Is dance.
This post will serve 2 purposes:
1. To ready everyone for my 25 days of FIT-mas!!!
2. To gripe and grieve about the lack of dance in my life right now
Okay, let's talk a bit about the 25 days of FIT-mas. From DEC 1-25, I will be giving healthfully helpful advice like diet tips, workout moves and sweet swaps to get you through the holidays without "wearing" your holidays feasts in the months following. There's no reason for everyone to HAVE to gain holiday weight, but there's also no reason to spend the holidays without enjoying the food, family and fun of it all. Stay tuned in, follow this blog, SPREAD THE WORD, and let's all keep fit through the holidays together!
And I'm thinking about doing a give-away to one of my followers. I was thinking that maybe everyone could submit a low calorie version of their favorite holiday recipe, and I would send the winner a little something (like a dance workout video or personalized workout gear). What do you think? Input welcome!
And now my rant:
I'm feeling like a book without a reader. A pen without a writer. A tv without a remote control...whatever works as a metaphor here. I am a dancer and it has been weeks since I've had a dance class. Since I've danced at all. I know I've been working a lot lately and packing for my move (me and Dave are moving in on our own together this Friday), but these are just excuses really. There is one big reason I haven't been able to dance.
I just can't find any classes. You would think in a city like Jacksonville, the largest city in the US area-wise, I could find at least one studio that has classes for the level and age that I am. But I just can't seem to find a studio that feels as much like home as my studio in Tallahassee did/does. It felt closer than home to me. Spending 3-4 hours a day with my girls at the studio three or four days a week was the happiest part of my life for the last four years. And it's really the ONLY thing I miss now that I'm in JAX. And today, I miss it really bad.
I was going to go to dance class at a studio tonight, to try out their adult "funky hiphop" class, though I'm sure I would have found it too easy and goofy, but I got called in to work instead. If I were in Tally and this had happened, I would have said "no I have dance" but since I'm not "married" to a studio or even found any likeable classes, it was no question that I'd take the shift.
It's just sad that I'm not dancing every day. I on't know who I am when I'm not dancing and right now I just feel so un-me. No wonder I've been a bit reclusive lately. I'm not happy :( Cause I'm not dancing.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Hungry for the Holidays
Sorry again that it has been so long since my last post. I've been working like a dog through these holidays and its only 6 days now until Dave and I move into our own place, so things have gotten a little crazy to say the least. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, but I also hope that all of you were able to balance indulgence with healthy habits on this historically hefty holiday.
Thanksgiving is notorious for being the one day of the year (okay more like one of the many days of the year) where people feel its more than okay, if not required, to indulge in food and drink, often past the point of fullness. This can be quite the dangerous event for one's diet, and statistically, an overwhelming majority of Americans gain 1-2 pounds JUST on Thanksgiving day alone. On a healthy diet, that would take a week or two to lose the weight you pack on in one meal. Yikes.
So how do we survive these holidays, the ones where our family can't seem to stop serving us second helpings of our most favorite, time honored treats? Well, I have a few ideas that have helped me get through the holidays in years past:
1. Small portions and/or small plates. If you're hosting a party, use or buy plates for the occasion that are smaller than typical dinner plates, This will help you, and your guests, keep your portions in check as you taste the array of delights your friends and family have put together.
2. Bring or serve healthy alternatives. If you're going to load up your plate with creamy mashed potatoes covered in gravy with a few helpings of the creamy goodness that is green bean casserole, not to mention all the warm crusty rolls and crescents, then you may want to fill the rest of your helpings with dishes that err on the lighter side of things. Salads with low calorie dressings are a great first plate for your evening since they can be filling and won't topple you over your calorie quota. Another good idea is to bring or serve lower calorie desserts for the party you're either hosting or attending. Jello dishes, angel food cakes and fruit salads are wonderful ways to keep you from overdoing yourself on dessert after happily drowning in deep fried turkey breast.
3. Drink yourself to fullness. Keep your portions lighter without feeling deprived by keeping yourself hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your meal. It will fill you up and help you digest all the yummy food you ate later. It's truly a win-win here.
The WORST thing you can do on Holidays where you know you're going to have a big meal is to starve yourself all day in preparation. If you deprive yourself all day, you're going to have no hope of restraint when the meal comes. You'll be ravenous and eat faster than your body can digest. This is a recipe for diet and health disaster in the form of a "food baby"...possibly twins or triplets. Make sure you eat a good breakfast and have nutritious snacks earlier in the day. That way you won't gorge as soon as the bread hits the table, keeping your diet...and your manners...in check.
