soda, snacks & a love for vienna sausages -yeah those little franks in cans (I didn't think people actually ate that stuff).
Due to the recession, many public schools are no longer offering physical education (P.E.) so now kids are more inactive! You know they're not working out or playing at home because they're playing video games or on the Internet getting persuaded by pedophiles. I remember I used to come home dirty, tired, and sweaty from playing a game of Freeze Tag, or Catch & Kiss, or Hide & Seek, or Red Light Green Light 1-2-3, or Hot Peas & Butter! So this school year send your kids off to school with more healthier snacks in their backpacks.
TOP 10 SNACKS TO PACK
-Fruit/Veggie Kabobs
-Unsweetened apple sauce or fruit without added sugar
-Baby carrots, celery sticks, or apple slices with dips made from yogurt or low fat sour cream
-Baked chips or pretzels are a better choice than high-fat potato chips or cheese snacks
-Drinks made from water with a splash of cranberry, peach, grape, or other fruit juice are healthier than sodas.
-Air-popped popcorn
-seedless grapes
-Cold strips of grilled chicken with honey mustard dip
-Dried cranberries or cherries are a sweet alternative for kids bored with raisins
-Peanut butter and vegetables or crackers
-Almonds or cashews
If they can't get P.E. in school then make them get it at home!
TOP 5 HOME ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU KIDS GOING
-Dance with kids
-Musical chairs with your kids
-Jump rope with your kids
-Bike ride with your kids
-During the commercials breaks, opening credits & closing credits of a TV show get up and dance with your kids.
-Wii (if you have to play video games then only exercise & dance games)
-Hold Home Competitions: Hula-Hoop Comp, Dance Comp, Jumping Jack, Jumping On the Bed, etc.
Notice I said do these "with your kids" because kids do what they see NOT what you say and chances are the apple don't fall far from the pig's mouth.
Allow the kids to cook and clean. Have them assist you when doing tasks around the house like making dinner, doing laundry, or other household chores.
Instill good habits in your children NOW:
Example -Have them do 10 to 15 minutes of exercises right before bed. A workout will put them right to sleep instead of them playing sleep when really, they're using their blankets to cover the light from the T.V.!
We have to reshape the future!
