Hello everyone…I was just reading an article about the unhealthy foods served to our children in the school cafeterias.

The local farmers in New York are trying to get the school system to hop on board and buy their fresh fruits and vegetables to sell in the school cafeteria. The article states that,

“New York’s schoolchildren today are fatter than ever. This is a tragic fact that we all realize. Farmers in New York who produce fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products think that the farm community can be an important ally in the battle against this disturbing trend. ”

However, the reality is that the school cafeteria is doing their best with the budgets available, and buy from the lowest bidder-who frequently offers food packed with calories and not good nutrition. What is comes down to is that these kids will eat what is available to them. If they are only offered these ‘processed’ foods, how can we expect the obesity trend to turn around?

I feel that there are MANY factors that contribute to the overall problem of childhood obesity. I strongly feel that GOOD NUTRITION STARTS AT HOME. However, schools CAN and SHOULD set good examples. This is where our kids learn, right? I know teachers teach and promote healthy eating, so how about setting a good example with having only healthy foods available at the cafeteria?

As a parent, don’t send your children with money to buy these crappy foods! Maybe you can sit down and have their input on a ‘menu’ for their lunch for the week. If they absolutely love a certain food that is not so healthy from school, allow this only once/week. The rest of the four days will be a sandwich or something healthy that they had input on.

You are the role model. Eat healthy yourself. Exercise. Put priority on being a ‘fit family’…really make it a goal to change your lifestyle and your children will thank you.

For those of you who are willing to take ACTION and want to feel energized and healthy, check out the Fit Chic Year of Workouts program. Set aside 20 minutes of your day to yourself and your health.

Cheers to health,

Angie

C.P.T.

B.Ed.