Fighting4RealFood: Obesity WAKE UP CALL

Inspired by Weight of the Nation - seriously, watch it... Part 1 and 3 to be fully informed and part 4 to get inspired - I mean, it's free and the same amount of time as the new batman movie.
http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/

Most of us understand the health risks of smoking. Sure, some of us still partake as conscious adults. But when it comes to our children, we have banned it. We have even banned Joe Camel and children-directed advertising. Why?

Because children need to be protected from these unhealthy products. Because these products are addicting. Because everyone knows that daily consumption of these products will create health problems and even death.

Do you see where I am going with this? Well, let's look at the stats:

Does it concern you that one of the products of these conditions is taxed while the other is subsidized?

NOW, I want you to know that I DO NOT JUDGE how you decide to eat or what you decide for your family and for that matter, what you believe. I am not in your shoes and can't possibly know what you are up against. I know from experience that living for health is NOT EASY and I never want to be judged for how I choose to live my life. I surely don't always do what I know I should. But, above all this, I am a passionate advocate for children, for they rely on us to help them understand the world around them and to instill in them the tools to be successful in whatever they choose to do in life. And it is from this place that I finish this post.

Heart disease starts in childhood, even as early as in the womb. In Weight of the Nation, a "radical" idea is put forth that manufacturers of unhealthy products should not direct advertising at children. The rise in hours spent in front of the television not only displace active lifestyles with sedentary ones, but additionally put children in front of colorful, entertaining advertising campaigns that are designed to make their mouths water at sugary cereals and sodas - marketed with the help of their favorite singers or athletes -- OFTEN while they are snacking.

But parents need to do their part also to teach their children how to make healthy choices. I know this is an unpopular idea because we've gotten accustomed to everything being so easy - convenience food, convenience entertainment. I look around and see the conveniences I have chosen. But, you can't think that way. What can I do - small, easy goals, one at a time? Can I replace my child's ice cream cone with a handmade self-pureed strawberry slushy I froze? Replace that cookie with a juicy plum? Switch to brown rice, sweet potatoes; replace a serving of red meat with black beans? What about doing jumping jacks during commercials? What about committing to walk a mile every Saturday morning as a family?

While it may not be as easy as not smoking (I mean, we have to eat and real, good food is more expensive and harder to find and takes longer to prepare), a healthy lifestyle should be an opportunity afforded to our children. It should be a component of their education so they can make informed choices and give them the skills to manage this lifestyle as adults, if they so choose. We want them to have the best education so they can do whatever they want in life, so why not a strong, healthy body?

Snack packs anyone??