Kids Matter Too

For as long as any of us can remember, life has been enjoyed around food. When I was a child the dinner meal was where the family gathered. Same today for many. So what is missing that we are not living in the same health today as our ancestors? It is really simple to identify the changes that have taken place. When I grew up we had fruits and vegetables for snacks on the kitchen counter, or maybe we picked them off of the tree, (my husband grew up this way), or possibly our fruits and vegetables were kept in the refrigerator. Stop for a minute and ask yourself, where is the first place your kids or grandkids go for their snacks? I am guessing it is your pantry.

Is this a bad thing? No, not if you keep your fresh produce there. Or maybe some organic dried fruit without additives like poor fat choices and sugars. But if you keep your pantry stacked with packaged chips, crackers, snack bars and the sort, it is not the best choice for their little bodies. First the word organic does not mean it is healthy or nutritious. It just means there are organic ingredients. This can be a very loosely used term when you look at packaged snacks. They may be still filled with sugars, fillers, very possibly artificial sugars, bad oils/fats and lots of flavorings that have no nutritional content and no indication is given as to what they were made from.

The most noticeable response is that their little bellies are not satisfied or filled up. These snacks actually create an addiction to them, so to speak. Take notice that after one package, they want another snack. So early on our kiddos are learning the habits of poor snacking that leads to obesity and poor health as they grow up.

I challenge you as you go through "You Can Live Like This" and learn about the different fats, and sugars that are considered healthy, to focus on the ingredient list on the packages and make the best choice you can. Also, keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, already cleaned and ready for them to munch on. You see the TEID Lifestyle of making great food choices is not just for the adults. It can be taught to our family as they are growing up and prevent countless health issues many are dealing with today, including our children.

How exciting for you and your family. You have an advantage as you begin to make changes in your life, to also pass on health and wellness as part of your legacy.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS YEAR - "You Can Live Like This"

Blessings, Cindy Brynteson, RN

Saint Augustine, FL