I hope these tips help you as much as they help me on holidays. And remember, no matter if it's Thanksgiving or any other day of the year, always be thankful for your health, mind body and spirit alike.
<3<3<3<3<3
Thanksgiving is notorious for being the one day of the year (okay more like one of the many days of the year) where people feel its more than okay, if not required, to indulge in food and drink, often past the point of fullness. This can be quite the dangerous event for one's diet, and statistically, an overwhelming majority of Americans gain 1-2 pounds JUST on Thanksgiving day alone. On a healthy diet, that would take a week or two to lose the weight you pack on in one meal. Yikes.
So how do we survive these holidays, the ones where our family can't seem to stop serving us second helpings of our most favorite, time honored treats? Well, I have a few ideas that have helped me get through the holidays in years past:
1. Small portions and/or small plates. If you're hosting a party, use or buy plates for the occasion that are smaller than typical dinner plates, This will help you, and your guests, keep your portions in check as you taste the array of delights your friends and family have put together.
2. Bring or serve healthy alternatives. If you're going to load up your plate with creamy mashed potatoes covered in gravy with a few helpings of the creamy goodness that is green bean casserole, not to mention all the warm crusty rolls and crescents, then you may want to fill the rest of your helpings with dishes that err on the lighter side of things. Salads with low calorie dressings are a great first plate for your evening since they can be filling and won't topple you over your calorie quota. Another good idea is to bring or serve lower calorie desserts for the party you're either hosting or attending. Jello dishes, angel food cakes and fruit salads are wonderful ways to keep you from overdoing yourself on dessert after happily drowning in deep fried turkey breast.
3. Drink yourself to fullness. Keep your portions lighter without feeling deprived by keeping yourself hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout your meal. It will fill you up and help you digest all the yummy food you ate later. It's truly a win-win here.
The WORST thing you can do on Holidays where you know you're going to have a big meal is to starve yourself all day in preparation. If you deprive yourself all day, you're going to have no hope of restraint when the meal comes. You'll be ravenous and eat faster than your body can digest. This is a recipe for diet and health disaster in the form of a "food baby"...possibly twins or triplets. Make sure you eat a good breakfast and have nutritious snacks earlier in the day. That way you won't gorge as soon as the bread hits the table, keeping your diet...and your manners...in check.
I hope these tips help you as much as they help me on holidays. And remember, no matter if it's Thanksgiving or any other day of the year, always be thankful for your health, mind body and spirit alike.
<3<3<3<3<3
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Change it up: Food
So I've finally dug myself out from under my pile of homework and double shifts to write this post. Remember what I was saying before about needing to introduce change when you hit a slump in your workout? The same applies to your diet. So let's talk food!
If you're currently on a diet, stop. Rethink the phrase "ON A DIET" and switch it over to thinking of yourself as having healthy eating habits. Once you're "ON" a diet, its easy to get "OFF" of it. But changing habits is MUCH harder. Its a mental trick, but I promise it works.
So if what's been working for you has hit a wall in its effectiveness, its time to change it up a bit. You don't have to completely switch everything you're doing (like going from no carbs to only carbs or something like that). Small changes can take your current habits a LONG way.
It all boils down to calories in the end, but you don't necessarily have to count every single one. Whether you're on weight watchers, raw foods or the Subway diet, your main goal is to keep your calories at a certain balanced level along with physical activity. It creates a calories in-calories burned equation that should ultimately result in weight loss or maintenance, whichever is your goal.
The problem occurs when your body gets bored with the same old same old foods every day. This boredom can lead to dangerous cravings and even binge eating if you're not careful. Just like switching out a machine or a class at the gym, switching out some foods is a great way to keep yourself on track while adding a bit of delicious variety. Here are a few tricks that can work for every "dieter":
1. Go out. I know all the research says its healthier to eat at home, but especially with handy food guides like Weight Watchers and books like "Eat This, Not That," eating out can be as healthy as making it yourself. Treat yourself to a healthy meal you don't have to cook, and maybe you can even splurge on one of those cute little dessert shooters. (P.F. Changs and Applebees have delicious dessert shots that range from only 100-250 calories each!!)
2. Have a theme night. Plan one meal a week with a food theme. This could be international (Asian fusion, Mexican, etc,), TV/movie inspired (Sci Fi, Fashion show, etc), or quirky themes like Fair food or Kids table creations. Adding a bit of fun to your food can easily help you get out of the same-old slump.
