If you eat healthy, they will!
When I started my health journey it was simply “eating right”. Now it has really become so much more than just food although it is still, I believe the base to a strong foundation.
Raising a child to live by the standards that I believe prepare him for a healthy beginning was not always easy. I realize that in society today we all start our children out with things that aren’t as “healthy” as can be for them but really because of mainstream publicity, we actually believe that this is the best course of action.
I have had many parents who are friends of mine look at me in bewilderment when I explain that feeding your 3-6 month-old baby oatmeal and rice cereal mixed in their formula could cause the child to spike their insulin and set them up to crave simple carbohydrates later on in life(much like adults should not start out by eating bagels or oatmeal), making them less likely to want vegetables and more prone to crave sugar.
Now of course, now and again is not bad, however in excess, could cause issues. For example, wanting and craving nothing but puffs, which I will admit happened with our first child. After a while, it seemed he was eating nothing but goldfish crackers, puffs, oatmeal, and drinking juice packed with added chemicals, additives, and sugar.
Where were the vitamins and natural food in that meal plan?
Where is the necessary nutrition that his body so desperately needs? They weren’t there and with more children being plagued with cancer and diabetes, I KNEW that I had to set him up for success. I was his teacher and I was sending him down the wrong path. Not intentionally of course but sadly this is the acceptable way in society, this is the way that is deemed correct.
I have to say that we are not “PERFECT” healthy-eating parents, we stray by eating out or making cakes, brownies, and even buying candy but we try to maintain a better lifestyle most of the time.
I don’t think it is necessary to follow a perfect plan all the time. We indulge and more times than not feel horrible (cranky, bloated, swollen, tired) afterward and know that eating whole foods in the form of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils makes us feel the way we should, which better prepares of for the things in life we can’t control. Now when we sit down at the dinner table, Jaze eats his vegetables first.
Many times when I do not want to cook and we get something fast he looks at me and says “How am I supposed to grow up big and strong by eating junk?” or “That stuff makes my belly hurt”. Ohh out of the mouth of a child. My husband and I did that and I couldn’t be PROUDER… It is in no way easy, but goodness it is so rewarding!
Growing baby Vohz In the world of the new baby, we are currently heading into the 24th week. I have been feeling more like my pre-pregnancy self, having more energy and wanting to be more active (which up until this point has been a hard thing). I think I may have finally conquered my cravings for macaroni and cheese… not one of my proudest indulgences however I have done better by finding an organic brand that tastes fairly good. Now and again I’ve eaten my share of ice cream too 🙂 but I’m doing good to watch what I eat, making sure that the baby is receiving the best quality of foods and a plethora of vitamins and minerals.
As always, Stay Healthy My Friends!!!!