A Collaboration in the Kitchen, by Fit Piglet

Lifestyle change can be one of the most difficult transitions you will ever make. Navigating your family from a lifetime of preoccupied, unconscious habits, to healthier, more vibrant behaviors, requires creativity, time, and dedication. The good news is that, by being an example of wellness for your family and educating your children about their health can make a significant impact on their present and future well-being. I believe children should know that the world is a better place because they’re in it.  Teaching them the value of self care and personal contribution can serve as a source of purpose and motivation as they move through life.

You know the story… in a typical day, with so many competing priorities like soccer games, deadlines, dentist appointments and bedtimes, dinner gets conveniently squeezed in between without much consideration. It’s no surprise that family’s don’t experience lighthearted camaraderie and enjoy dynamic existence with their plate so full (pun intended). It’s time to get back to the basics of life; simple meals, quality-time activities, and a full nights sleep. These fundamentals are often overlooked in the name of busyness, but are essential for a strong body, a relaxed and focused mind, and family interconnection. Still, there is nothing more important to a parent than the gratification of a happy, healthy household. 

Don’t you and your family deserve the very best? Yet still we choose our next meal based on what the tongue wants to taste and not what the stomach is asking for. Decisions like this can quickly become the norm, the intention is impaired, and and self sabotage is the outcome. When there is little discernment in this area, foods that are high in caloric value and low in nutritional standards are consumed regularly and cause digestive distress, which will then express as a mishmash of symptoms like mood swings, headaches, adverse behavior, weakened immune system, and metabolic syndrome. Far beyond burning calories, a healthy metabolism provides the energy your body needs to function. The liver, vital organs, hormones, bones, brain function, even the digestive system itself requires energy. It’s all connected. When the food consumed is lacking in nutrients, it dulls a person’s disposition and their physiological functionality declines. 

Be vigilant and cultivate discipline. The health and wellness of your family starts with you! Consume nutrients that fuel the brain and body for the next several hours. Ask yourself, “What does my body need? What does my child’s body need?" Invest in the best you can afford. You will be surprised that when you buy whole, fresh foods (recently harvested, not processed), you get more for less. More vitality, focus, clarity, and stamina, and less affliction, discomfort, deficiency, and frustration.  

Our bodies were made to metabolize food, water and oxygen. Anything else that finds its way into the system is considered a foreign toxin. Over the long term, these contaminations cause cellular damage, which breeds illness and dis-ease. Toxins include preservatives, colorings, additives, glues, binders, flavorings, pesticides, herbicides, fumigants, and many other undesirable residues. While it is nearly impossible to avoid these things, we can do our best to reduce our exposure.  

Here is my pig-proven rule for reading labels: Make sure you’re looking for the product with the least number of ingredients, and that you can pronounce and define each word. The less labeled products you purchase, the less you have to worry about it. Perhaps set an intention that approximately 75% of the items in your cart are fresh and not labeled at all. 

Because we lead eventful lives, there will need to be some compromise; you will find some convenient, labeled food items to be necessary, like yogurt or broth, for example. The better you are at inspecting labels, the better quality of nourishment you will provide your home.  

Be cautious of low fat, low sugar, low calorie products. In order for them to taste good and appeal to eye, these items are brimming with artificial sweeteners, fillers, binders, preservatives, colorings, and other chemical additives. Food from the earth not only provides the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals  needed to sustain human life; these foods can add some bounce in your step and a boost to your being! You will notice that some  foods, like nuts and avocados, have more calories and fat than some candy bars but are far more nourishing and healing to your cells. Remember — your metabolism is not just “burning calories,” it provides the energy your organs need to keep all your systems (and your family’s systems) at optimum functionality. 

Buy and eat food that comes from produce sections, farmers markets, and local co-ops. Visiting your local health food store can be a lot of fun; take the kids, ask questions and learn about all the yummy stuff to pig out on. Shopping for healthy food is simple, but can be overwhelming in the beginning, so hang in there. Once you get started, you’ll notice something that feels familiar about choosing well… it will feel intuitive and natural. It’s what your body has always wanted. Don’t you worry, the tongue will catch up!

Preparing meals with your kids can be fun, educational, and spark a life-long interest in cooking. Persuade the children be involved in the shopping and food prep. While at times it may feel like more work, what better way to spend time together than explore, create and play with food together? Venture into the world of cultural flavors or try different preparation techniques for fun. This encourages an open mind, wholesome motives, and a willingness to try new things.

Research shows that family mealtimes have a big impact on how children eat as they grow into adulthood and start making food choices of their own. One study showed that children who eat meals with their parents tend to eat more fruit and vegetables as opposed to those who don’t share in these connecting opportunities with their loved ones. This type of quality time has been shown to improve academic achievement and self-esteem. In fact, teenagers tend to eat more fun foods with their friends, but look forward to eating a more wholesome dinner with their families. 

Kid’s pick up on everything. They are always observing and being influenced by the grown ups around them. Our perspective around food consumption has a direct effect on those around us, particularly children. Conversations, behaviors, and energy transmitted while eating are powerful in the development of a young persons eating habits. While it's unrealistic to expect any parent to be a perfect role model, demonstrating a joyful attitude and good eating habits will positively impact your child. 

For recipes ideas, cultural flavors, and more family fun, check out Fit Piglet’s book, “Fit with Flavor.”