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| cute kid enjoying pasta and juice via portfolio of freedigitalphotos.net |
My daughter, in her middle school health class, began learning about the Super Size guy. At one point in his video, he said that there are adults who now associate eating at McDonalds with a 'love connection'. Why? Because that's what their parents did with them when they were kids; it's where they spent time together.
Therefore, it's where they feel loved.
Ask any Italian and they will tell you that food is at the heart of their family gatherings. This is not a bad thing. In many nations food is instrumental in the family bonding process. In many cultures it is used for gifts, shared for celebrations, funerals and holidays. When was the last time you went to a gathering with more than 5 people and didn't find something to eat there?
Let's face it- food is cool!
Food should be a source of joy, not anxiety- especially for children. So when you decide that it's time to change your eating habits, understand that it could be risky (for everyone). The moment you begin putting focus on it in a negative way, it becomes dangerous; constantly worrying about what you eat could do the exact opposite of what you're goal is.
You and your family should relax, have fun and enjoy your favorites!
Yes, it's okay to go out and have ice-cream on a hot summer night, it's okay to have a piece of Key Lime Pie at the picnic, and a slice of Apple Pie Christmas...Heck Yes!
Just don't have the triple banana split every time, or have seconds and thirds of pie. Let your body and common sense prevail.
When it comes to food, sometimes our brains check out.
There are many well known addictions out there - food can certainly be one of them, just ask, well...
Anyone (we all have a weakness).
Follow the No Diet Challenge and I bet you'll experience a change in your mood, sleep, weight and overall health:
1. Step 1: Log it
2. Diets and Scales *&$#
3. Balance (not deprivation)
4. How and why to read labels
5. SUGAR!!! (Addiction)
6. I wasn't always skinny (and what I did about it)
-- Don't go anywhere-but do get motivated--
7. Are you sick? (How food affects us)
8. 2 BZ 2 get fit?
9. Organic Vs. Non
10. What's in your grocery cart (and mine)
11. Cravings, Sleep & More
12. Where to get the good stuff (guess I hear my next stop should be Trader Joes)
Always remember, the main goal IS NOT TO LOSE WEIGHT. Unless your doctor says you should. This should be about becoming healthier and encouraging our families to eat better.
Who you are in the mirror is the only person you need to please. Be healthy for you-and for your family- to extend your life so that you can be with your family for as long as possible.