Do you remember the first time you went to the supermarket? I imagine myself being so impressed with all the people and all the candy. The trauma of all the hustle, the noise, the rolling baskets weaving in and out of the aisles must of thrilled me or scared me. I must of reached for all and anything I could and I can probably hear my mother say, “This is the last time you are coming to the supermarket with me, you young…so and so”! Here are 4 things to remember as you start reversing or preventing childhood obesity:
* A-Memories. The first time we went to the supermarket we must of been very young and none of us can really say they remember. Why does the experience seem so real? Why do we assume the problems and the headache without even having lived them with our kids? Our minds play tricks on us and give us messages we can only imagine.
* B-Make the supermarket experience one to remember. Teaching children the importance of food products should be very high on our to do list if we are teaching them how to prepare their own meals. Every aisle if filled with decisions to make that can affect you for the rest of your life. Taking the time to learn about vegetables and fruits one day, meats another and so on can be a goal you and your children can enjoy and give you much needed family time together. Yes, dad, you can and should share the experience with your kids too!
* C-Always go to the supermarket with a specific goal. If you are showing them how to prepare spaghetti and meat balls, let the trip surround an experience that deals with history and teach them the importance of ingredients and food combination’s at the same time. You are the teacher and this will stay in their minds forever. Give them an objective. Make it fun and rewarding. Be spontaneous and encourage their imagination.
* D-Start teaching them the importance of labels. Let them make their own decisions and deductions about food products. Never be negative and bring the positive ideas home with you. Let these experiences set up the goals for their next food challenge. Food for thought.