I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

In our house we talk with our children about food. The usual, what they like, what they don't, but also about macronutrients. This started at a young age because I never wanted them to be an adult, become overweight and have no idea why. When we eat a meal they will pick out the carbs, protein and sugars involved. When we're in the super market they have certain guidelines to follow; cereal has to have less than 10g per serving. It's remarkable to see an 10 and 8 year old in the cereal isle looking at the labels and saying to each other " This one has 15g of sugar and only a 1/2 cup serving. I'd be starving." 

I often hear families talk about what they eat and how well thought out it is, only to find their child's lunch filled with carbs and sugar. I'll ask them "would you bring that lunch for yourself?" The answer is usually no. 

So we must start with them and give them a foundation to nourish their bodies. Talk with them while they pick out their food. I'll ask my boys "I think you have a few carbs in there, what's a protein you can add?" Open the conversation to healthier living. 

I love these containers I use for lunch. I could only find them online. I will post a blog shortly on my favorite lunch bag items to make it easy and FUN for children.

-Shannon Petteruti, RN