As you can imagine, fitness is a way of life at our house. My daughter, Clara, was doing push ups, squats and burpees at an early age (for fun of course). I believe that her growing up in a culture of CrossFit movements will give her a distinct advantage in whatever she wants to do athletically. Be it- gymnastics, dance, soccer, or CrossFit (obviously my favorite).
But she’s just one of the few kids nowadays who are in shape.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show an alarming trend in childhood obesity:
Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. (That’s about 1 in 3)
Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.
That’s a BIG problem.
What can you do?
Set the example– Kids are great imitators. They want to do what you’re doing. If you’re sitting on the couch, they’re going to model that. Video games, movies and computer time should be limited. Get out- walk, play and have fun as a family.
Make fitness fun– Most sports are fitness disguised as fun. Find one that your child enjoys and let them reap the benefits.
Make healthy eating the norm– Most waiters are surprised when Clara exclaims, “Ohh broccoli, my favorite!” when we’re out to eat. She’s been eating what we eat since she got her teeth (the coconut-lime fish pate was really good). When you’re all eating the same healthy food, the whole family benefits.
Why should you do it?
With all the nutritional related problems- diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cholesterol, etc- there is some number-crunching going on that suggests our children might be the first generation to NOT outlive their parents. And even if that’s not the case, is it really living if you’re wracked with disease and on all kinds of meds? I think not.
You’ve been given your body to take care of. Love yourself. Love the next generation. Lead the way.