Children and obesity

I just watched a clip on the Today Show talking about the increase in obesity in our country. I find this fact rather upsetting especially because the rates of children that are obese is increasing also at a rate that should be disturbing to everyone. Children are at the mercy of their parents for their nutrition for most of their young lives. As parents, we must be concerned at this growing rate of unhealthy children. As many overweight people will tell you, once you are overweight it is very difficult to get the weight off. These children are being set up for a lifestyle that is unhealthy and negatively affects their self esteem. As many parents have busy schedules I know it is easier to pick up take out or buy something from the grocery store that just needs to be heated up. The question is, do you want to do what is easier or do what is right? Yes, taking the time to make a healthy dinner every night can be more time consuming but it just takes a little planning and you are setting the tone for the rest of your child's life. There are plenty of good websites out there now on healthy cooking and quick healthy recipes. Also, don't rely on your school to give your child a healthy hot lunch. Take a look at what they are eating and you may be unpleasantly surprised. Having them take their lunch from home is often the better choice. You can at least control somewhat what they are eating. This responsibility of feeding our children healthy meals must be taken seriously by parents or we are setting our children up for serious health issues and emotional challenges as they head into adult hood.