Small changes add up

I was packing the boys' lunch for school this morning and I started to think about how much I have changed since the days where I carried a lunch to school. A sandwhich, chips, fruit and a little debbie cake of some sort. For years I thought that was the norm. It's not necessarily bad, but it's not good either.  During that time, my parents never once took the time to teach me about good eating habits or provided us with enough healthy alternatives to know the difference. Dinners were rarely well balanced and I had no idea what portion control meant either. My Dad was Italian, so we ate like Italians. Tack this onto the emotional eating and we have an obese gal since elementary school. Ack!

I don't want history repeating itself. I want better for my boys and I want to give them the knowledge and the tools for them to make healthy decisions for themselves. To do that, I need to set good examples. I need to educate them as I educate myself and I need to provide them with the tools and ingredients to ensure they have the healthy options. I rarely keep junk in the house anymore. I provide them with plenty of fruit and veggie choices that we sometimes look like we have our own produce stand in the kitchen. I know I am doing right by them when they jump for joy because I put cucumbers and tomatoes in with their lunch instead of pretzels or something. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with putting it their box once in awhile, but everyday? No...no necessary.

Over the years I have made great strides to make positive changes in my eating habits and to be a good role model for my growing boys. Teaching them lessons about portion control and that Mommy is on a journey to be a healthier me. I know I am getting through when we go out and they choose a veggie or fruit over french fries. They don't always, and that is okay, because I don't always either. All things in moderation. I am a firm believer in that.

I will admit, I am not always perfect. There are times I will cave and go for convienance over healthy.  However, I am at the point where I start to feel guilty. I was reaching for animal crackers to add to the lunch boxes. I stopped myself and that's when I went to the fridge to pick up the cucumber and grape tomatoes. Got my fancy cutter out for them and made cucumber crinkle chips. Only took a minute. And to see them jump for joy and the smiles on their faces when I told them what was in their box, made it all worth it!

Small changes. Baby steps. One foot infront of the other. Then one day you turn around and see that all those little changes have added up. Something simple as changing from white to wheat, whole milk to low fat and from regular sodas to diet. Sticking with the small changes add up to big results one day. Not just for you, but for the ones around you that love and hold dear.