RedGage

Health related problems that were once mostly an adult problem are becoming more prevalent in children and youth. Obesity in general has become world-wide epidemic. The cases of childhood obesity and juvenile onset diabetes, diagnosed each year, are staggering. As summer approaches, take time to plan out family fun ways to teach the kids to eat better and make wiser food choices.The Fast Food GenerationOver the years, the fast food habit has created a billion dollar industry and a complete change in society. Grocery stores and fast food restaurants compete with each other on a regular basis to entice consumers to purchase their latest and greatest heat & eat, packaged and processed, food to go. Although some of the choices are healthy, many are high in salt, high in cholesterol, high in fat and low in nutritional content.Preventing Childhood ObesityEffort is being made to end this vicious cycle. First Lady, Michelle Obama, has started a task force and organization called Let's Move. This organization is working to promote more physical activity and healthier eating habits.Another celebrity, Jamie Oliver, otherwise known as the Naked Chef, launched a Food Revolution program this past year in Huntington, West Virginia. He provided not only good food choices for the school system there, but spent time teaching the children and adults how to prepare those foods.The premise behind the show was to introduce everyone to healthier and tastier options to their usual fast food, packaged and processed foods. It was a huge undertaking and would be absolutely wonderful if such changes could occur in every city in America. Perhaps someday, however such efforts take time, patience, money and willingness. America, as a whole, is not ready for such a drastic food revolution.Healthy Food Choices Made FunDuring summer, make a goal to make a few changes in the normal family routines. Spend time together in the kitchen. Teach the kids easy and delicious new ways to eat some of their favorite foods. Let the kids help prepare these nutritious meals and then celebrate with a family picnic . After the picnic, go for a walk or nature hike, play soccer or frisbee. The key is to make it all fun, from the food preparation to the eating of the food and the event surrounding the whole experience. Just make it fun.Fast Food Recipe OptionsHere are a few alternatives to some of the most loved fast food choices available:

• Breakfast Tacos or Soft Tacos – Use a whole wheat tortilla and fill with their choice of fillings like scrambled egg whites, turkey sausage, turkey bacon, low fat mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables and salsa.
• Individual Pizza – Again, use a whole wheat tortilla as the pizza crust, top with pure tomato paste, low fat mozzarella cheese and any fresh vegetable desired.
• French Fries – Let the children help slice sweet potatoes. Toss the slices in a zip lock bag with a little olive oil. Seal the bag and let the children shake it to coat the fries. Place the fries on a baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven, 450°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Mashed Potatoes – Try mashed cauliflower. Boil the cauliflower, drain the water and mash an stir until it is the consistency of home-made mashed potatoes. Instead of butter, considering flavoring with low-fat or fat free sour cream, low-fat mozzarella cheese and chives.

Preventing Obesity One Step at a TimeIt took the nation over thirty years to get in this predicament. There is no quick fix. Make changes slowly and expect to see gradual results. Take one step at a time. Get involved. Get active and slowly replace bad choices with better choices. Remember to make it work by making it fun.