[Lups]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Spot on!

I think it's fair to say that most here don't have children of their own so naturally we feel more strongly on the subject. But I would like to think that ANYONE can see the "harm" in what society as a whole is doing, or not, to our children: Getting them hooked on sugar which many doctors/scientists agree is essentially as powerful and addictive as any drug.

The thing is, I have kids, and I'm the one who shops, so I see it more clearly than those who don't have any. To you, it's easy just to point fingers still, but I live it every day.

As long as it's "harm" and not HARM things will stay the same. I hear this every day, people are too busy to cook, they are not good at it, they don't like to spend so much time on shopping, ingredients are more expensive than the meal is worth, and so on.

Well, not knowing how good this doctor Phill actually is, since I've never seen the show, I can not say if it is a wiser way to spend time than my ways are. What I can say is that I listen all day long people telling me to run after the kids who's nanny I apparently am, since "You're joking, you don't look like a mum". "How did you lose the baby fat so fast?"

mmmmmmm, the kid is two, does it really take a decade? Oh yeah, I have green shit on my plate. and I hate shopping so it's easier to stay in a same size than go hunt for clothing that would hide me.

I'm far from the shape I was earlier, but the simplest thing as keeping the plate size in check and actually being aware what is good for the kids and for us adults goes a long way in this.

YES I have an attitude problem, and yes we also eat junk food, but at least I know the risks.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Billup

What's bold, is the single most important bit in here when it comes to teaching kids healthy eating habits. There has been countless studies done on ways to get kids to not only eat healthy foods, but how to ENJOY eating healthy foods. If you get them involved in the preparations and actually making the meal, they are 20 times more likely to try new things and appreciate the final product from the work they put in.

I agree completely. I have walked away from dinner table when this really wise person started to tell the kids (hers and mine) what she doesn't eat and why. Fuck I lost my shit completely.

My best friends future ex- wife. I sent him a case of bubbly when he told me he's divorcing the idiot.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

I agree with her comments as well. BUT... The point of the film and what you are missing is that children spend a third of their day being "influenced, taught and of course FED by s c h o o l s. To say that addressing some of the obvious travesty's: lack of physical exercise and of course fast food and other poor dietary needs there is turning a blind eye or ignorance.

I understand that completely. However, don't you feel it should be our ultimate goal to instill healthy values on our children so they can fashion their own choices and filter out the bad influences that are outside of our control?

I know it's hard, because you can only relay so much information when kids are young and developing, but if there is a problem with what the schools are feeding kids, why not pack them their lunch? Teach them to make a healthy lunch at home. Teach them to go outside and get some exercise with friends after school. Hop on your bike, play some soccer, etc.

I'm not a parent, obviously, so I am just speaking in speculation.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Billup

I understand that completely. However, don't you feel it should be our ultimate goal to instill healthy values on our children so they can fashion their own choices and filter out the bad influences that are outside of our control?

I know it's hard, because you can only relay so much information when kids are young and developing, but if there is a problem with what the schools are feeding kids, why not pack them their lunch? Teach them to make a healthy lunch at home. Teach them to go outside and get some exercise with friends after school. Hop on your bike, play some soccer, etc.

I'm not a parent, obviously, so I am just speaking in speculation.

ABSOLUTELY!!! And believe me when I say I do! But I am also cognizant to the FACT that children are easily influenced: other kiddos, environment, tv, etc. So YES, the parents are ultimately responsible. BUT... We have a HUGE battle when society and now schools are compounding the problem.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Lups

The thing is, I have kids, and I'm the one who shops, so I see it more clearly than those who don't have any. To you, it's easy just to point fingers still, but I live it every day.

You may want to go back an read my posts in this thread. I am a father of 2 and VERY involved with their daily lives. I DO understand. And more importantly, I take action to educate them on this very subject.

[kevinbahnz]

America is messed up. Off topic but my daughter just started 1st grade and the only HW she brings home is books to read. Apparently some of the parents were complaining the previous years that their kids were bringing home too much HW. WTF right!!

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

ABSOLUTELY!!! And believe me when I say I do! But I am also cognizant to the FACT that children are easily influenced: other kiddos, environment, tv, etc. So YES, the parents are ultimately responsible. BUT... We have a HUGE battle when society and now schools are compounding the problem.

I hate to point out the obvious but that applies to nearly every part of society... music, food, clothing, tv and so forth. If you're gonna get upset you may as well get upset all around... or you can just teach your kids. I am not saying you don't but I can make a documentary of about a million things for people to get fed up about.

[Lups]

The thing is, TV has just as much control in your life as you let it have. In mine, it has none, since our son has microtia, we never have any extra noise sources on.

Outside influence is always the worst, but I've seen kids that are picky eating anything I give them because they get to cut it in pieces and prepare it. I think this is mainly us parents lifting our arms up and giving up on shit we really should not be giving in in.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by kevinbahnz

America is messed up. Off topic but my daughter just started 1st grade and the only HW she brings home is books to read. Apparently some of the parents were complaining the previous years that their kids were bringing home too much HW. WTF right!!

This cracks me up.

