Baby, Fat

 Baby on the way? Already here? If you are like many moms, you are concerned about losing the postnatal baby weight. However, with rapidly increasing rates of childhood obesity in the U.S., you may want to give some more thought to junior’s waistline instead. Consider making adjustments to your unhealthy habits now before you pass them along to the next generation. Since you are making so many changes to your life with the new baby, why not incorporate some that will increase your child’s health for the future? Mimicry is a young primate’s primary learning tool. Your little monkey will soon be copying nearly everything you and your partner does, says, eats. You may have a weight problem, but you can give your child a chance to not follow footsteps down that particular path. The hot topic of political debate surrounding the sad state of America’s unhealthy public school lunches may seem to make your child’s future nutrition practices well out of hand, but that could not be further from the truth. Some little things habits to gain are:
-Go to the produce section in the grocery store. You could get half of your groceries there! If you are lulled into the center aisles, you will find loads of overly processed food you can live without generally. For baby process food yourself in a blender, or simply squish it. No special tools necessary beyond a bowl and fork. Bulk organic oatmeal is ridiculously easy but be careful not to give an infant honey. Manufactured baby food seems safe enough but freshly pulverized lightly cooked carrots not only taste better to anyone including the pickiest connoisseur in the house, but also contain more nutrition. Plus carrots and non processed foods are usually far less expensive. A plain baked potato or banana is nature’s baby food with built in packaging!
-Make your home food centered. (This is crazy talk right?) The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. Make sure your heart is actually in the kitchen when you cook. Eat meals together at the table as a family. (This feels good too). Make meals sacred family time that cannot be crunched into a burrito meal on a ten minute car ride to your next appointment.
-Take a stroll after meals. This always seems to feel good when we remember to do it! Find something active to do with you children for at least 20 minutes a day. They need this time with you but finding something active to do instead of going out for ice cream will make a difference.
-Keep eating and rewarding separate. Do we think, I accomplished something good today, I deserve a latte. I deserve a chocolate. This type of thinking comes from food being used as a reward (or lack as a punishment)/
There are lots of simple changes to make that will improve your children’s health in the future!