Thursday, February 21, 2008

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

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