Nutrition

Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

I have seriously been fighting this battle since middle school. I love to eat. I love to eat everything-healthy, unhealthy, tall, dark, and buttery. I have a major love affair with food. I enjoy cooking from Paula Deen’s cookbooks or making some of the desserts I am known for. Before I got pregnant with Parker I began to decrease my portions and cut down on sweets, but my choices were still not great. Then I saw that little positive sign. Suddenly, I wanted to eat veggies at every meal. I actually ate an apple a day. I still splurged some, but I had never been so conscious of my eating decisions. I once ordered a side of collard greens with my pancakes at Cracker Barrel because I felt bad for just eating a syrup-covered stack of flapjacks. I continued this during breastfeeding, but now a year removed, I find myself back in my old habits. I eat too much fast food or simply what is in the fridge.

Our nation is ridiculous, and we aren’t slowing down. Our kids run the risk of being hospitalized for obesity related orders before we even have the chance to get stuck in a nursing home for old age. It is just too easy to grab a pre-packaged meal or stop by Taco Bell. These things aren’t terrible in moderation. I think it should be a treat instead of the norm, though. At barely 2, Parker is already asking to go to “Chicken-il-A”. That is a wake-up call. Thankfully, tonight he feasted on chicken, cheesy cauliflower, and sweet peas. None of these were fresh from the farm, but I am working on it. I need to change my mindset from “what is easy” to “what is better for my family”. But it will take work. We are overwhelmed with ads that sell us on what is “great for the family on the go”. But what happened to homemade sit-down suppers. Last week, I cooked 2 of them. I went shopping today, but have to start planning menus instead of just buying random groceries.

The plan is to work my way through cookbooks and maybe join Grow Alabama, a service that delivers fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Daryl’s cholesterol is high, and he has a family history of heart attacks. He likes everything fried or covered with cheese. My history isn’t so great either. But Moms, we are in charge (for the most part) of what is purchased, cooked, and eaten in our house. I was so glad nutrition was the topic this week. I have to take charge of my family’s health. Please join me in taking back the supper table and helping your kids learn to make good food decisions, too!