Family Time

Active Kids: Healthy Activities
Patrice Jones, contributing editor

It’s no secret that childhood obesity is on the rise across the United States and abroad. We have become a society plagued by a drive-thru-window mentality. Our kids are eating largely processed meals from the window of the nearest fast-food restaurant, as we have become too busy to actually COOK wholesome meals for their growing bodies. Where did we go wrong? To add to this, the grocery store is filled with processed frozen kids’ entrée options, sugary, dye-filled breakfast cereals and artificial liquid substances posing as healthy beverages for our children to consume. There are SO many directions the finger could be pointed - the food industry, the school system, the fast-food restaurants or the government. BUT, we should really start by turning that finger around and pointing it at OURSELVES. Healthy eating habits start in the HOME!

Kids respond well to healthy-wholesome interaction. In order for them to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, it may be helpful to allow them to become active participants during household grocery shopping. Instead of shopping the inner aisles of the grocery store, where the processed foods and snacks are shelved, shop the outer aisles. Most stores are lined with colorful produce, just waiting to fill their little minds and bodies with healthy-goodness. There is such a vast selection of exotic fruits and vegetables to educate ourselves and our children about. Involve them — they will absolutely love it!

During my last grocery store visit with my 5 year old son, Jayson, we explored the different types of pears. We even found a very friendly, well-informed employee that sliced a few different types of pears for Jayson and I to sample right there on the spot. He was very kid-friendly and told us about the 4 types of pears that are readily available in the United States:

Bartlett Pears

Anjou Pears

Bosc Pears

Comice Pears

As Jayson and I enjoyed a juicy Bartlett pear, he looked up at me and said “Mom, did I do a good job?” As a parent, you’d like for your child to be energized, confident and active throughout their day when they are NOT with you. When they are WITH you, your children look to YOU for guidance with school work, mannerisms and life-skills. However, it is important to realize they ALSO emulate our healthy lifestyles OR lack thereof. Healthy, active children THRIVE!