So Now We're Corrupting the Gorillas

When was the last time you saw a gorilla in a 711? Or a giraffe in a Burger King? Or a Polar Bear in a Baskin and Robins?? So how is it that our zoo animals have developed a sweet tooth and now need diets including sugar free jello and alfalfa sprouts?? How do you think these animals had their palates corrupted and their traditional diets shifted?? And let me draw a parallel between these poor animals that had their natural innate dietary habits dramatically changed and the typical American child - there's absolutely no difference - -we adults have had a hand in creating these situations - but the animal and child kingdoms are paying the price.

So where do we go from here - here being overweight and sedentary zoo animals and kids? Well, the animals depend directly on their feeders - so hopefully they will embrace a return to much healthier fare and physical activity - and not rebel or lodge complaints with an animal law firm.

As far as our kids are concerned - they too cannot go to the nearest 711 or fast food joint - without a parent taking them. If they are school age - they can only eat junk on a regular basis, if it finds its way into their pantry, frig or lunch bag - with the help of their parents and other doting adults. It may seem like an insurmountable battle to shift to healthier habits in the home - but it is doable. The bottom line is to involve the kids - set an example and model the behavior - show how eating healthy can be tasty - and remember that as parents we hold the key to how our kids relate to food - fitness - and their health.

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How to start - here are 5 "do this" instead "of that" to get your family started on a healthier journey:
1- Give your child a small serving of fruit at every meal or two fruit snacks a day - and be creative with presentation INSTEAD OF foods that come out of a box
2- Let your child help to prepare the meal so they begin to learn about different food groups INSTEAD OF taking them to a drive through
3- Playtime and physical activity should be the priority INSTEAD OF TV/video time - and that goes for adults
4- Brown bag lunches - for yourself and your child INSTEAD OF buying on the go
5- Have a day where you prepare some meals and side dishes ahead if time - it's called meal planning INSTEAD OF running out to try and shop for the meal and turning to take out.

Any ideas to share with other families struggling to shift the tide from corrupted palates to healthier habits???