3. Change up your ingredients. If you eat subs every day, it can work well as a diet, since most subs are fairly low in calories when done up right (aka no mayo, cheese or fatty sauces). However, don't eat a turkey sub for lunch and dinner EVERY day. Your mind and your body need more variety than that or they will stop responding to the diet out of sheer boredom. Try the different low calorie options your favorite sandwich places (or your fridge) has to offer. Go for a veggie sub for lunch and switch to ham for dinner or try a club with turkey bacon and switch to a grilled chicken parm sub (86 cheese) for dinner. There are more low calorie options than you're giving yourself. This applies to other "diets" like the Special K diet as well. You don't have to restrict yourself to Special K for it to work. Any low calorie cereal will work just fine. When I go for this diet, I like to start my day with Berry Kix and have a nice bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats for lunch. The only cereals I'd stay away from are the sugar overloads (like Cookie Crisp and Corn Pops) and anything with over 250 calories per serving) These are loaded with sugar and fats you don't need to be starting your day with.
If you're on a "diet" or have any questions about food switch ideas, please PLEASE email me. I'd love to help out with this. After all, this IS my passion. :)
If you're currently on a diet, stop. Rethink the phrase "ON A DIET" and switch it over to thinking of yourself as having healthy eating habits. Once you're "ON" a diet, its easy to get "OFF" of it. But changing habits is MUCH harder. Its a mental trick, but I promise it works.
So if what's been working for you has hit a wall in its effectiveness, its time to change it up a bit. You don't have to completely switch everything you're doing (like going from no carbs to only carbs or something like that). Small changes can take your current habits a LONG way.
It all boils down to calories in the end, but you don't necessarily have to count every single one. Whether you're on weight watchers, raw foods or the Subway diet, your main goal is to keep your calories at a certain balanced level along with physical activity. It creates a calories in-calories burned equation that should ultimately result in weight loss or maintenance, whichever is your goal.
The problem occurs when your body gets bored with the same old same old foods every day. This boredom can lead to dangerous cravings and even binge eating if you're not careful. Just like switching out a machine or a class at the gym, switching out some foods is a great way to keep yourself on track while adding a bit of delicious variety. Here are a few tricks that can work for every "dieter":
1. Go out. I know all the research says its healthier to eat at home, but especially with handy food guides like Weight Watchers and books like "Eat This, Not That," eating out can be as healthy as making it yourself. Treat yourself to a healthy meal you don't have to cook, and maybe you can even splurge on one of those cute little dessert shooters. (P.F. Changs and Applebees have delicious dessert shots that range from only 100-250 calories each!!)
2. Have a theme night. Plan one meal a week with a food theme. This could be international (Asian fusion, Mexican, etc,), TV/movie inspired (Sci Fi, Fashion show, etc), or quirky themes like Fair food or Kids table creations. Adding a bit of fun to your food can easily help you get out of the same-old slump.
3. Change up your ingredients. If you eat subs every day, it can work well as a diet, since most subs are fairly low in calories when done up right (aka no mayo, cheese or fatty sauces). However, don't eat a turkey sub for lunch and dinner EVERY day. Your mind and your body need more variety than that or they will stop responding to the diet out of sheer boredom. Try the different low calorie options your favorite sandwich places (or your fridge) has to offer. Go for a veggie sub for lunch and switch to ham for dinner or try a club with turkey bacon and switch to a grilled chicken parm sub (86 cheese) for dinner. There are more low calorie options than you're giving yourself. This applies to other "diets" like the Special K diet as well. You don't have to restrict yourself to Special K for it to work. Any low calorie cereal will work just fine. When I go for this diet, I like to start my day with Berry Kix and have a nice bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats for lunch. The only cereals I'd stay away from are the sugar overloads (like Cookie Crisp and Corn Pops) and anything with over 250 calories per serving) These are loaded with sugar and fats you don't need to be starting your day with.
If you're on a "diet" or have any questions about food switch ideas, please PLEASE email me. I'd love to help out with this. After all, this IS my passion. :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Slipping, Falling, Climbing, Basking
No I'm not talking about mountain climbing in the summer, although that does sound like fun.
When it comes to getting fit*, its easy to fall into a cycle. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, and where you are on the fitness scale is the opposite of where your weight is on the actual scale (for the most part). It's truly one of life's most vicious cycles. That's okay, though. We'll get through this together.
