Family Dinners Help Fight Obesity

Sadly, the problem with obesity in America does not seem to be going away, and is not even improving!! The latest data shows that adult obesity rates have risen in 23 states in 2009 and the trend continued through 2010 and 2011. Obesity and the problems associated with it, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint problems etc. begin in childhood. If we cannot change our children's eating and exercise habits we have no hope of stemming the tide of ongoing obesity. By 2020 the headlines might read, Obesity rising in all 50 states with the majority of the population dealing with this crisis. In that vein we must not only begin modeling better eating habits for our children, but do so by returning to the idea of family meals. Family meals were the normal when I was growing up. We were fortunate to have breakfast and dinner at home each day and we were expected to be present for those meals. I know it was hard for my mother to do this as she worked when I was young, and my father travelled a great deal of the time. But parental sacrifice has not changed over time, and we all know that we will often do things just for the kids. The good thing about preparing meals these days is that the grocery stores have made it quite easy for even a very busy family to be able to prepare a home cooked meal. All of the chains have rotisserie chickens available and also offer prepackaged meats such as meat loaf, pre-made hamburger patties, or fish filets. The salads are also prepackaged and you can even buy fruit already cut up. I am thrifty and don't mind making my own hamburger patties or cutting up fruit, but picking up a chicken on the way home from work is often a quick way to begin a dinner. The chicken can be used in a salad or used as a main course. We parents just have to be a little more inclined to drive through the grocery store rather than the fast food restaurant. I am still convinced that our children will eat what we prepare and gather together for meals if that becomes the norm once again. Our kids are busy too, and they will appreciate knowing that dinner will be there every night, and that it will be healthy. Leading by example is the best way to begin. We can't afford not to try! That's your daily dose, we'll chat again tomorrow. Send your question or comment to Dr. Sue!