Guest Author - Jacqueline Geller

Childhood obesity is at an all time high. Where do we find time in our own busy schedules to keep the kids active and out of the potato chips and soda?

Fortunately, schools are finally getting the picture that soda and snack machines are part of the problem. The machines were money makers for schools with stretched budgets, but they were stretching the waistlines of the students even more. Those machines are only one temptation, however. Our own homes are often the root of the diet disaster that is rampant in our nation.

There is a lot we can do to help win the battle of the bulge in our own homes. The first and most difficult thing, of course, is to set a good example with our own eating habits. This is not a, “Do as I say. Don’t do as I do” option. Everyone in the house has to participate.

Keep the junk food out of the house. Healthy snacks do not have to be boring! All kids love peanut butter (unless they are allergic). Peanut butter tastes amazingly good on celery, bananas and apples, as well as bread. If the bread is a whole grain variety, that works also. Air-popped popcorn is fantastic for movie night. Raw veggies with low-fat dip add taste and a party atmosphere to an otherwise bland snack.

Soda has no place in anyone’s diet. Try limiting that to special occasions in limited amounts. Water can be incredibly delicious when infused with a little fruit juice, a flavoring agent or frozen lime or lemon slices. Yum! Water also keeps our systems running smoothly and helps with revving up our metabolism. In turn we have more energy to get up off that sofa!

Diets are not necessary for children. Hungry kids will find things to eat that aren’t good for them. It’s better to keep healthy snacks available and to keep the kids active with walking, bike riding and any other activity that interests them. Most YMCA’s offer discounts to families under a certain income level. Playing outside instead of sitting in front of the television, video games or computer will do a lot toward keeping obesity at bay.

Pedometers are fun. You can have a family challenge to see who takes the most steps during a week’s period, then offer a prize at the end of the week for the winner (not food, please).

Teaching kids at an early age to eat healthy and exercise will create healthy, active adults. The bonus is that it will help you reach your own exercise and diet goals at the same time!