Sifu Says...

Healthy eating habits for our young people are just as important for them as they are for adults. I would say even more so, in that most food in the home, brought in as well as prepared, for some number of years is totally adult based. The same for eating out, stopping at Mc D's and Taco-Bell, children mimic what they see adults doing. Our young people are more overweight, and experiencing more disease than ever. The problem not only lies in what they are eating, they are eating more snacks, pops, fast food, frozen foods, and salty chips, but also exercising less. Even children who do sports can and will benefit from a good diet. Sports may keep the weight off for the time being, but a good diet and proper exercise will keep it off forever. Children can understand the benefits of good food. They may not always follow what you are teaching them, but you can give them at least a good foundation.

Young people need proper nutrition for proper muscle, bone, brain and immune system building. At least three servings of vegetables a day. One can be a snack, like celery and good peanut butter. Fruits at least once. Make a fruit salad ,add a little yogurt. Variety when it comes to children really does help. When it comes to protein, 2-3 small servings, like fish, lean meat, chicken (skinless), turkey, and eggs. Stay away from processed lunch meats and things like ham salad. Make a fresh salad, add chicken or turkey. Chips that are made from whole grains, contain unsaturated oils and low salt taste great and they are nutritious. Making sure kids get enough fiber in the diet keeps their bowels moving. Any whole grain, or oat has a longer burn time for energy and helps keep blood sugars from fluctuating.

As I have stated before, our foods are devoid of most vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and natural fibers. When I would make my children oatmeal, I would add some lecithin granules. Lecithin has B-vitamins, improves brain function, and builds the protective sheaths around nerves (myelin) and brain cells. Add some good cold pressed oil (1⁄2 teaspoon) to cereals or over salad to get a little extra Vit. E. There are a lot of studies being done on the importance of the essential fatty acids (EFA) and brain functioning in children as well as adults. The body cannot manufacture these, they must be obtained in the diet. Many natural supplements for A.D.D include EFA. Found in high concentrations in the brain they aid the transmission of nerve impulses and are needed for normal development and functioning of the brain. Adding lecithin, fish oils, flaxseed, and unsaturated oils to the diet can insure you and your children are covered. Remember, heat destroys EFA.

When it comes to sweeteners, use Honey. Honey contains amino acids (building blocks of protein), is 30% natural protein, contains B-complex, the vitamins C, D, E, and some minerals. Natural unfiltered, unprocessed is best and NEVER give honey to children under the age of one. Aspartame (NutraSweet®) should be avoided by all. Some people lack the enzyme to digest the amino acids in NutraSweet. It also floods the blood and brain with amino acids. The poison Methanol (one of three in NutraSweet) also known as wood alcohol is dangerous even when consumed at small amounts. Aspartame has been known to cause the following: headaches, mood swings, memory loss, changes in vision, inflammation to the heart muscle and even convulsions. IT IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN.

A good multivitamin-mineral complex for children is a safe way to give your children all that their bodies require. For children as well as all of us there is no better drink than water. High sugar fruit drinks, pops, and things like KOOL-AID, are not only robbing them of health, it is also setting up poor dietary habits for life. Teach them to enjoy water now and they will for life. Ingredients for a healthy child include hugs, kisses, fun, conversation, touch, unconditional love, and exercise to name a few, and of course a healthy diet. It is easy to help your child to eat well, It can be fun, educational, and save you money in doctor bills. It is a benefit to the whole family.