Childhood Obesity Epidemic | Team Excellence

Why in the world are we letting our children grow up obese and ill? What?s wrong with us???Do people really want their children to grow up obese, exhausted, depressed and extremely ill? Why are we teaching our kids lifestyle habits that will condemn them to this? It?s unacceptable, lazy and ignorant.

This is a subject that really gets me up on my soap box. (Obviously.) And being so blatant about it may tick some people off, but the truth is the truth here folks. Furthermore, the overall solution for many children out there is so simple. A few easy steps would right so many wrongs for our precious kiddos.

#1: PARENTS MUST CHANGE FIRST!!!
Lead by example! People can?t expect their kids to eat carrots on the treadmill while they ingest ho-hos in front of the TV. If parents don?t take health seriously for themselves, then neither will their children.

#2: TOSS THE JUNK FOOD!!!

Throw away the garbage and commit 100% to purchasing only nutritious foods. Don?t know what to buy? Easy enough. Meat, seafood, green salads, fruits and veggies. God made these things just for us to eat, and built our bodies to flourish on these foods. If you think you can?t afford it, then think this: Can you afford for yourself and your children to be ill for the rest of your lives?

#3: GET ACTIVE!!!

Seriously people, there is so much fun to be had hanging out, doing active things together with your family and/or friends. This is how you develop meaningful relationships with family and friends, by actually spending time with them. You don?t learn what makes people tick by playing video games.

At church on Sunday the message was about spending quality alone time praying and developing a relationship with God the way that Jesus Christ did. You don?t necessarily need a buddy to take a walk and pray, and this is something kids should learn from us as well.

#4: THROW AWAY ALL THE VIDEO GAMES IN YOUR HOME!!!

If you are met with whining and crying, then put your foot down! Kids would rather spend time with their parents. They may not think so at first sight of the video games going out the door, but it?s actually true! Would you want to be 30 years old, reflecting on a childhood of video games or reflecting on a childhood of family times? Video games drive me bonkers. I?m one of those weird kids that was raised without them and played outside. My parents were crazy, I know. They thought kids had fun running, jumping, and exploring! I have so many awesome childhood memories, none of which involve video games. On the cold winter days, my parents and I played board games. Together. Not in front of the TV. I know, even weirder. They should have been locked up for raising me in such a manner. We rarely ate out, and even more rarely ate fast food. I could count on one hand the number of times I had fast food before age eighteen. They made me hoe the weeds in the garden that we ate out of. They made me do chores and have responsibilities. I cannot hardly believe I survived.

P.S. I still love fruits, vegetables and playing outdoors. My kids love fruits, vegetables and playing outdoors. Good habits lead to more good habits. And I don?t want to hear any excuses about not being raised with good habits. Educate yourself and change. Today.

P.P.S. My three-year-old scrubs floors, hoes the garden (it?s a plastic hoe), has chores and will literally choose grapes over cake on any day. There will NEVER be video games in our home. We limit his TV. When he sees someone drinking pop and asks for some, I say no. Lock me up.

P.P.P.S. You should read Steph?s article on Paleo. It?s a two-part, catch them both!

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About Christi Marchant

I?m a woman who wants to stay at home to raise my children with time and financial freedom yet have a successful and fulfilling career that allows me to positively impact other people?s lives without working more than 15 hours per week. Sound like a fantasy? I live it every day. View all posts by Christi Marchant ?

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