The title of my blog today actually makes me sad because I can't believe we even need to have something like this! I'm happy that it is being done because it is an epidemic, but it is unbelievable that it has become such an issue. I was recently at the state fair, and between my sister, myself, my mom and my two kids, we split a cone of cookies. Oh yes, I could've eaten a bucket of them...and being that my kids have inherited my lovely sweet tooth, I'm sure they could've too, but I don't let myself or my kids actually HAVE the bucket! At the table next to us was an obese family, and a girl, who couldn't have been more than 12 years old, could barely push herself up out of her seat as she got up. Once she did however, she picked up her bucket of cookies. 

So many thoughts ran through my mind...this poor girl...I'm sure she gets made fun of at school, I'm sure it's hard for her to find fun, cute clothes, and what are her parents thinking? Feeding your child healthy food does have to be hard, believe me, I can't cook, but even I can come up with a decent meal with fruits and vegetables and some kind of protein. It's not to say we don't have our treats, but the good stuff needs to be eaten first. It's not rocket science either as to what is healthy. We all know that a fast food cheeseburger, fries and a soft drink have no nutritional value. Parents letting their children eat like crap because they are too busy, tired, etc. are lazy and truly it is a form of abuse and neglect to let their child get obese from poor nutritional habits.

I try not to get too serious on my blogs, but this is an issue that just gets me angry because it can be controlled. Parents need to take control and responsibility for their actions so their children can have the best opportunities in life! My statement is about awareness and leading people to solutions, like this website, which has some good links and resources: www.healthierkidsbrighterfutures.org.

Getting kids to eat well will give them the energy to play more too--and I don't mean video games! Here are more ideas from First Lady MIchelle Obama and her "Let's Move" program to help combat childhood obesity. Not even cold weather can be an excuse with indoor playgrounds and Fitness magazine's list of kid-friendly DVDs for activities inside. Please share these resources with your others. Healthy habits that begin in childhood help create healthy habits for a lifetime!