We have gotten in a bad habit (as a society) of making food and drink the reward for everything. From good behavior, weight loss goals, raises, job interview, birthdays, marriages, divorces...etc., we have figured out a way to make up a reason to eat or drink about nearly ANYTHING! To quote a friend of mine as we were discussing this...most people say, "Let's go grab lunch...not, let's go for a jog!"...and she is right. We use food as a way to feel connected to people and I say it's high time to replace that "reward" with something else!
Rewards should be tailored to each individual family, their interests and the things that really get them jazzed up. For my seven year old, I would say that a family walk or nature walk would easily be a bigger reward to her than ANY food we could make. Is it easier to hand her a snickers and give her a pat on the back....well sure BUT easy isn't the goal! I can guarantee that if I offered her candy or a nature walk, she would choose the second. Kids are smart....but we have to set the right examples and put them on the right path. We don't raise our kids to be lazy....so we shouldn't be lazy raising them in the first place!!! I challenge everyone to go a week without using food as a "reward" or as incentive to get something done. Ask your kids what they would like for a reward...if they choose a food, steer them in a different direction. Not only will it keep them from loading up on junk food....it will teach them that there are more important things in life than food.
I'll love to hear what great ideas your family comes up with for alternatives to food rewarding! Let me know!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Birthday Cake
I was determined to have a healthy alternative to traditional birthday cake and as we are trying to eat more raw food these days....this "cake" seemed the perfect way to go. It's a combo of grapes, honeydew, cantaloupe, blueberries and watermelon. No artificial sugars or junk....just good old fashion yummy fruit!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Diet effects EVERYTHING!
Good article on Diet!
"many cases still show incredible success in reversing ADHD/ADD symptoms by simply decreasing or eliminating intake of refined sugars, for instance, or any foods that contain synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings"
This article really hits home for me as our family has had a challenge with my step-daughter's diet when she is not with us. There has been talk of placing her on ADHD/ADD medication and for me that is just a band aid for the real problem.....bad diet. She is a victim of what so many kids today are as well.....lazy eating. I'm not judging because before really sitting down and making a conscience decision to change this behavior, I was just as guilty. The problem with this type of diet is that for kids....it can be the difference between A's and C's, being able to focus in school or constantly being in trouble for not paying attention and many other typical problems that people today have blamed on ADHD/ADD or "kids just being kids". Kids are little sponges....not only their brains but their bodies as well. We have to properly feed these kiddos if we want to see them achieve their full potential! Instead of giving them sugar filled cereals, donuts and "junk food" food for breakfast, focus on providing a well balanced meal....because breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know that sentence seems almost like it doesn't need to even be said but if you did a survey of a class of 10 kids, I would bet that at least 7 of them would have eaten a meal that was not balanced meal and did not properly prepare them for the school day.
If you have recipe examples and good ideas...send them my way! We are still mostly doing "baby" meals at our house in the morning....so it's much easier then battling the older kids who become "choosy" about what they eat! My goal is to start posting recipe examples and weekly meal plans as we come up with them! Thanks for being patient!
"many cases still show incredible success in reversing ADHD/ADD symptoms by simply decreasing or eliminating intake of refined sugars, for instance, or any foods that contain synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings"
This article really hits home for me as our family has had a challenge with my step-daughter's diet when she is not with us. There has been talk of placing her on ADHD/ADD medication and for me that is just a band aid for the real problem.....bad diet. She is a victim of what so many kids today are as well.....lazy eating. I'm not judging because before really sitting down and making a conscience decision to change this behavior, I was just as guilty. The problem with this type of diet is that for kids....it can be the difference between A's and C's, being able to focus in school or constantly being in trouble for not paying attention and many other typical problems that people today have blamed on ADHD/ADD or "kids just being kids". Kids are little sponges....not only their brains but their bodies as well. We have to properly feed these kiddos if we want to see them achieve their full potential! Instead of giving them sugar filled cereals, donuts and "junk food" food for breakfast, focus on providing a well balanced meal....because breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know that sentence seems almost like it doesn't need to even be said but if you did a survey of a class of 10 kids, I would bet that at least 7 of them would have eaten a meal that was not balanced meal and did not properly prepare them for the school day.
The more fresh food we can give our children...the better. Try to avoid packaged meals, heat-ups and other "easy" foods. Remember, these are your children and they deserve the best. If getting up 30 minutes earlier means that your child can make better grades, focus better in school, have less sick days and be healthier and happier....I think it's a no-brainer! :)
If you have recipe examples and good ideas...send them my way! We are still mostly doing "baby" meals at our house in the morning....so it's much easier then battling the older kids who become "choosy" about what they eat! My goal is to start posting recipe examples and weekly meal plans as we come up with them! Thanks for being patient!
Things to Avoid
WHAT NOT TO EAT
In this fast paced world that we live in....I know we are all guilty of that quick meal. The meal that we can just grab quickly and not really think about.....but in this case please just make an educated decision.
What we feed our children and ourselves is so important. It is the fuel for our body. Pumping our body full of poison will only result in one outcome....failure. Failure of our body to achieve it's full potential. This article is a quick read....just look over it. With preparation, we can always come up with fast, easy snacks to help us avoid the temptation of "chicken nuggets" and other scary non-food items.
In this fast paced world that we live in....I know we are all guilty of that quick meal. The meal that we can just grab quickly and not really think about.....but in this case please just make an educated decision.
What we feed our children and ourselves is so important. It is the fuel for our body. Pumping our body full of poison will only result in one outcome....failure. Failure of our body to achieve it's full potential. This article is a quick read....just look over it. With preparation, we can always come up with fast, easy snacks to help us avoid the temptation of "chicken nuggets" and other scary non-food items.
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