Sometimes I'm so up its scary. You'll find me in the gym at 6:30 am, I'm already on my sixth mile, and I'm ready for dance classes, yoga, and whatever else I can fit into my day. But sometimes, like these past few weeks, it takes everything I have to get out of bed and get at least an hour of cardio in every day. I get so busy or so tired that I rarely make it to dance class, I let yoga slip away, and I can barely get myself to put my skates on. That's okay. it truly does happen to all of us, and it's good to remember that it's perfectly normal and you're going to get through it.
Okay, so how do we get through it? Well, my last post talked about was taking a rest, which is very important when you hit these slumps. But the biggest factor in breaking through a plateau, or even worse a gorge, is change. Introduce something new, something different. because whether you feel it or not, you're bored. Body + mind + soul = bored. You're body is caving a new exercise; your system is tired of the same old diet routine; it's time to change it up a bit.
Now the best way to FIT these changes in is to keep them small. Yes a small change ca help you go a long way. If you've been loving the elliptical machine at the gym but you find you're not as excited about it as yo used to be, ts okay to take a break and see other machines for a while. Try the treadmill, or the bike, or even take an aerobics class to get that cardio in. It's okay to go halvsies to split your time between your elliptical and another machine. Just make sure to keep their names straight ;)
Better yet, try leaving the gym altogether. Go for a run or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Take a ballroom dancing class, or even go for a night on the town at your favorite top 40, Latin, or goth music night.
Hit a slump in your diet? Stay tuned, I'll be talking about that in my next post. For now, take this opportunity, try something new, and don't forget to have fun with it. I'll keep you updated on how well its working for me.
When it comes to getting fit*, its easy to fall into a cycle. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, and where you are on the fitness scale is the opposite of where your weight is on the actual scale (for the most part). It's truly one of life's most vicious cycles. That's okay, though. We'll get through this together.
Sometimes I'm so up its scary. You'll find me in the gym at 6:30 am, I'm already on my sixth mile, and I'm ready for dance classes, yoga, and whatever else I can fit into my day. But sometimes, like these past few weeks, it takes everything I have to get out of bed and get at least an hour of cardio in every day. I get so busy or so tired that I rarely make it to dance class, I let yoga slip away, and I can barely get myself to put my skates on. That's okay. it truly does happen to all of us, and it's good to remember that it's perfectly normal and you're going to get through it.
Okay, so how do we get through it? Well, my last post talked about was taking a rest, which is very important when you hit these slumps. But the biggest factor in breaking through a plateau, or even worse a gorge, is change. Introduce something new, something different. because whether you feel it or not, you're bored. Body + mind + soul = bored. You're body is caving a new exercise; your system is tired of the same old diet routine; it's time to change it up a bit.
Now the best way to FIT these changes in is to keep them small. Yes a small change ca help you go a long way. If you've been loving the elliptical machine at the gym but you find you're not as excited about it as yo used to be, ts okay to take a break and see other machines for a while. Try the treadmill, or the bike, or even take an aerobics class to get that cardio in. It's okay to go halvsies to split your time between your elliptical and another machine. Just make sure to keep their names straight ;)
Better yet, try leaving the gym altogether. Go for a run or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Take a ballroom dancing class, or even go for a night on the town at your favorite top 40, Latin, or goth music night.
Hit a slump in your diet? Stay tuned, I'll be talking about that in my next post. For now, take this opportunity, try something new, and don't forget to have fun with it. I'll keep you updated on how well its working for me.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Break before you break
Okay so everyone who knows me knows that I have a problem slowing myself down, let alone taking a break, however much I need one. But I have learned in the last week or so that sometimes a break is more than necessary. It can sometimes even be a matter of life or death.
In the past few weeks I have worked myself to the bone physically and mentally through workouts (without taking a rest day ><), working double shifts or single shifts with no day off in between, and all the work I'm doing for my classes. This weekend, I took three days off work to go to a dance convention, thinking it would be a nice break where I could just dance and not have any other worries.
wrong
I was EXHAUSTED to the point where I could barely make it through my classes, which made me very sad. I realized, a bit too late though, that I needed a break in order to regain the endless energy I once had. I've been so tired and laggy lately, and I didn't even notice until I had to sit out of a dance class I was so looking forward to taking for weeks. :(
My lesson is something I hope to help you all learn from. Staying active and keeping fit is important, but EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT is resting. It is absolutely essential for your body to rest, especially when you work and work out hard all week. Set aside some "me" time to just sit on the couch and watch some mindless TV. Take a nap. Go to the movies. Do something to relax or even better, do NOTHING.