[Billup]

True, and I guess that's where I'm just a spectator, because I haven't had to get my hands dirty yet and actually deal with it first hand. I think there are a lot of small details that parents miss when it comes to teaching core values in not only health, but life as a whole.

I guess I don't understand why schools would even want to allow things like that in the cafeteria. I understand for High School, because at that point, kids know what is healthy and what isn't, so it's their own demise, but in elementary school, I think there needs to be a much heavier regulations, because like you said, kids are much easier to influence when they are still learning to add, subtract, and spell for Gods sake.


Makes you think what will be in store for the next 10 to 20 years.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by Lups

The thing is, TV has just as much control in your life as you let it have. In mine, it has none, since our son has microtia, we never have any extra noise sources on.

Outside influence is always the worst, but I've seen kids that are picky eating anything I give them because they get to cut it in pieces and prepare it. I think this is mainly us parents lifting our arms up and giving up on shit we really should not be giving in in.

Makes me think of my Grandmother. If I didn't finish my veggies, she would make me sit at the table all night. At least until I passed out. No TV, no games, no snacks, NADA.

My parents were a little more lenient. Bahahaha.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

You may want to go back an read my posts in this thread. I am a father of 2 and VERY involved with their daily lives. I DO understand. And more importantly, I take action to educate them on this very subject.

I meant what you said, most here doesn't yet have kids. I figured you have, since you too worry about this shit.

Great to know someone else is concerned about this all. Things here won't change till enough people understand this all, and the mentioned social pressure lessens.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Billup

Makes me think of my Grandmother. If I didn't finish my veggies, she would make me sit at the table all night. At least until I passed out. No TV, no games, no snacks, NADA.

My parents were a little more lenient. Bahahaha.

haha. I don't need to do that, I have to serve them in the end of the dinner so they don't fill themselves with vegetables only. I'm really easy going parent, we climb trees, run around, do stuff, but I'm strict in matters and manners but they don't know any difference, since the rules have always been the same during their whole life.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Lups

I meant what you said, most here doesn't yet have kids. I figured you have, since you too worry about this shit.

Great to know someone else is concerned about this all. Things here won't change till enough people understand this all, and the mentioned social pressure lessens.

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

It's posts like this that make me call into question: age, common sense, respect, concern for others outside of your own lil world.

I am FAR from dumb! And damn proud to be a "fit middle aged family man" and successful business owner, who practices good dieting and physical fitness with my entire family.

Now that we've cleared that up... This film is simply addressing what is OBVIOUSLY a huge epidemic. We are discussing it in kind. So save the flaming for ya backyard grill.

Bro seriously chill the f out. My question wasn't towards you as I know you are responsible and fit as hell especially for your age. I can admire and respect that.

"As a whole" was what I asked. If you think everyone or at least the majority is living a healthy lifestyle in the U.S. then we wouldn't have this thread. If you think there won't be flaming on a topic like this then I don't know why you even started it. OT is built for shit like this and for people of different backgrounds to comment.

No one is calling you dumb, unfit, unsuccessful (not sure what this has to do with anything), and unhealthy. It just makes me question your ability to comprehend as it seems like you like to insult my age, common sense, respect, and concern for others in my little world lol.

So tell me, what is a bad age for you? Younger is dumber right and older is wiser? Common sense? What are you even trying to get to with this? Respect? I respect a lot of things but having an epidemic of obesity like its contagious isn't one of them. I don't see how we can disagree even on this one. And at last, my concern for others in my little world. This you would really have to personally know me to know what I give back to society in "my little world."

PS. You're not the only person here that has a family, is physically fit, successful business owner, who practices good dieting and physical fitness with your entire family. If you're trying to 1 up me then I guess you got me at age. Lighten up a little and try to catch the humor sometimes.

[grieverr]

As a disclaimer, I should say I have 2 elementary school kids. I try to educate myself on food and nutrition. I cook at home, and talk to my kids about exercise and health. Thankfully, we are all healthy and active.

However, this weight "dilemma" is societal as well. The kids spend more time in school NOT having PE, and parents spend more time at work. So even after school, kids go to some sort of afternoon care or an extra curricular activity until a parent can go pick them up at 6pm when they get off work. Leaving less time for the parent to be an active part of the child's development.

Let's also be realistic about cost. Good, healthy food is a privilege in this country - not a right. You can get a double cheeseburger for $2, but a salad will cost at least $7. We on this forum are privileged enough to be able to spend a sizable amount of money on a luxury car (no matter how entry level the 3-series may be ). So we have the privilege to be able to afford some of these foods. But what about people whose weekly food budget is $50? they can't afford too many $7 salads.

Why do schools allow these kinds of food? Because they're cheap.

Billup, I can tell you that when your kids are out of sight, you have no control. Yes, you can pack them a healthy lunch, but you're not there to stop them trading their lunch for a pokemon card, or a bag of potato chips. Yes, eventually you teach them not to do those things, but they will do stuff like that.

I can write about this forever, but lastly, I want to say that simply, not everyone makes food and health a priority. Not everyone is educated about it. And it isn't easy when Atkins is the way to go today and paleo is tomorrow's definition of health. Low fat, no carbs, whole wheat... no medical professional can come to an agreement. Again, some people take the interest to learn. others don't.

