Childhood Obesity - Who is Responsible?

Deciding who is responsible for childhood obesity is a complex problem.  A recent Act passed by the Senate of our country seems to place primary blame on school lunches.  This is something easily targeted by the ruling bodies because they have control over it.  But, HOLD EVERYTHING!  Where do these children eat the other two meals each day and most of their snacks?  Parents can still control what their children eat every day regardless of who controls school lunch menus.  The mandate is more fruits and vegetables and less sugary deserts.  That is very good indeed.  So, what if your child will not eat these the way they are prepared at school, or they do not like and will not eat the particular choices served in school lunches?  The ball bounces right back to parents.  If you are serious about your child's weight and health, you have the right to pack a lunch the night before and send it to school with him/her.  You surely know which fruits and vegetables your child will eat, right?  Send these to school with him because if you send something he doesn't like, he will most likely trade it to some other child who has something he does like.

What does your family eat at home?  This is a healthy life or early death activity every day in our homes.  Most parents do not consider this fact when they buy and serve food at home.  Check with the CDC and other health report sites on the computer to see if I am right.  A fast food and pre-prepared menu for your family every day will not produce a long and healthy life for them.  Here is a valid thought...fresh fruit and vegetables are expensive but medicine and doctor bills cost much more!  Don't forget the milk and whole grain cereals and bread.  These, together with the fresh fruit and vegetables, could negate the need for those expensive vitamins you give your child every day.

The time factor is also a problem these days with busy families going in myriad of directions each day.  If you are concerned about the health of your family, you can manage a good schedule for eating on these busy days.  When you cook a meal, cook enough for two days and reheat on that busiest day.  Or, when serving salads, give an assignment to more than one family member for preparation of different ingredients.  Find an alternative to cholesterol and fat laden snack foods.  Check next week's blog for item suggestions.
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