Take this advice to heart before you burn yourself out when you need your energy the most.Hopefully I'll take my own advice, rest and be rejuvenated so I can actually start enjoying my workouts as much as I used to. They've gotten exhausting and dull lately, and this is exactly why.
Time for a break. Definitely.
In the past few weeks I have worked myself to the bone physically and mentally through workouts (without taking a rest day ><), working double shifts or single shifts with no day off in between, and all the work I'm doing for my classes. This weekend, I took three days off work to go to a dance convention, thinking it would be a nice break where I could just dance and not have any other worries.
wrong
I was EXHAUSTED to the point where I could barely make it through my classes, which made me very sad. I realized, a bit too late though, that I needed a break in order to regain the endless energy I once had. I've been so tired and laggy lately, and I didn't even notice until I had to sit out of a dance class I was so looking forward to taking for weeks. :(
My lesson is something I hope to help you all learn from. Staying active and keeping fit is important, but EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT is resting. It is absolutely essential for your body to rest, especially when you work and work out hard all week. Set aside some "me" time to just sit on the couch and watch some mindless TV. Take a nap. Go to the movies. Do something to relax or even better, do NOTHING.
Take this advice to heart before you burn yourself out when you need your energy the most.Hopefully I'll take my own advice, rest and be rejuvenated so I can actually start enjoying my workouts as much as I used to. They've gotten exhausting and dull lately, and this is exactly why.
Time for a break. Definitely.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Childhood Obesity Part 2
Okay so I ranted and raved about this problem. Now what?. What can I say in the face of this epidemic that can help in any way? Well, I've thought a long time about this and I've come up with some ideas on how to keep our kids healthy or at least avoid helping them pack on the pounds.
Ditch the dinner to dessert rule.
-Let your kids eat their fill of their dinner, but don't push for them to finish everything on their plates in order to get dessert. That's not a good reward system Instead, use dessert as a reward for eating their vegetables or choosing water and juice instead of soda. This not only keeps them from unnecessary overeating, but it teaches them good eating habits with small sweet rewards.
***That being said, make sure dessert is at least a little healthy and/or a good portion size fr the child. A large slice of cheesecake isn't exactly the best thing to give a 5 year old. Try a small fruit parfait or an ice cream cone with sprinkles for a sweet treat your kids will "suffer" through broccoli for.
Make it healthier.
-Whatever "it" is, make it healthier in the way its cooked and prepared. Serve baked, not fried, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese made with low fat, non-processed cheeses, and pizzas made on whole wheat crust topped with some veggies among the standard pepperoni. Also, try to ease up on the salt. Overly salty dinners only enhance a child's sweet tooth at the end of the meal. Try serving baked sweet potato fries or cranberry infused salads and sauces to satisfy their sweet tooth with the main meal instead of overloading them with a sugar craving at the end.
Lead by example.
-Leave a little on your own plate too. Don't push yourself to eat more than you can/want just because you want to follow your own clean plate rule. Also, if you're not eating your own veggies, what makes you think your kids will? Monkey see, money do is a true saying, and that means: eat your vegetables. Your kids AND yourself will thank you in the years to come!
You only get one body, and its not fair to kids that they are being led to unhealthy lifestyles so early on. Teaching them good eating habits is key to fostering healthy lifestyles in the future which means healthier, more active, and longer lives for your children. That above all else is the best reward of all. :)
Ditch the dinner to dessert rule.
-Let your kids eat their fill of their dinner, but don't push for them to finish everything on their plates in order to get dessert. That's not a good reward system Instead, use dessert as a reward for eating their vegetables or choosing water and juice instead of soda. This not only keeps them from unnecessary overeating, but it teaches them good eating habits with small sweet rewards.
***That being said, make sure dessert is at least a little healthy and/or a good portion size fr the child. A large slice of cheesecake isn't exactly the best thing to give a 5 year old. Try a small fruit parfait or an ice cream cone with sprinkles for a sweet treat your kids will "suffer" through broccoli for.
Make it healthier.
