Family Challenges

Kudos to both families for allowing both Donna and myself into their homes to "scope" out the landscape of food. Both families are doing awesome, paying great attention to labels and realizing that marketing plays a huge role in enticing the consumer to by "their" product over another. The more informed consumer you are, the better you are able to choose for your family and the speed at choosing becomes faster-so time spent at the store is less-more time for you! One thing I noticed that both families are struggling with is breaking with the old--trying new things and relying on old excuses. Changing behavior IS one of the most difficult tasks we face, especially when it comes not only changing your own, but having positive influences on your family as well. As we continue on with the fit family challenge, remember that while it is challenging, it will be rewarding at the end when these now in place behaviors and excuses are replaced with new, more healthful behaviors with minimal excuses! Keep up the awesome work!

Cultural influences

I found out today that our cultural influences can be an obstacle to be overcome. It doesn't mean we have to say no to everything, we just now need to think ahead and plan out the entire day. I want to be able to enjoy this traditional PIECE OF ART--a homemade, church cooked pasty!!! Yes, I realize that pasties are pretty much lard and starch but finding out the nutritional value of an 8 oz. pasty (filled with lots of meat) is approx. 600 - 650 calories, 42 g fat, 36 g carb, 18 protein blew me away. We will make this work by cutting the pasty in half and add plenty of veggies to this meal. Wait...can I stop at half? And how do I refrain from eating the very best part--the outer edge crust? I will keep reminding myself of the slogan from Nike, JUST DO IT. I know I will be happy with my right choice to enjoy half of the pasty along with plenty of veggies.

No Place Like Home

Having not one, but 2 dietitians come into your home, open cupboards doors, scope out the contents of the frig and survey the liquor cabinet has got to be a little unnerving. What a way to finish up a work day! But our two families are game and WANT to change their lifestyle. Getting a full understanding of their obstacles to change is a little painful for all of us, but half an hour spent in the kitchen is worth a dozen meetings in our office.

Couple of thoughts on the value of home visits: one, it's easy to see the effort both of the famlies have already given to this lifestyle change project. Think about it. When was the last time YOU got out of your rut and purchased a new food product at the grocery store? And then there is the kid situation...the family may be willing to nibble on whole wheat crackers or carrots, but how does your 12-year old feel about those choices?

When asked to pull out their favorite snacks, hands down, no kids picked fruit.

The good news is healthier foods are making an appearance in both families' homes. That means eventually foods become more familiar, and research tells us familiarity promotes use, err...in this case, consumption.

So...next is the grocery store tour. So many choices, so many foods. Learning to eat healthy can be a tastey and fun adventure!

Donna

Game on......

I was dreading last night where we all had to meet with our personal trainer and do our fitness evaluation. Believe me, it was not fun hearing that I was below average in a few of the areas. But on the flip side, I know what I need to do now and where I need to begin. I can't use the excuse that I am almost 42 years old, because that just doesn't cut it anymore. There are so many options provided to each and everyone of us....but finding the time for those options is the most important thing right now. I will admit that driving back and forth between Ishpeming and Marquette is not what I want to do, but to make this all work for me and my family, there are sacrifices to be made. I can't wait to start working out and being accountable not only to myself and my trainer, but also to my family. We are all going to push each other and enjoy this together.

The Dreaded Dinner Planning

When I grocery shop, I typically do not pay attention to the nutritional value noted on each label…what I look at is the price tag! My kids and I went to a healthy cooking class with Monica Nelson and what an eye opener that was. What I found is that there is high fructose syrup in almost EVERY thing I was buying. I learned that having a good base of items on hand in the house makes cooking fun and less time consuming. Whipping things together quickly is my kind of meal. Learning to choose the right items and keeping it tasty, fun and within budget is quite a chore. I am sure it will all come more natural after time, but for now I find myself in the grocery store aisle taking items off the shelf, reading and comparing the label to those around it. My shopping time has increased slightly but I know in the long run it will pay off

Weekend Activities

So another weekend comes and goes, as does any hope of reprieve from this cold weather! Friday was doable as we spent the later part of the afternoon into the evening enjoying a beautiful snowshoe hike and then sleg dog ride at the wonderful Snowy Plains Kennel near the crossroads. The Christian Family along with myself and two kids bundled up and had a marvelous time...not so lucky for the Thomas Family and Donna who were scheduled for Sunday---suffice it to say they rescheduled an account of subzero temps and wind gusts that literally knocked me off my feet. Sunday was a great day to stay indoors, but activity was still on tap and thinking about healthy eating and meal planning is usually not very far off my radar. Luckily for me, I was scheduled to do a healthy cooking demo to conclude the YMCA member appreciation week festivities. What better way to spend a freezing cold day than to demonstrate some quick, easy and delilcious recipies for families and then work it off on one of the many various workout equipment the YMCA has to offer. The recipes I used are currently posted on MGH weight management for all to enjoy! Many families showed up to learn how to make "fast food" their kids may eat while trying to meet fiber, calcium and calorie recommendations to keep their bodies strong and fit. It was awesome and was ever so glad to see the Thomas family front and center adding their input! Keeping healthful foods on tap at home is the first ingredient in
trying to provide better nutrition for you and your family. It is not an easy task but a worthwhile one--good luck!

Prevention is still the best medicine

And they’re off! The first Mining Journal Fit Families have
taken the plunge.

What does it take for a family with 2 working parents and 2
school-aged children to become leaner and healthier? We’ll find out
when our two fabulous families from Marquette County spend the
next 6 months committed to reaching that goal.

Our “Fit Families” are interested in preventing health problems
related to lifestyle, and for good reason. The statistics are unnerving:
the number of children who have become overweight in the last 30
years has doubled. Parents in the age range of 40-59 are
experiencing the highest obesity rate ever compared with other age
groups in the U.S.

Why are families having such a tough time staying healthy?
Look at the facts:

• Most family meals eaten at home must be prepared in less than one-half hour.
• One out of every 3 meals are now eaten away from the home.
• Away-from-home foods deliver more calories in fat and saturated fat and are lower in fiber and calcium than homecooked foods.
• Service jobs (desk jobs) have replaced most active occupations.
• Less than 6% of children in the U.S. now walk to school.

Good health is a matter of lifestyle. Follow our Mining Journal Fit
Families for the 6 months and try the activities with your own family.

Getting fit can be fun!