Do lazy kids = lazy parents????

I reached  a breaking point this weekend at the gym.  I was heading out to the pool for a swim workout and there was a young kid (who happened to be on the chubby side) in the lap pool on the wall playing with his I-phone, he was in a competitive swim suit the type that kids wear to swim practice, but he clearly was not into swimming laps.  He spent more time on the side of the pool playing with his phone then he did actually swimming.  From the outside looking in it appeared that his parents dropped him off at the pool to swim laps and get some exercise and as soon as they were out of sight he turned to his gadget and exercised his fingers rather then his cardiovascular system.  There is a clear disconnect here. 

We are in the middle of an obesity epidemic and the kids are suffering the most.  I put most of the blame on the parents, parents are the ones who go grocery shopping, cook meals, control TV watching, video game playing, Internet surfing, outside time, recreational activities and more importantly the emotional associations with food and exercise are created by parents.  If you hate exercising then your kids will probably not like it either, if you hate vegetables, wheat bread or pasta and other healthy foods then your kids will probably not like them either.  It is sad to see kids who look more comfortable going out to a resturant then playing on the playgound.  It's okay to take your kids to get ice cream, but why not after a killer game of Frisbee at the park?  That way the kids will not associate quality time with mom or dad as eating they will think of other activities that they enjoy with you besides eating at their favorite restaurant.  Earn the treat don't just hand it over to them!

The majority of the population is inactive and dependant on processed foods.  It's time to make a big change!  Let' get these kids moving and eating healthy, it starts with mom and dad. Make a point to cook at home most nights of the week, avoid processed snacks like chips, pastries, candy, cookies, etc. and most importantly get active with your kids!