Healthy Eating for Parents, Teachers, and Children

It's a fact - adults who eat right and exercise frequently have a more positive attitude and better behaved children than lethargic, overweight adults.  When you feel good about yourself and your body, you'll transfer that positive energy to your children.  You'll also teach them healthy eating habits.  When I was teaching, I had an orange for lunch every day.  I put the orange peels in a bowl right by the door.  This had several effects: It helped overcome the odors of a hundred teenagers going in and out of my room every day, it added an aromatic Feng Shui remedy, and it showed my students that I modeled healthy eating by having an orange every day.

Here are some suggestions for healthy eating that will make for happier, healthier parents, teachers, and children (click the hyperlinks for food choices):

• Drink at least four 8-ounce glasses of water each day.  This helps to flush out toxins and increases "regularity."
• Limit carbs to three small portions a day.  If you must have your morning bagel, it should be whole grain.  Want a potato for dinner?  Have half today and half tomorrow.
• Protein builds and holds muscle mass.  Eat lots of protein and dairy products, but limit the amount of fat-laden proteins.
• Fruits are good, but in moderation because they are high in natural sugar.  Limit to 3 servings a day.
• Veggies are wonderful for weight loss, helping you to feel full, and to supplement the vitamins and minerals in an otherwise balanced diet.

With a balanced diet and consistent exercise, you'll have enough energy for your children or students! Here is a helpful list of suggestions for weight loss: http://www.self.com/fooddiet/2008/07/foods-for-weight-loss?mbid=synd_yshine