Live The Life

There is a lot of truth to the old saying "Families who play together, stay together". A lot of families aren't playing together because parents or children are overweight. A common problem that we are seeing in families right now.

We have all heard about the statistics with childhood obesity.

* About 9 million children ages 6-19 are overweight or obese.
* Childhood obesity has doubled over the last 30 years for preschoolers and adolescents. It has more than tripled for kids 6-11.
* Our children may be the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. 

There are scary statistics when it comes to adult obesity also. Last year it was estimated that approximately 1/3 of adults were obese.

Research shows us that parents who are inactive are more likely to have children who are inactive. Research also shows that children are most likely to participate in the same types of activities that their parents participate in. That means that if we are always watching T.V., our children probably will to. If we never go outside to "smell the roses", neither will our kids. If we eat foods that are not good for us, our children will most likely have poor eating habits too. It is important to remember that our children watch everything we do, everything. We need to try and set the best example we can.

Lately I have had an overwhelming number of families asking for help with their weight. We are seeing more and more, weight issues destroying family relationships. As parents, they are coming to me looking for some sort of solution, looking for a life style change. We would assume that the main reason they want to loose weight is so they are more healthy, Right?

Surprisingly that is reason #2.

The #1 reason that adults want to make changes for themselves and their families, so that they can participate in activities with their families. They want to be active with their children and spouses. They want to "play together so they will stay together." Families understand that when family members are healthy, their family relationships are better.

While the families and I work through relationship issues, I suggest a program called Kristi Approved (Live the Life.) It is not a quick fix, it is a smart sensible way to live healthy so you can live life to the fullest.

Imagine my surprise when I found out this weekend that a Family Volley reader and her husband have been participating in the Live the Life program and found great success. In fact, Gretchen's husband Scott has lost 50 pounds, is off two of his medications and has been able to sleep without his C-pap machine. Gretchen told me that loosing this weight has improved their lives. Scott is able to play sports again with his kids and go hiking with his family. He was also able to ditch his cane.

It gets even better, Scott could win $1000 dollars because of all his and his families hard work. Kristi Approved sponsors a contest and he is really close to winning but needs a few more votes.

If you have a minute, support another Family Volley reader and all they are doing to strengthen their family.

To help:

Go to this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lehi-UT/Kristi-Approved/391083710513.

In order to vote, "like" the page and then go to the photos. Click on Scott's "AFTER" photo (he is the only guy so he is easy to spot.

Then leave a comment on his "AFTER" photo voting for Scott. It is really easy to do and only takes about 60 seconds.

VOTING ENDS THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPT 22.

Gretchen and Scott will be really grateful.

Taking care of ourselves is especially hard as a mom. It seems we are so busy taking care of everyone else's physical and emotional needs that we don't take care of our own needs. Especially when it comes to what we eat and our activity level.

When we don't feel good about ourselves, it is hard for us to be the best moms we can be. Take a minute, like Gretchen and Scott did, and decide if changes need to be made in your home. Start small and reasonable. The end result will be well worth it.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO BE ACTIVE?
DO YOU STRUGGLE KEEPING YOUR FAMILY ACTIVE?
HOW MANY DAYS IN A ROW HAVE YOU EATEN MAC AND CHEESE FOR LUNCH? OR DID YOU FORGET TO EAT LUNCH ALTOGETHER?