I had a discussion with my children (an 8- and 14-year-old) about healthy eating this week. I find that as I get busy at work, I have less time to cook at home. Evenings are very hectic in my house. Of course, the soccer game for my son is as far as you can get from the ballet lessons for my daughter. It is so easy to stop at McDonald’s on the way to the soccer game as you are running around in the evening chauffeuring your children to various activities.
At the end of the day, when I reflect upon their diets, I realize that they did not eat as many fruits and vegetables as they should have. In fact, the diet throughout the week has been lacking in nutritional value. While my children are by no means obese, obesity can creep up on them if I am not more careful about their diet.
I am going to issue a challenge for healthy living to all of you and me. Can we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics prescription for healthy living for a whole week…month…year? Let us join Michelle Obama in the Let’s move initiative to reduce childhood obesity. Let’s follow the AAP prescription and work on raising healthier and fit children. You can let me know in the comments below how successful your family is.
Note: Breastfeed exclusively until 6 months and maintain breastfeeding after the introduction of solid food until 12 months of age. Only breast milk or infant formula should be given until 1 year of age. Cows milk should be introduced only at age 1. Switch to low-fat milk at age 2, earlier in some special instances after consultation with your pediatrician. Do not introduce water or juice until at least 6 months of age.
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