"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."
--Buddha
Did you know the health ministry of Growing Healthy Kids works with a lot of adults? Having informed and educated parents is absolutely essential
for raising conscious, healthy kids. Sometimes when a child attends one of our programs and we have
no interaction with the parent or grandparent, we get concerned about whether
the child will be given an opportunity to incorporate even one small change
towards healthier eating. Preventing diabetes in kids starts with preventing diabetes in adults.
For kids to have access to real food (not highly processed food), the adults who have the money and make the food purchasing decisions for the family are the ones we need to talk with about preventing diabetes. We are what we eat.
Planning
family meals around fresh vegetables and fruits is a great place to start a conversation. On my recent visit to the New Albany Farmers
Market, I bought a small bag of beautiful, organic spinach. Spinach became the centerpiece of delicious vegan
enchiladas made with corn tortillas and homemade green tomatillo sauce
(tomatillos, garlic, onion, japaleňo pepper, and fresh lime juice).
We are what we eat. Eat real food. Cut back on foods from animals. The saturated fat found in foods from animal clogs up your cells and blood
vessels and contributes to diabetes and heart disease. Who needs that? Meals based on the four food
groups of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes will make you a
winner. Start by planning daily meals with at
least one green vegetable.
Have a small fresh salad for lunch today. Enjoy a small walk every day. Be a role model for your children. Small changes, big results.
With love and kindness,
Nancy Heinrich, MPH
Founder and Wellness Architect