[grieverr]

Originally Posted by Nkc

No one is calling you...unsuccessful (not sure what this has to do with anything)

It has lots to do, actually. And I think a lot of wealthier people don't realize this, or lose sight of it.

I touched on this on my previous post. It's not cheap to eat healthy in this country. You can have good food on a budget, but the less healthy processed choices are MUCH cheaper. Some families simply cannot afford it. Again, yes, they can make better choices, most likely. But it's a real challenge to people struggling to pay $900 rent (or less).

[Billup]

Originally Posted by Lups

haha. I don't need to do that, I have to serve them in the end of the dinner so they don't fill themselves with vegetables only. I'm really easy going parent, we climb trees, run around, do stuff, but I'm strict in matters and manners but they don't know any difference, since the rules have always been the same during their whole life.

Sheeeitt, you lucky. I had to be force fed veggies until I learned to like them, ha! That's good that you are that involved in their lives, that's one of the core values I think that really helps kids want to listen to their parents and follow in their footsteps. Just like my parents, I will force my kids to do things they don't want to until they enjoy it and can't imagine life without.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by grieverr

Let's also be realistic about cost. Good, healthy food is a privilege in this country - not a right. You can get a double cheeseburger for $2, but a salad will cost at least $7. We on this forum are privileged enough to be able to spend a sizable amount of money on a luxury car (no matter how entry level the 3-series may be ). So we have the privilege to be able to afford some of these foods. But what about people whose weekly food budget is $50? they can't afford too many $7 salads.

Why do schools allow these kinds of food? Because they're cheap.

Billup, I can tell you that when your kids are out of sight, you have no control. Yes, you can pack them a healthy lunch, but you're not there to stop them trading their lunch for a pokemon card, or a bag of potato chips. Yes, eventually you teach them not to do those things, but they will do stuff like that.

I can write about this forever, but lastly, I want to say that simply, not everyone makes food and health a priority. Not everyone is educated about it. And it isn't easy when Atkins is the way to go today and paleo is tomorrow's definition of health. Low fat, no carbs, whole wheat... no medical professional can come to an agreement. Again, some people take the interest to learn. others don't.

Everything you said is very true. While I don't shop at "Whole Foods" or anything like that, there are particular items that I eat frequently that I will absolutely buy as an organic, like eggs, meats, and veggies. Meats are usually a decent amount more, but things like veggies and eggs, the cost isn't significantly different, and the health benefits can be plentiful, without completely breaking the bank.

Understandable on the lunch notion. Kids will be kids, and I don't expect anything less. I guess I fashioned that statement from the fact that there are parents who will complain about cafeteria food, but won't even take the time to prepare a decently healthy meal for their kids to take on their own. My parents always packed my lunch, because not only did it cost less, but they knew where the food I was eating came from.

Like you said, it really does boil down to your financials for one (but I still think you can navigate tactfully around this), and the lack of education or willing to learn by people on the importance of eating a nutritional meal and getting daily exercise.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Billup

Sheeeitt, you lucky. I had to be force fed veggies until I learned to like them, ha! That's good that you are that involved in their lives, that's one of the core values I think that really helps kids want to listen to their parents and follow in their footsteps. Just like my parents, I will force my kids to do things they don't want to until they enjoy it and can't imagine life without.

I consider this as my job, and unlike most jobs I get my feedback instantly. I consider my path a successful one, if they have a better relationship with me than I have with my mother when they are old enough to judge me as a person, not just as the food and clothing machine I now mostly am.

This thread was ruined by my ranting, but I think this is a subject that should be covered more widely. Even the people with no condom accidents right now should know this shit, so when the poop machine shows up they'd be more ready.

Thanks OP, I needed a good rant for the morning.

[MiddleAgedAl]

Originally Posted by davis449

Yeah, but when I was in elementary school, we had BOTH an hour of P.E. and 30 mins. minimum (sometimes 45 minutes to an hour) of recess outside. You can't just "meh" at that dramatic decrease in allotted time the children are given during the day to get some exercise and just point the finger at parents (which, believe me, I always point at first) and food. This is a compound problem.

The schools may be drastically decreasing the amount of structured, scheduled time for physical activity during the school day, but what about the rest of the time?

Nobody plays outside anymore. We got families with kids on our street, but you'll have to take my word for it, cause you could camp out there for days and never see any kids out playing, or riding their bikes around, or doing stuff like that. When I was a kid, if the weather was OK, you could find half the kids out running around during daylight hours when school was not in session.

Not sure it's all up to the schools if the parents let their kids sit on their ass all the time when they are not in class.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by grieverr

It has lots to do, actually. And I think a lot of wealthier people don't realize this, or lose sight of it.

I touched on this on my previous post. It's not cheap to eat healthy in this country. You can have good food on a budget, but the less healthy processed choices are MUCH cheaper. Some families simply cannot afford it. Again, yes, they can make better choices, most likely. But it's a real challenge to people struggling to pay $900 rent (or less).

Very true