It Doesn't Run In Our Family
I'm always at Walmart or a grocery store it seems. First thing in the morning, you'll find me stalking meat sales, snailing-it down the produce aisle, or overwhelmed by tampon and hair-product choices. I mean, I love options but how many supers/regulars/lites and twisting creams does a woman need?!
Then there's that spot, on that aisle, where they place the discounted bakery items. OMG... they know how to trap a woman who's hormonal, fatigued, and just trying to get out-the-door with a toddler in tow! Pies, cakes, chocolate this and blueberry that???? It's a conspiracy for sure!
Do you have one of those spots in your preferred store?
No matter how tempted I am, I've grown confident in my ability to have self-control. I fight my taste buds tooth & nail to be an example for my daughter(s). They are always watching and will eat every sweet thing on the shelf if allowed!
We indulge periodically but I'm teaching them to respect and care for their bodies from a young age. I discuss the importance of good health with my daughters in a way that I wish someone had done with me. Grocery shopping is a great teaching tool. My youngest is usually with me. We talk about shapes, colors, and when things are ripe or have gone bad. If my oldest is present, we discuss more of the pros and cons of eating this /vs/ that; especially because she is an athlete.
Every trip isn't successful, calm, nor educational, but we do our best!
All of my life, I grew up hearing family members talk about illnesses that "run in our family." With age, I found that to be false. So many of the sicknesses haunting my relatives could have been avoided with lifestyle changes! I'm fortunate to have a father who is an athlete and a nurse. My entire life he has taken care of his body and taught me to care for my own. Even before he intently shared his health knowledge with me, the examples he set were working subconsciously.
I do the same for my daughters. I want them to realize that their health comes before anything; without it, they don't have much. Unfortunately, I didn't consistently walk-the-walk my dad did until I was much older. I'm hoping that things will be different for Alora and Vivia.
My girls are not growing up hearing the same falsehoods that I did. They're learning that although genetics do play a part in health and illness, there is bad health that can be avoided. It is in their power to have a better quality of life by making healthier choices.
Now... having said all of this, we don't count calories or avoid desserts entirely. I don't want them obsessed with those things. Sometimes you just need to eat the damn cake! We love a bowl of chocolate ice cream or a chocolate almond brownie with a side of chips just like the next junk food lover! In this house, however, we simply indulge in moderation.
Having standards and a balance works for us. We take it day-by-day, meal-by-meal. I think that's the best anyone can do.