Weight Loss and Parenting

The world (particularly here in North America) is hyper-obsessed with image and weight. Too many people who are overweight believe that the key to finding self-worth is through weight loss, as though being thinner will somehow make them a better person.

By this time most people will agree that one’s health is more important than their weight. We’re starting to hear experts call for “nutrition” more than “diet”, for “life style improvements” more than “weight loss”. Someone may be at their “ideal weight” and have more health problems than someone classified as “overweight”. Excess weight certainly leads to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and many other complications; however, many people (who fail) start their dieting with the aim of “looking better” rather than being healthier.

I will always hold that you need to take care of yourself first if you are going to have any hope of being there 100% for your child. Lifestyle changes and improvements to eating habits don’t happen overnight “because they must” – they are learned through determination and trial. Don’t wait for your infant to start eating solid foods before cooking healthy – it won’t last and your child will learn to eat the same junky food that you do.

There are so many reasons to seek to become a fit parent.  Here is my own list, perhaps others will find some similarities with their own ideals:

• I want to have more energy so I can play with my child longer
• I want to have enough strength that carrying my child won’t tire me out so fast
• I want to lead by example and show my child how to make proper eating choices
• I want to help prevent disease so I might be healthy enough to enjoy my grandchildren one day