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Teach Your Children Well

Did you read the blog by JennyB, The 78-year-old Titan, talking about how her dad has been a role model for a healthy lifestyle?  What a great story.  This is what your kids could be saying about you when they are out on their own!  Think of the good example you set by eating more fruits and vegetables, using low-calorie meal replacements and exercising routinely.  If your kids are younger and you’re wondering if they even notice… well, I’d like to give you confidence that they do.  Here is an example that convinced me.

 

We all know how college lifestyles historically have produced weight gain – known as “The Freshman 10” when I was in college, but now “The Freshman 15.”  If you’ve toured any campuses with your rising freshmen, the tour has most likely included the grand presentation of the “food court” cafeteria which now seems to be the norm for campuses.  It is easy to see how the “fast food” nature of campus foods along with the “one price includes everything you can eat” payment plan can add extra calories.
 

 

college food


Well, right in the midst of all the fast food available to college students, I had a sign of hope!  My son, a college junior, sent me a photo of a dinner he had prepared at his apartment.  Of course I’m biased, but how impressive is this?!  He made salmon, couscous (as he likes to say, “The food so nice they named it twice.”) and low and behold, a green vegetable!  He chose to prepare a meal that was low fat, nutritious, and from his report, also delicious.
 

salmon


I wanted to share this hopeful message with those of you who aren’t sure if you are getting through to your kids about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  Even if it takes a while for them to show it, you are making a difference.  Keep it up!

What are you doing in your life that models a healthy lifestyle for your kids?  How have you seen it pay off?

 

 

by AJDiet on 03/27/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: motivation, kids, mommy blog, nutrition

About the Author

Anne Jones

Anne came to HMR as a health educator in 1990. Since that time Anne has worked with the development team for the HMR at Home Program and provides support to HMR programs as an account manager and trainer. Anne is an avid walker and also loves to explore low calorie cooking.

Comments (3) Post a comment
This is a terrific story, Anne. It's really true that our kids are watching and the healthy lifestyle habits that they've learned from us resurface as they mature. This happened with my son, as well. (I would never have imagined it from the teenager who lived on Ramen noodles!) The change was dramatic! For the first 6 months or so after he got married he would call me about once a week and say, "Mom, how did you fix those little cabbages (Brussels sprouts) that I like?" or "Mom, how do you make that roasted asparagus?" or "I'm in the grocery store and I want a cantaloupe. How do I pick a good one?" My boy whom I despaired would ever do anything besides play computer games now celebrates his anniversary with his wife by taking a hike and is coaching his daughters soccer team. Life is Good!
by PeggyatHMC on 03/30/2012
That's great Anne! I remember being a college student and gaining the "freshman 15" plus 5. I was not the epitomy of health by any means. I remember walking around the dining common and thinking it was trendy to drink water and eat vegetables. I now realize that minority of people that ate way are probably healthier today and I'm glad I've now joined the ranks. It's great that your son has followed your lead-is he ever in Boston and does he like to cook for others?
by Chrissy78 on 03/28/2012
Great story Anne. Both my (now adult) daughters exercise 5 or more days a week without fail. As a matter of fact, when we visit they plan daily walks with me - sometimes 4-5 miles long. Why do they do this? Because we incorporated walking into our family lifestyle while they were kids. BTW: I wonder that CSNY might have to say about your title?
by KeithVanGasken on 03/28/2012