-Whatever "it" is, make it healthier in the way its cooked and prepared. Serve baked, not fried, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese made with low fat, non-processed cheeses, and pizzas made on whole wheat crust topped with some veggies among the standard pepperoni. Also, try to ease up on the salt. Overly salty dinners only enhance a child's sweet tooth at the end of the meal. Try serving baked sweet potato fries or cranberry infused salads and sauces to satisfy their sweet tooth with the main meal instead of overloading them with a sugar craving at the end.
Lead by example.
-Leave a little on your own plate too. Don't push yourself to eat more than you can/want just because you want to follow your own clean plate rule. Also, if you're not eating your own veggies, what makes you think your kids will? Monkey see, money do is a true saying, and that means: eat your vegetables. Your kids AND yourself will thank you in the years to come!
You only get one body, and its not fair to kids that they are being led to unhealthy lifestyles so early on. Teaching them good eating habits is key to fostering healthy lifestyles in the future which means healthier, more active, and longer lives for your children. That above all else is the best reward of all. :)
Fight for Fit
There is one thing above all else that really grinds my gears when it comes to the state of fitness in the world, America especially:
Childhood Obesity.
There is simply no excuse for this. While on one side of the world, city or even a culdesac, some children are not getting enough food which means malnutrition and the slew of problems associated with that, on the other side, there are many children who are being over fed to the point of serious health problems. Childhood obesity is fastly becoming a top contender for the number one killer of children in America....and I don't like it.
I blame things like "The Clean Plate Club," that southern tradition of eating everything on your plate before you're allowed to have dessert. What sense does this make? If your child is full, they're full. Don't force them to finish their food because "there's starving children in Africa." And certainly don't ingrain in them the notion that eating more than a decent portion size should be rewarded with MORE food. Yeah. That makes a world of sense. Teach them that even after they're stuffed, they should finish everything you've put on their plates in order to eat even more that will surely cause them to be so full they can hardly do anything but lie on the couch the rest of the night. Good idea!...
The other culprit is WHAT they are eating. What are we feeding our kids these days? Nevermind the dangers of processed foods and artificial ingredients (I mean, what kid doesn't eat (Processed) American cheese slices in their grilled cheese sandwiches or mechanically separated meat in their hot dogs and microwaveable chicken nuggets?).
The problem, I think, is that we're feeding our kids the foods that "kids love" like hot dogs and chicken nuggets and pizza and french fries, etc, but nothing else. They are living off of Totino's Pizza Rolls and Ore Ida waffle fries and Anytizers chicken nuggets, and nothing healthy is making it onto their full plates. The salt content in these foods alone is enough to make any kid full off of just a few bites.
Why are we fill our kids' plates with crap and then telling them to finish the whole thing off or we won't feed them even more (sugar filled) crap?
How does this make sense?
I have to rush off to work, but I promise I will finish this thought later, with ideas on how to change this growing, avalanching trend.
Childhood Obesity.
There is simply no excuse for this. While on one side of the world, city or even a culdesac, some children are not getting enough food which means malnutrition and the slew of problems associated with that, on the other side, there are many children who are being over fed to the point of serious health problems. Childhood obesity is fastly becoming a top contender for the number one killer of children in America....and I don't like it.
I blame things like "The Clean Plate Club," that southern tradition of eating everything on your plate before you're allowed to have dessert. What sense does this make? If your child is full, they're full. Don't force them to finish their food because "there's starving children in Africa." And certainly don't ingrain in them the notion that eating more than a decent portion size should be rewarded with MORE food. Yeah. That makes a world of sense. Teach them that even after they're stuffed, they should finish everything you've put on their plates in order to eat even more that will surely cause them to be so full they can hardly do anything but lie on the couch the rest of the night. Good idea!...
The other culprit is WHAT they are eating. What are we feeding our kids these days? Nevermind the dangers of processed foods and artificial ingredients (I mean, what kid doesn't eat (Processed) American cheese slices in their grilled cheese sandwiches or mechanically separated meat in their hot dogs and microwaveable chicken nuggets?).
The problem, I think, is that we're feeding our kids the foods that "kids love" like hot dogs and chicken nuggets and pizza and french fries, etc, but nothing else. They are living off of Totino's Pizza Rolls and Ore Ida waffle fries and Anytizers chicken nuggets, and nothing healthy is making it onto their full plates. The salt content in these foods alone is enough to make any kid full off of just a few bites.
Why are we fill our kids' plates with crap and then telling them to finish the whole thing off or we won't feed them even more (sugar filled) crap?
How does this make sense?
I have to rush off to work, but I promise I will finish this thought later, with ideas on how to change this growing, avalanching trend.
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