Nutrition for Kids

12 Million kids…

That’s the estimated number of kids in America that are obese.

“Childhood obesity has immediate and long-term effects on physical, social, and emotional health. Children with obesity have an increased risk of asthma, sleep apnea, bone & joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease. Children with obesity are bullied and teased more than their peers which can lead to social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem. Childhood obesity typically continues into teenage and adult years which over time can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and even certain types of cancer.” -CDC

Families used to cook all of their food. Over time, families started cooking less and less. Humans have slowly removed themselves from the kitchen. The fast food industry is a $200 Billion Dollar Industry. We are currently living through a obesity epidemic. We are literally eating our way to death.

What if we started cooking the majority of our food again?

What if we took control of the food that we put into our body? What if cooking dinner in the kitchen with our family became a common occurance again? Turn up some music, get everyone involved, and cook a healthy dinner with your family. What a concept! This simple actionable step could be the start of a health revolution. This concept could be the habit that helps transform the way your family lives their life.

I challenge each every one of you to simply take on the challenge of cooking the majority of your food. Trust me, at first you will probably suck. It’s ok! You will continue to get better and better as time goes on. You will begin to get more comfortable and efficient at the grocery store and in the kitchen. Remember, these are skills that have to be acquired over time. Embrace the journey of self growth and personal development. Just try to fall in love with the process. After all, food is what fuels our life.

Food literally determines how we feel, look, and perform each and every day of our life.

Most kids breakfast these days consist of:
Cereal like frosted flakes and cocoa puffs
Pop tarts
Frozen pancakes and waffles
Donuts
Toaster strudel
Oreos
Nothing at all…

Afternoon snacks? Not much better…
Taco bell and other fast food
Hot pockets
Pizza rolls
Candy
Chips
Cereal
Pop tarts
Granola bars

PROCESSED, PROCESSED, PROCESSED

Did you know that 10 servings of vegetables and fruits per day is what is recommended for kids? How many kids are doing that?

We shouldn’t demonize these breakfast/ snack foods, we just need to focus on cooking the majority of our food. Our bodies need healthy food to fuel our body. Growing kids definitely need these nutrients in order to grow into a healthy adult.

Let’s reverse obesity.

It all starts in the kitchen.

Adults, take action. Lead from the front. Your kids look up to you. They watch you, they see you, they learn from you. Be the example. Start with dinner. Just simply start grocery shopping and cooking each week. You don’t have to be perfect. Just start trying to do better.

You deserve to feel, look, and perform your best.

Your kids deserve to do the same.

If you or anyone you know ever needs any help, my team and I are here to help. We are on your team. We are here to help you!

-J